BCNA LOCAL ISSUES ADVOCACY

Our Advocacy Committee tracks and comments on local conservation issues. The goal of this committee is to secure a “seat at the table” where important local conservation issues are addressed and solutions are developed. We provide informed, science-based advocacy for the sound management of open lands and wildlife in our region. The committee mobilizes BCNA’s broad regional conservation knowledge and passion to engage collaboratively in the local decision-making process to conserve and promote resilient natural ecosystems in our region.

BCNA is part of the local decision-making process. The organization has a long history in the community, a strong reputation as a reliable partner and stakeholder, and technical credibility. Collectively, we have much to offer, including a wealth of knowledge, resources (our membership), and a passion for preserving local ecosystems. We use these assets to make a difference. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines during these challenging times, especially as we confront unprecedented pressures on the use of our public lands and the impacts of climate change. BCNA wants to help determine how our communities move into the future.

Our approach is low-key advocacy to get to know the various stakeholders associated with proposed projects and actions, including decision-makers, and being recognized as a credible and reliable organization that will work collaboratively to develop effective, science-based solutions.

Subscribing to the Nature-Net email group, a joint project of the Boulder County Nature Association and the Boulder County Audubon Society, is an excellent way to stay informed about local environmental issues. The Boulder Audubon Society lists the various city departments involved in open space management and the Boulder County departments and also mentions some key information about working with these agencies.

BCNA committee members research issues, attend meetings, and make meaningful comments on behalf of the environment, including consideration of alternative approaches and mitigation measures to avoid or minimize negative environmental impacts.

We’d love to have more people working with us! Please email us if you would like to join our team.

Typical issues and projects that the committee tracks include the following:

• Forest and watershed management including wildfire restoration and mitigation.
• Open space management plans, including wildlife and weed management.
• Government, commercial, industrial, and residential development plans.
• Recreational and trail plans.         
• Climate change and Boulder County and City climate action.
• Participation in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Wildlife and Habitat Roundtable.

Banner Photo © C Cook