A Brighter Future for Recycling in Chaffee County
November 6, 2024
This article is part of our Environmental Series for the Mountain Mail. Published Oct 30, 2024 By Rose Nadelhoffer “The
Chaffee Rec Adopters
Envision Recreation in Balance
Program Overview
Protecting Wilderness and Back Country Areas
Envision Chaffee County started in 2016 when a group of citizens came together to discuss the future of Chaffee County. In 2017, the County signed the initiative as an official proclamation, and the group created the Envision Community Action Plan. GARNA helped to develop the initiative as a Core Team member. Envision Chaffee County addresses growth, declining forest health, increased risk of severe fire and increasing impacts from recreation, all topics that GARNA tackled as an Envision partner.
The year-long planning phase saw engagement from 1,500 citizens, four local governments, plus 72 non-profit organizations, businesses and agencies. The planning phase helped develop a shared vision for Chaffee County’s future and over 40 community action projects. Work is supported by a voter-approved 2018 ballot measure that generates annual funding as the Chaffee Common Ground to support forest health, clean water, sustained agriculture and balanced recreation growth.
Program Objectives
Recreation in Balance Initiative
The Recreation in Balance initiative was born from a desire to protect Chaffee County’s recreation opportunities amidst a growing population. The program is one of the prongs of the Chaffee Common Ground effort, and seeks to establish baselines for outdoor recreation visitor impacts, and then find solutions to mitigate those impacts while supporting our tourism based economy.
Chaffee County Outdoor Recreation Management Plan
In 2021, the Chaffee Rec Plan was released by the Rec in Balance task force to address the growth of recreation in Chaffee County. Some of the top objectives including sustainable camping, volunteer impact, infrastructure and protecting wildlife. GARNA supports these efforts through programs such as Porta-Potties on Public Lands, Boreal Toad Monitoring and the Chaffee Rec Adopters program. See The Plan →
Get Involved
Become a Chaffee Rec Adopter
The Chaffee Rec Adopters are a collaborative volunteer group that takes care of our public lands. You can adopt your favorite recreation area to steward or attend organized events. Sign up to get involved here →
Adventure by Nature Pledge
By taking the Adventure By Nature Pledge, you help us protect and preserve our home and public lands by recreating responsibly in the outdoors. Your support allows future generations the ability to enjoy it just as you have. Sign The Pledge →
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