We are excited to announce a new education and outreach initiative for 2006. Our committee is working towards joining forces with local watershed organizations and schools to launch an outreach campaign to promote stewardship of riparian ecosystems at the Colorado River headwaters in Grand County.
The headwaters in Grand County have seen a remarkable history of development, and the cumulative effects are only now being recognized. Many locations across Colorado are facing similar challenges. Fundamental concerns for watershed health drive us in the initiative to engage local youth in watershed stewardship.
Our strategy combines 1) existing Colorado Division of Wildlife watershed curricula (Project Wild), 2) real-world field assessment, and 3) conservation and restoration design, including a poster contest. The goal is for middle school students to learn the importance of riparian integrity. This effort will be coupled with a community supported poster contest where winning classes are awarded donated prizes. Winning posters will be displayed at the 2006 CRA conference.
We are excited to work on this initiative and welcome ideas on how to better shape it. We also encourage CRA members to join us in sparking local interest in riparian stewardship within their own communities. Please contact the Education and Outreach Committee Chair Corie Schott cschott@rkymtnhi.com for additional information. We look forward to working with you all to get the CRA message out in 2006!
