Montelores Coalition

Montelores Coalition Balancing Sustainable Outdoor Recreation and Conservation of Natural Resources to Serve the Unique Needs of Colorado's Southwest Corner.

We're pleased to welcome Nicci Crowley to the Montelores Coalition Executive Committee as an at-large member.Nicci serve...
09/05/2026

We're pleased to welcome Nicci Crowley to the Montelores Coalition Executive Committee as an at-large member.

Nicci serves as the Cortez Community Officer for LOR Foundation , where she works closely with community members to understand local challenges, connect people and ideas, and help bring community-developed solutions to life.

A Cortez resident since 2006, Nicci brings years of nonprofit and community leadership experience to the Coalition, including her previous role as deputy director of Onward! A Legacy Foundation and involvement with numerous local organizations. She also recently received her Master's in Organizational Management and Leadership.

We're excited to have Nicci's strong community connections and collaborative perspective at the table as we continue working across Montezuma and Dolores counties.

Welcome to the Montelores Coalition, Nicci!

Join us Saturday, September 19, for a Volunteer Clean-Up Day at Hawkins Preserve in Cortez!Community volunteers will wor...
09/02/2026

Join us Saturday, September 19, for a Volunteer Clean-Up Day at Hawkins Preserve in Cortez!

Community volunteers will work alongside the Coalition and our partners (City Hall of Cortez, Colorado, Cortez Cultural Center , Montezuma Land Conservancy and the LOR Foundation) to give back to a place many of us know and enjoy. Projects will include trail maintenance, trash cleanup, and other hands-on stewardship work throughout the preserve.

No special experience is needed. Just come ready to lend a hand and spend some time outside with others who care about our local landscapes.

More details about what to bring and what to expect will be shared as we get closer. We hope you'll join us!

Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8GMPK2W

Hunting season is here, which means it's an important time for everyone enjoying Southwest Colorado's public lands to be...
09/02/2026

Hunting season is here, which means it's an important time for everyone enjoying Southwest Colorado's public lands to be aware and share the landscape safely.

Whether you're hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, or enjoying another activity this fall, remember that many of us are using the same area. Wearing bright colors, keeping dogs close, making your presence known, and paying attention to signs and seasonal information can help everyone stay safe.

Hunters and recreationists alike can do their part by respecting other users, private property, closures, and applicable regulations.

Check out the 2026 Colorado hunting season dates and remember that a little awareness and respect can go a long way when we're sharing the outdoors.

This past month, the Montelores Coalition and our project partners were out in the field conducting site visits for our ...
08/30/2026

This past month, the Montelores Coalition and our project partners were out in the field conducting site visits for our first Strike Team projects.

These visits are an important step in preparing for on-the-ground work, allowing project partners to confirm logistics, coordinate implementation, and make sure everything is in place before work begins in September.

We're excited to see these projects continue moving forward and look forward to sharing progress along the way.

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer days are coming this fall, so keep an eye on our page for upcoming opportunities to lend a hand.

While visiting Rico to collaborate on a grant application, the Montelores Coalition had the opportunity to stop by the R...
08/27/2026

While visiting Rico to collaborate on a grant application, the Montelores Coalition had the opportunity to stop by the Rico Visitor Information Center, operated by the USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest .

The historic cabin is staffed by friendly volunteers and is full of helpful information about the area's public lands. Inside, you'll find regional maps, a Rico-specific trail map, and detailed handouts for local trails, making it a great resource whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to explore somewhere new.

If your travels take you through Rico this summer, we highly recommend stopping in. The Visitor Information Center is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through September 30.

There's still time to share your thoughts.The Dolores Ranger District is accepting public comments on two proposed chang...
08/25/2026

There's still time to share your thoughts.

The Dolores Ranger District is accepting public comments on two proposed changes in the Rico area:
• A proposed reroute of the Spring Creek motorized trail.
• Seasonal closure gates on Forest Service Road 535.

Whether you recreate, live, or work in the area, public feedback is an important part of the decision-making process.

Comments are due this Thursday, August 27. If you've been meaning to review the proposal, now is a great time.

See the attached letter and map for additional information and instructions on how to submit comments.

The Montelores Coalition shares information from partner organizations and community sources for awareness. The inclusion of external content does not imply endorsement of any specific organization, program, or viewpoint.

We’re pleased to welcome Andres Esparza to the Montelores Coalition Executive Committee, representing the Town of Mancos...
08/21/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Andres Esparza to the Montelores Coalition Executive Committee, representing the Town of Mancos!

Andres serves as a Trustee for the Town of Mancos and brings extensive experience in conservation, environmental education, nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy. Professionally, he supports The Pew Charitable Trusts’ U.S. conservation project, working to build partnerships that protect public lands, safeguard wildlife, and expand equitable access to the outdoors.

Based in Mancos, Andres is passionate about bringing people together to find practical, collaborative solutions that benefit both rural communities and the landscapes they call home.

We look forward to the perspective and experience Andres will bring to the Coalition and our work across Montezuma and Dolores counties. Welcome, Andres!

Skipping the campfire doesn't mean skipping the campfire experience.Whether you're roasting marshmallows over a camp sto...
08/18/2026

Skipping the campfire doesn't mean skipping the campfire experience.

Whether you're roasting marshmallows over a camp stove, sharing stories under the stars, or enjoying a sunset hike, there are plenty of ways to make lasting memories while helping reduce wildfire risk.

Leave No Trace has put together a list of creative campfire alternatives to help you enjoy the outdoors responsibly this summer.

Learn more: https://lnt.org/campfire-alternatives/?utm_campaign=Colorado%20Tourism%20Office&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=255018155&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dw_MVSYlP5NKyO6DKorPyJIw01SWn6EfbVh29KFM8YpTqHctyytgHDioXG3u0af4YYm1H-nxa1hB1TINKKju6GeYKLQ

Building the future of conservation starts with investing in the next generation.The Journal recently highlighted South...
08/15/2026

Building the future of conservation starts with investing in the next generation.

The Journal recently highlighted Southwest Conservation Corps' Adult Day Crew program, which is providing young adults with hands-on conservation experience and valuable career skills right here in Montezuma County.

This fall, these crews will also help complete several of the Montelores Coalition's Strike Team projects, supporting on-the-ground stewardship efforts while gaining real-world experience.

Read the full article: https://www.the-journal.com/articles/southwest-conservation-corps-launches-adult-day-crew-program-in-montezuma-county/?

Looking for a way to get involved and help connect local youth with the outdoors?The San Juan Mountains Association is ...
08/14/2026

Looking for a way to get involved and help connect local youth with the outdoors?

The San Juan Mountains Association is hosting a Naturalist Training for Youth Programs on August 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for new and returning volunteers.
Participants will learn how to help facilitate youth field trips and programs covering topics like animal adaptations, weather and climate, the five senses, and more. The day will include a classroom session followed by hands-on training at the SJMA Durango Nature Center.

Learn more and sign up: https://sjma.app.neoncrm.com/forms/volunteer

The Montelores Coalition shares information from partner organizations and community sources for awareness. The inclusion of external content does not imply endorsement of any specific organization, program, or viewpoint.

Address

33 N. Chestnut Street
Cortez, CO
81321

Telephone

+19705703289

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