Core ValuesCore Values
- We believe in outdoor enthusiasts, businesses, nonprofit organizations, land managers, and government entities working together. Collaboration is at the center of all we do.
- We believe the outdoors should be an empowering place inclusive of all people, regardless of differences, including: age, race, ethnicity, ability, cultural heritage, gender/gender-identity, sexual orientation, body type, socio-economic status, military or civilian status, geographic location, beliefs or creed.
- We believe in the diversity of outdoor participation including demographics, recreational use, cultural values, and points of view. We value multi-use recreation and believe all modes of outdoor recreation – human-powered, animal-powered, quiet recreation, motorized recreation, etc. – are equally important with none more valuable than another, though not all suitable in all spaces. We also believe in the diversity of outdoor experiences and in providing a variety of opportunities for the enjoyment, health, and prosperity of the region.
- We believe respect is the cornerstone for how we interact with one another and our natural environment. Respect is demonstrated through how we communicate, engage with others, and advocate for our core values. Respect for our natural resources is demonstrated by practicing good outdoor ethics led by Leave No Trace principles.
- We believe in the protection, preservation, and stewardship of our cultural and natural resources for the wellbeing of communities, wildlife, and future generations. Conservation of land and water ensures healthy ecosystems, resilient and connected landscapes, wildlife habitat, and food stability. Care should be taken to ensure that cultural values connected to the land are respected and maintained.
- We believe the outdoors provides both economic value as well as health and wellness value to the region’s communities and those who visit. It improves quality of life, attracts businesses, workforce, residency, and tourism. Outdoor recreation and conservation have the power to transform communities and should be supported through local, state, and federal policies and valued by elected officials and community leaders.
In addition to these core beliefs, we affirm the following principles, adopted with revision from the Colorado Outdoor Partnership:
We believe in the following principles foradvancing outdoor recreation and conservation
Outdoor recreation and conservation require that a diversity of lands and waters be publicly owned, available for public access, and cared for properly.
The uniquely American public-land heritage is a privilege and a birthright, and the availability of open space and outdoor recreation opportunities in Colorado is a major part of what has made this one of the most desirable states in which to live. We should seek to increase the quality of these public lands and waterways, and do so under the guidance of these seven principles
Within Colorado’s diversity of land and waters, private land provides a balance of conservation of landscapes and outdoor recreation.
Private lands in Colorado are vital for the conservation of the natural resources and western heritage that has long defined the state. Private landowners increase the viability of our lands, waters and natural assets by keeping habitat connected and in a natural state. Private landowners and vested parties should be involved in collaborative dialogues whenever possible and turned to for solutions and deeper partnerships.
Both recreation and conservation are needed to sustain Colorado’s quality of life. Both are beneficial to local economic well-being, for personal health, and for sustaining Colorado’s natural resources.
This mutual need exists because outdoor recreation helps people understand the importance of maintaining healthy, intact ecosystems. In turn, that understanding builds support for natural resource protection and stewardship, and conservation protects the land, water and wild places upon which outdoor recreation depends.
All recreation has an impact. Coloradans have an obligation to minimize these impacts across the places they recreate and the larger landscape through ethical outdoor behavior.
Ethical outdoor behavior demonstrates respect for land, water, and wildlife. This outdoor ethic is critical and must be developed in all users and taught to future generations.
Proactive management solutions, combined with public education, is necessary to care for land, water, and wildlife, and to provide the protections needed to maintain quality recreation opportunities.
A broad, landscape approach is necessary in order to meet both conservation and recreation needs. A collaborative approach between recreation and conservation advocates can identify which activities are best suited for various landscapes. Active public engagement in crafting recommendations is beneficial to inform land management of public interests and can aid in decision-making as well as implementation of land manager decisions. *
*Please Note: The Outdoor Pikes Peak Vision Plan is not a decision document; rather it is vision plan with identified conservation and recreation priorities and strategies for the Pikes Peak region that represent a consensus of the Task Force. Land managers are not obligated to implement the projects identified in this plan but are expected to give them serious and honest consideration, honoring the extensive collaborative effort to develop the plan.
Physical, biological and social science must inform the management of outdoor recreation.
Management decisions should be grounded in the best available scientific information to ensure the protection of natural areas and the sustainability of resources. That information is also necessary to maintain and enhance the quality of outdoor recreation experiences.
Long-term, stable and diverse funding sources are essential to protect the environment and support outdoor recreation.