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by Heide Andersen,
The Colorado Mountain Club was founded for the purpose of establishing Rocky Mountain National Park and preserving the mountain environments of the state. Since its inception, the club has become more a recreation education organization and less a service organization. This is not necessarily negative. The CMC has been responsible for introducing tens of thousands of people to the backcountry. Many have also learned principles of minimal impact and safe recreation through their experience with the CMC.
Unfortunately, rapid growth and development are plaguing Colorado. Our organization must return to the ethic that was the impetus for our foundation if we want to preserve our mountains for generations to come. Giving lip-service to our support of conservation efforts is not enough. Every day Colorado has more people and less space. The number of people on trails, climbing routes, and mountains is burgeoning at a time when land managers have fewer resources to deal with the consequences of the increase.
As a result of the physical and social impact of increased outdoor recreation, land management agencies such as the Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management are experimenting with a variety of "coping" mechanisms. The recent development and implementation of demonstration fee programs, permit obligations, and user caps clearly illustrate the intent of these organizations to regain control of the recreation boom.
The Colorado Mountain Club could continue to fight the increased regulations and restrictions on our members and their activities. Alternately, we can instead become a partner in developing solutions to the underlying problems. For this reason alone, the CMC Stewardship Program is vital. Through the Stewardship Program, we conceivably can minimize the fees we may be required to pay for our schools and activities. The program will also improve the likelihood that we will be granted permits in areas where we already operate as well as have the opportunity to gain access to additional areas.
All of us have developed a love and appreciation for the mountain environment. Most of us gain a sense of satisfaction through taking responsibility in caring for it. At the same time, through structured conservation and trails projects, we gain credibility and respect from the land managers, improving our relationships with these agencies.
Anderson is public lands policy director for the Colorado Mountain Club.
Please see also " CMC stewardship program to debut"
Return to CMC Conservation Page
This page maintained by Keith Jensen .