Introduction
The Western Slope Conservation Center 2016 Strategic Plan is the product of a multi-year process of stakeholder gatherings, board sessions, and committee meetings. It defines who we are, what we do, and why we do it. It prioritizes three program goal areas: Public Lands, Watershed Stewardship, and Education. outlines an ambitious set of goals and objectives to be achieved over the next three years.
You can download the executive summary: WSCC Strategic Plan – 2016 Executive Summary.
Mission
The mission of the Western Slope Conservation Center is to build an active and aware community to protect and enhance the lands, air, water and wildlife of the Lower Gunnison Watershed.
Vision
As a result of our work, in 35 years the communities of the Lower Gunnison Watershed will be characterized by intact and functioning ecosystems, clean and abundant water resources, well-managed lands with the highest level of protection they deserve, and an informed and engaged citizenry that understands the connection between the vitality of its ecological and social communities.
Values
• Transparent, responsible, and ethical in our actions. We strive for integrity in all of our efforts. We are accountable to our mission, membership, donors, partners, and the public.
• Guided by science. We will use reliable, relevant, and the best-available scientific research to guide our decisions whenever possible.
• Respect for the environment and diverse communities. We strive to include the active involvement of the people and partners who are linked to the ecosystems we endeavor to protect. We consider the needs and values of our community. We build relationships based on trust and mutual benefit.
• We seek tangible and enduring results. We use informed debate and creative problem solving to develop locally appropriate solutions to complex conservation problems.
Program Goal Areas
In 2014 the Board of Directors affirmed our commitment to the following goal areas:
• Watershed Stewardship
• Public Land Advocacy
• Education and Engagement
Program Priorities & Goal Areas
Watershed Stewardship
• River Watch – Monthly/Ongoing
• Watershed Group Expansion – BOR Grant June 2016
• Irrigation and Efficiency
• Restoration
• Public Access of River Corridors
Public Lands Protection and Advocacy
• BLM, USFS, and other agency/org Partnerships – Ongoing
• Mineral Lease Exchange and Withdrawal – 2015/2016
• NEPA Oversight – Ongoing/Episodic
• Restoration, including Healthy Forests Work & SBEADMR
• Access (includes coal mine-related access issues)
• Identify and support coalition for long-term protection strategies for public lands
Education & Engagement
• See full calendar of events – Ongoing
• Youth river outreach (Ride the Rockies) – Early 2016
• Adult Education with special focus on Water & Fire Protection for Landowners
• Youth Education with priority on water
• Mapping
Paonia River Park
• Phase I completion – 2016
• Phase II development and hand off – 2016/2017
Development
• Major Donor Program Launch 2016
Email or call us with questions about the strategic plan and for ways to get involved!
970-527-5307