Driven by the allure of expansive natural landscapes and world-class outdoor recreation opportunities, populations in Colorado's West Slope have surged. With public lands comprising 67% of the region – more than double the national average – Delta, Mesa, and Montrose counties offer a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. This abundance of opportunity serves as a magnet for tourism and new businesses, contributing significantly to the regional economy.

However, this rapid growth presents increasing concern. As more people enjoy the outdoor opportunities here, demand for limited resources is outpacing supply. Trailheads are becoming increasingly crowded, popular destinations struggle with congestion, and the impacts of human activity extend further into agriculture, private lands and habitats. With over 90% of western Coloradans regularly engaging in outdoor recreation, the potential for environmental damage and user conflicts rises, threatening the quality of experience for visitors, the quality of place for residents, wildlife populations, negatively impacting the agricultural operations, and the very landscapes that define our region.

Addressing the challenges of growth and its impacts necessitates a paradigm shift in how we approach outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat conservation, and responsible land use. Only through systemic change at the community level can we ensure future generations inherit a legacy of world-class recreational opportunities, thriving wildlife populations, and vibrant agricultural landscapes. This transformation hinges on strengthened partnerships, shared vision, and sustained collaboration across user groups, jurisdictions, land management agencies, private landowners, local communities, and businesses impacted by these activities.