Colorado Gives Day:

Ten Wins for Our Air, Lands, Water, and Communities in 2020

By: Karen Goldburg
  • Mountain landscape at Rocky Mountain National Park.

I still remember the fear and uncertainty that I felt as a graduate student studying collaborative natural resources management in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election. 

There were so many questions, so many unknowns. 

But one thing was for certain. If I wanted to make a real difference, I needed to be on the front lines of progress, defending our nation’s treasured lands, water, and wildlife from the Trump administration’s unprecedented attacks. 

I needed to be in the West.

Flash forward to three months ago, when I started working for Conservation Colorado — an organization leading the fight for the air, land, water, and communities that make Colorado and the West such a beautiful place to live, work, and play. 

Conservation Colorado staff member Karen posing in front of mountains at Rocky Mountain National Park

Karen enjoying Colorado’s beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park.

It’s an exciting time to be here, especially coming off of such a momentous 2019 legislative session. I’m particularly looking forward to my first Colorado Gives Day, as our team looks to raise $82,000 in order to carry the big wins of 2019 all the way through 2020 and beyond.

Over the past year, Conservation Colorado members have been working to build our strongest, most influential conservation movement yet. Together we’ve made extraordinary progress at both the state and local levels. And thanks to you, 2019 was one for the record books.

This year, we…

  • Passed economy-wide climate targets to reduce carbon pollution at least 90 percent by 2050

  • Ensured that when it comes to oil and gas drilling in Colorado, health and safety always come first

  • Made it easier to buy and drive electric vehicles in Colorado

  • Supported local economies and workforces by helping to establish the first “just transition” office in the nation

  • Protected healthy, flowing rivers through mining reforms and funds for the Colorado Water Plan

  • Passed the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act through the U.S. House of Representatives, which will protect over 400,000 acres of Colorado land

  • Protected important wildlife habitat by pausing oil and gas leasing on Colorado’s public lands

  • Expanded our youth Latinx leadership program by partnering with colleges, universities, and community organizations

As a newer member of the Conservation Colorado team, I know that there’s no better time to be here.

Right now is a crucial moment in time for our environment and communities. 

This coming year is our window of opportunity to continue to pave the way towards a future where all communities have access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. With your support, Colorado will be an even better place to live, work, and play.

Want to know what we’ll be up to next year? Here’s what your donation will help us accomplish in 2020:

  • Stronger rules and regulations to better protect our state’s climate, air, lands, and water for all Coloradans, especially those disproportionately impacted by pollution

  • Increased support for — and commitment to — local communities fighting environmental injustice

  • Building a more inclusive and racially diverse conservation movement through increased partnerships with local organizations led by and serving people of color 

  • Emboldening activists to build power with increased leadership and engagement opportunities

  • Increased collaboration with Colorado businesses of all sizes and conservation interests

  • Elevating the voices and stories of Coloradans that span racial, economic, political and geographical spectrums

  • Expanding public lands protections and outdoor access particularly for underrepresented communities

  • Increased state funding for projects that will restore river flows, provide healthy connectivity, and enhance water quality

  • Prioritizing the health and safety of all Coloradans when it comes to oil and gas drilling in our state 

  • Holding our state leaders accountable for enacting transformative policies that will protect the Colorado we love for years to come

What are you most excited to see us accomplish in 2020? 

I know that I’m especially looking forward to the work we’ll be doing to support local communities in their fight for environmental justice and increased access to green space.

Will you join me in making a gift that will turn these goals into action? Colorado Gives Day is December 10, you can schedule your donation today in order to protect the Colorado we love for generations to come!

Together, let’s celebrate and protect the state where we all live, work, and play!

Thank you for standing with us in our fight to shape a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable Colorado.

PS – I’d like to know what goals you’re most looking forward to helping us accomplish in 2020, and to let you know how your gift to Conservation Colorado Education Fund on Colorado Gives Day will help us get there! You can reach me at karen@conservationco.org or (303) 405-6711.