PRESERVE COLORADO
Vision Statement
We believe:
We believe:
- Many of the current and future residents of Colorado value the quality of life afforded by outdoor recreation and the open space and waterways that support it.
- Ongoing development must be congruent with the carrying capacity of this semi-arid region, especially with regard to water.
- A balanced Colorado economy requires moving to sustainable water usage statewide by residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors.
- The time is now to implement “smart growth” concepts for new development.
Mission Statement
We seek:
- A transformation of business-as-usual development to a holistic, smart growth approach.
- A statewide master plan for water management and land use keyed to Colorado’s carrying capacity.
- Valuation of the scenic beauty of streams and forests, and the wildlife habitat they represent, alongside standard economic parameters.
- Adoption of the Precautionary Principle in planning for future growth, recognizing that we can’t predict the full impact of global warming.
Action
Promote Smart Growth Alternatives:
- Conserve first – before adding new water supply. Conservation is only 10% of the cost of new supply according to Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) data, at $5,358-$8,183/AF vs. $60,000-$80,000/AF for new supply life-cycle costs.
- Support the recommendations of the conservation community to the CWCB on the draft SWSI 2010 Report, on water conservation both through sustainable water management and land use (Appendix I).
- Make Colorado a leader in water conservation/sustainable western development similar to its leadership in renewable energy.
- Highlight the impact of the Candelas development in Arvada as a driver of the proposed Gross Reservoir expansion as well as a proposed toll way (Appendix II).
Implementation
- Develop a coalition of like-minded organizations, and identify activists at both leadership and membership levels.
- Seek support for the goals from political representatives.
- Launch an ongoing media outreach program.
Preserve Colorado: Appendix I
Preserve Colorado: Appendix II
CONTACT US TO BECOME PART OF THE COALITION
John Lodenkamper
lodenkamper[at]gmail.com