Eastern Colorado Grasslands Coalition urges Elbert County engagement on habitat, recreation and producer support

Maggie Hanna, a steering committee member of the Eastern Colorado Grasslands Coalition and a local producer in neighboring El Paso County, used the county public-comment period on April 8 to describe the coalition’s goals and invite Elbert County to participate in regional conservation and recreation planning.

"We are geared at working collaboratively to conserve and restore the region's grassland ecosystems," Hanna said, outlining the coalition’s mission to support sustainable land use, outdoor recreation and economic opportunities that keep farming and ranching viable.

Hanna reviewed the coalition’s first-year activities, including grazing and carbon workshops and a virtual-collar demonstration that drew strong attendance, and listed upcoming projects such as a habitat-improvement effort at Karval State Wildlife Area and a Shrikes and Bikes ride to highlight agricultural communities. She provided contact materials and urged county leaders to consider partnership opportunities.

The board did not take action on the comment, but commissioners and staff encouraged Hanna to leave contact information with county staff for follow-up.