2008 Summer Research Begins

This June, the Colorado College State of the Rockies Project will begin its sixth year of research. With an outstanding new group of student researchers, we are excited to continue our tradition of researching key Rocky Mountain issues and engaging the public in our findings.

In addition to rigorous office-based analysis, student researchers will be investigating their topics in the field by taking a group research trip to the northern Rockies. Not only is this an opportunity to observe firsthand the real-world implications of their research, but it is also a chance to learn from experts region-wide. The topics to be addressed this summer are Wildlife: Historic Range and Current Condition, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Conflicts with Intense Energy Development, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and The “Megapolitan” Rockies.

Please check www.stateoftherockies.com for updates on our progress.

2008 State of the Rockies Report Card in the News

The 2008 State of the Rockies Report Card has been cited by nearly 300 media sources this year alone. Please visit our In the News section to view press coverage of the 2008 State of the Rockies Report Card.

Woody Beardsley addresses 2008 conference

Woody Beardsley, CEO of Hybrid Energy Group (HEG), spoke to conference attendees about a segment of the clean energy sector that invites small capital investment. HEG implements a flexible investment strategy that focuses on small wind, solar and biodiesel companies that may not be attractive to institutional investors, investment banks and large private equity funds, who tend to be more comfortable with the risks and returns of large-scale renewable energy investments.

Gale Norton speaks at 2008 State of the Rockies Conference

Former United States secretary of the interior Gale Norton addressed a crowd of students and Colorado Springs citizens at Colorado College for the 2008 State of the Rockies conference. Norton spoke on topics including land use and endangered species, and answered questions from audience members after concluding her speech.  Please visit the Colorado Springs Gazette for a media reaction to Norton’s address.

2008 State of the Rockies Workshops

For the 2008 State of the Rockies Conference, State of the Rockies student researchers each hosted a workshop designed to elaborate on their findings in a community context. Bringing together experts, students, and concerned citizens, these workshops were designed to foster meaningful dialogue and encouraged community action. We were pleased to have had high community and student attendance, and to have experienced the diverse perspectives of truly interested people.

Three workshops were hosted Monday, April 7:

Affordable Housing in Colorado Springs: Existing Options and Future Opportunities – hosted by Wiley Rogers

Renewable Energy: Resedential Solutions to a National Issue – hosted by Elizabeth Kolbe

Managing Recreation in Colorado’s Wilderness and Wildlands – hosted by Brandon Goldstein

Two workshops were hosted on Tuesday April 8:

Immigration in Colorado Springs: Connecting Collorado College to local Immigrant Communities – hosted by Simon Cataldo

Restoration Opportunities in the Fountain Creek Watershed – hosted by Lucy Emerson-Bell

2008 Annual State of the Rockies Conference Commences

The 2008 Annual State of the Rockies Conference began Sunday, April 6 on Armstrong Quad at Colorado College. Students and other community members gathered at to celebrate the Rockies by enjoying locally produced food, local music, films about the Rocky Mountain Region, and student photos of the Rockies. The event was highlighted by filmmaker and CC alumnus Travis Rummel’s personal introduction of his acclaimed film “The Hatch.” Winners of the photo contest were Will Chambers, Tom Dugan, Zion Klos, Charlie Kenyon, and Ryan Schumacher.