What it is
A coalition working across shared ground
The Montelores Coalition brings partners together around the lands we all share, funding and coordinating conservation work that no single group could carry alone. It is the group that awarded Rico Land Collaborative a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant, administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), for the removal of derelict barbed wire fencing near Rico.
For RLC, the coalition is one more way to do what we were formed to do: encourage our community's connection with place and local lands, and work with our neighbors and land managers toward a future rooted in community values and connection to nature.
The Montelores Coalition is a diverse coalition of residents, land managers, and community partners working together to balance sustainable outdoor recreation, conservation of natural and cultural resources, and economic opportunities in Montezuma and Dolores Counties.
Visit the coalitionOur role
How RLC participates
We carry the grant
RLC was awarded a GOCO grant through the coalition, administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and is responsible for putting those funds to work on the ground near Rico.
We do the fieldwork
Alongside a fence removal crew from Southwest Conservation Corps, RLC is out on Forest Service Roads 422 and 422a pulling derelict barbed wire out of the landscape.
We stay at the table
RLC will continue to work closely with the Montelores Coalition, looking for ways to balance our recreation with the needs of our environment through thoughtful conversation and conservation.
Featured project
Derelict fence removal
Removing abandoned barbed wire fencing near the west side of Rico, along Forest Service Roads 422 and 422a.
The Montelores Coalition has awarded Rico Land Collaborative a GOCO grant, administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, for the removal of derelict barbed wire fencing. As part of our continuing efforts with this coalition, RLC, along with a fence removal crew from Southwest Conservation Corps, is removing derelict barbed wire fencing near the west side of Rico along Forest Service Roads 422 and 422a.
The project is being conducted with the co-operation of GOCO, CPW, the Montelores Coalition, the Town of Rico, SCC, the U.S. Forest Service, and affected private property owners.
Why it matters
What derelict fencing does to the land
Derelict fencing is typically abandoned or damaged, and it keeps causing harm long after it has stopped serving any purpose.
Tripping hazards
Loose and downed wire is a major hazard for anyone walking, riding, or working these roads and hillsides.
Injured animals
Abandoned barbed wire injures wildlife and domestic animals that become tangled in it.
Fragmented habitat
Old fence lines break up habitat and interrupt the movement of animals across the landscape.
Working together
Project partners
- 01Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
- 02Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- 03Montelores Coalition
- 04Town of Rico
- 05Southwest Conservation Corps
- 06U.S. Forest Service
- 07Affected private property owners
Our belief
“We strive to build community vision towards a future that honors our relationship with history and the natural world.”
If you would like to know more about the fence removal work or the coalition, or you want to lend a hand out on the land, we would love to hear from you.