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NoCo Places 2050

NoCo Places. A common voice for public lands.

NoCo Places: A Common Voice for Public Lands

Eight county, state, and federal public land agencies from north-central Colorado are actively collaborating on ways to address the challenges the mountains and foothills in this region are facing from high visitation and a growing population. We are committed to sustainable solutions, equitable actions, and beneficial land management practices for the long-term conservation of Colorado’s public lands and the quality of the visitor experience.

The collaborating agencies include Gilpin County, Clear Creek County, Jefferson County Open Space, Boulder County Parks & Open Space, Larimer County Natural Resources, The US Forest Service, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

NoCo Places new Executive Director

JD Tanner, Ed D, CPRE, will join the coalition as Executive Director July 2025. Dr. Tanner joins NoCo Places from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, where he served as Director of Education and Training. He has over 25 years of experience as an outdoor educator and administrator, bringing a perspective gained from over 18 years in higher education. He has lived in Colorado for over ten years. Dr. Tanner has a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Science in Education (MS Ed) in Recreation Resource Administration from Southern Illinois University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Outdoor and Therapeutic Recreation from Southeast Missouri State University.  

Read more about Dr. Tanner, and hear from the NoCo Co-chairs, in the full news release.
 

NoCo Places Spring Common Messaging Campaign

NoCo Places has created a new digital tool to share land stewardship tips with visitors and to provide alternative locations when areas are busy. With summer just around the corner, it’s helpful for visitors to know alternatives when their desired outdoor recreation destination is full or booked. Visitors to the region can save time and frustration by knowing options and alternative places to visit.

The new digital tool is a story map and interactive map that provides a view of selected public lands in the region, key information about those areas, and links to the official information page of the managing agency. In addition, the map has stewardship best practices and explanations for why visitors are asked to engage in certain behaviors, as well as interesting facts about Colorado flora, fauna, and geology. The map is available in both English and Spanish.

View the Map

July 15, 2024 Denver Post article on NoCo Places

Access Materials:

Learn more by visiting the NoCo Places website, including NoCo Annual and Quarterly Reports.