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Steamboat Magazine

Keep Routt Wild Offers a New Community Voice

02/28/2019 12:57PM ● By Alesha Damerville

Keep Routt Wild formed to prevent the construction of trails through pristine elk habitat. Image courtesy of Keep Routt Wild

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS- Keep Routt Wild is pleased to announce a new voice for wildlife and outdoor recreation in the Yampa Valley. The organization, launched by locals who felt the need for a more balanced approach to outdoor recreation planning, received such overwhelming community support that they have initiated the process of formalizing the organization as an officially recognized non-profit organization by the state of Colorado and the IRS. 

Keep Routt Wild is dedicated to preserving wildlife and wild places in Routt County. Its mission is to promote policies and practices for the benefit of conserving the Yampa Valley for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts by balancing opportunities for recreational development with the habitat needs of wildlife. Keep Routt Wild is also thrilled to announce its new leadership team and Board of Directors, composed of hikers, bikers, hunters, anglers, skiers, and local business owners. Larry Desjardin, the President of Keep Routt Wild, said, “I am elated by the positive response of the Routt County community to Keep Routt Wild, and the enthusiastic and capable local Board of Directors that has volunteered to guide it.” 

Keep Routt Wild’s first effort was to draft a set of principles intended to establish a balanced and thoughtful approach to how best move forward with development of outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands in Routt County. The effort drew quick support from other local and state-wide organizations. The development principles and supporting organizations can be found below or online here: https://www.keeprouttwild.com/principles 

Eric Washburn, a fifth-generation Coloradan, Steamboat Springs resident and Board member said, “With increased pressure on wildlife and wildlife habitat, we need to carefully conserve our wildlife habitat and wild places so that they will be there for future generations to enjoy. To protect the public lands that all Routt County residents value and appreciate, we have joined with six other organizations to promote seven principles that will minimize the impacts of new development.” 

Cedar Beauregard, Secretary for Keep Routt Wild said, “I am pleased these seven common sense principles have been embraced by a wide set of organizations. It shows the enthusiasm for protecting our public lands here in Routt County and across Colorado.” 

More information about Keep Routt Wild can be found at https://www.keeprouttwild.com