Since 1992, CNHP has partnered with public, non-profit, and private entities to conduct surveys of critical biological resources for counties and/or watersheds. The county surveys are a primary source of data on Colorado’s biologically significant plants, animals, and natural plant communities. The data collected through these surveys are housed in our Biodiversity Information Management System (Biotics) database, which contains tens of thousands of records throughout Colorado and allows CNHP to rank and track areas of high biodiversity significance. Land managers rely on CNHP's data to make informed decisions about the protection, conservation, and restoration of their natural resources. CNHP continues to build partnerships and seek funding for additional county surveys.
County Surveys
What partners say about county surveys:
"It was a fantastic opportunity to work with CNHP on this project, and the work has been incredibly valuable to the County in all our environmental protection efforts. I believe it is critically important for Great Outdoors Colorado to support this kind of program for monitoring our biological resources, and I think CNHP does outstanding work on a very tight budget."
~ Art Goodtimes, former San Miguel County Commissioner
What partners say about county surveys:
"The program was a complete success. The information is useful now for land use decisions and will be used by the public in a beneficial manner as well."
~ Saguache County Board of Commissioners
What partners say about county surveys:
"CNHP, in my opinion, is effective for two reasons. First, the data are unbiased and scientific. Although it is technical in nature, the data are presented in a way that the average person on the street can understand. This is important, because it ensures that the data will be utilized. CNHP is also effective because their staff is accessible to their clients and the public. We have found CNHP staff helpful and supportive."
~ Steve Anthony, Vegetation Manager, Garfield County
What partners say about county surveys:
"This turned out to be valuable information and has helped to develop a sense of pride and respect for some of the rare and imperiled species that we have in Delta County and are an important part of our heritage. This type of research and appreciation for natural resources helps to persuade people of the importance of resource conservation when considering new development proposals."
~ Board of Delta County Commissioners
What partners say about county surveys:
"CNHP’s contribution towards conservation of Mesa County has already significantly influenced future management plans. We refer to the Mesa County study on a regular basis. We have found all of CNHP’s staff to be extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive when called upon."
~ Gregory Trainor, former City of Grand Junction Utility Manager
What partners say about county surveys:
"This information is used to evaluate new acquisition proposals for inclusion into the Open Space Program."
~ Frank Kunze, former Jefferson County Environmental Planner
Why Document and Conserve Biological Diversity?
- Preserve landowner choices and reduce taxpayer expense.
- Proactively guide development toward less biologically sensitive areas.
- Assist landowners with tax-saving choices by providing baseline data to qualify for conservation easements.
- Potentially avoid additional regulation and expense that could eventually result from Endangered Species Act (ESA) implementation. The best opportunity to avoid future full listing is to collect data that could demonstrate a species is more common, widespread, and/or less threatened than was previously thought.
- Enhance the human quality of life through the conservation of distinctive natural areas.
- Conserve local natural treasures and extraordinary places.
- Maintain the natural character of your community.
- Preserve scenic beauty while protecting irreplaceable biological resources.
- Prosper from the preservation of valuable biological assets.
- Increase land values of properties adjacent to natural open spaces.
- Identify land-use patterns compatible with protecting sensitive habitats (e.g., wetlands, unique plant communities, or geological features).
- Expand ecotourism opportunities, i.e., fishing, birding.
- Create opportunities for community promotion and enjoyment of biological assets.
- Educate local citizens, especially children, about the diversity of animals, plants, and natural plant communities and promote good land stewardship to connect the citizens to their natural surroundings.
