Protect Wildlife Corridors on the Western Slope!

Colorado State Legislature

We are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction. We have lost 1 in 4 bird species in the last 50 years, half of the mammal species are rapidly decreasing, and many have said that we’re witnessing an insect apocalypse. At this rate, ⅓ to ½ of all species could become extinct by 2050.

Habitat loss and fragmentation are the biggest drivers of species decline and extinction worldwide. Without the ability to move in the wild, species can’t migrate, find mates, establish new territories, or find food and water. Fragmentation also limits wildlife’s ability to adapt to climate change. Colorado has already seen a decline in many native species due to habitat loss and fragmentation including large carnivores like the wolverine and the Canada lynx, migratory birds, and riparian species.

The good news is that we can live in a world where wildlife and humans co-exist side by side in symbiosis. We can combat fragmentation and protect biodiversity by prioritizing habitat connectivity with wildlife corridors. By intentionally connecting habitats we can support the ability of wildlife to move between areas with the intact ecological functions necessary to maintain wildlife populations over time. By prioritizing connectivity, we can ensure that our communities’ future doesn’t come at the cost of the incredible creatures we share space with.

Colorado is in a unique position to be a leader for habitat connectivity in the West. Last August, Governor Polis signed an executive order to protect migration corridors. However, in order to secure lasting and durable policies, our state legislators to step up as leaders on connectivity.

Can you help your wild neighbors by signing this petition asking the Colorado state legislature to take meaningful action on connectivity?



To: Colorado State Legislature
From: [Your Name]

Dear Representative ________

It is important to acknowledge that our lives have changed drastically in the past couple of months. But now, more than ever is not the time to sit back. Right now, we’re in an immediate crisis. But by addressing our long-term relationship with biodiversity and the environment, we can prevent things like this from happening again in the future. Healthy ecosystems mitigate disease and keep us resilient to changing environments.

Habitat loss and fragmentation are the biggest drivers of species decline and extinction worldwide. Without the ability to move in the wild, species can’t migrate, find mates, establish new territories, or find food and water. Fragmentation also limits wildlife’s ability to adapt to climate change. Colorado has already seen a decline in many native species due to habitat loss and fragmentation including large carnivores like the wolverine and the Canada lynx, migratory birds, and riparian species.

The good news is that we can live in a world where wildlife and humans co-exist side by side in symbiosis. We can combat fragmentation and protect biodiversity by prioritizing habitat connectivity with wildlife corridors. By intentionally connecting habitats we can support the ability of wildlife to move between areas with the intact ecological functions necessary to maintain wildlife populations over time. By prioritizing connectivity, we can ensure that our communities’ future doesn’t come at the cost of the incredible creatures we share space with.

Colorado is in a unique position to be a leader for habitat connectivity in the West. Last August, Governor Polis signed an executive order to protect migration corridors. However, in order to secure lasting and durable policies, we need you, our state legislators to step up as leaders on connectivity.

Thank you,