Chama Peak Land Alliance

Climate and water riparian restoration: the cpla region is home to incredibly important riparian ecosystems that provide crucial habitat for diverse species and supply water for downstream users. We are working with numerous partners to promote riparian restoration in the region, with our primary goals being: protect quantity and quality of water, slow down the movement of water where appropriate, raise the water table of riparian and wetland systems, and create stream habitat complexity. We are working with partners to promote the use of low-tech, process-based restoration techniques.

The wildlife and fisheries program allows cpla to partner with the forest stewards guild to monitor cutthroat trout habitat in stream reaches across the southern san juan mountains. Forest treatments in rio grande and san juan cutthroat habitats help reduce risks from post-fire debris flows.through the backyard biodiversity project, cpla studies beaver habitat on working lands, demonstrating improved groundwater health and increased drought resilience where beavers and agriculture coexist.in 2024, cpla shared biodiversity research through 11 articles with media partners and hosted 3 in-person educational workshops.

Sustainable agriculture, conservation, economy & educationin 2024, cpla advanced sustainable agriculture and rural resilience through education, resource sharing, and community support. Cpla engaged youth through agricultural education and scholarships, amplified local and regional ag voices, connected producers with technical support, and shared timely policy updates with the community.in partnership with upper chama swcd, in light of nature, and the foundation for a better tomorrow, cpla hosted a barn owl box workshop to promote natural pest controlinstalling 10 boxes across the region.the cpla conservation scholarship program, alongside rancho lobo, awarded scholarships to local high school graduates, prioritizing students pursuing degrees in conservation and natural resource management.cplas firewood for seniors program distributed 150 cords of firewood to 160 community members and 20 homebound residents, combining forest restoration with community support. 20 volunteers participated in 15 distribution events.the 2024 cpla farm & ranch show aired 100 radio and podcast episodes featuring local agriculture, policy, and producer stories. Cpla also sponsored the 2024 chama chile ski classic.in public policy, cpla partnered with conservation and hunting organizations to support eplusa program that recognizes landowners role in elk habitat conservation. To raise awareness in 2024, cpla and partners produced an educational white paper and launched a website to highlight the positive impacts of eplus for conservation and rural communities.