Mission
Sheep Mountain Alliance is dedicated to dedicated to protecting our environment and the communities who are a part of it. Since 1988, we have been standing up for people, wildlife, ecosystems, and wild places through grassroots advocacy, outreach, and activism to protect the environment and our irreplaceable resources in Southwest Colorado.
History
SMA began in 1988 when a group of concerned citizens halted a logging project just below timberline on the slopes of majestic Sheep Mountain, south of Telluride at Lizard Head Pass. Empowered by the effectiveness of their grassroots efforts and inspired by the environmental protection work needed in our fast-growing region, these activists formed SMA. Since that time, SMA has worked collaboratively with individuals, organizations, local landowners, and public land managers on public lands issues, ecosystem conservation, wildlife habitat protection, and community advocacy.
Present Advocacy
Sheep Mountain Alliance (SMA) is a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the preservation of the natural environment in the Telluride region and southwest Colorado. We protect regional ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and watersheds, and offer outreach and educational opportunities.
This year, we:
Built momentum toward a Resolution passed by San Miguel County in continued support of public lands.
Advocated for responsible updated mining land use codes in San Miguel County.
Coordinated with regional allies to submit public comments on pressing forest and public lands issues.
Increased participation in our inclusive, educational outdoor events by nearly 25%, including downhill amd Nordic ski days, ice climbing, community hikes, rock climbing, a first aid workshop, Via Ferrata excursion, and hut trip.
Sponsored a forest health forum with expert-led talks and field trips on changing forest conditions in the San Juans.
Hosted Coffee and Climate Conversations alongside EcoAction Partners on topics important to our community, including balancing tourism and sustainability, local clean energy initiatives and land use codes, youth voices in the environment, the power of storytelling, our local ecosystem, eco-grief, and leading effective climate action.
Celebrated the protection of our public lands at our annual Valley Floor Moonlight Progressive Dinner.
Held a first-of-its-kind celebration of our history and future with leaders from all eras of Sheep Mountain.
Looking to the Future
At Sheep Mountain Alliance, we continue to grow, learn, and expand the meanings of environmental protection and conservation in our region. We are currently working on defending our work in the environmental sphere from threats originating at the executive branch, expanding our community outreach programming, illuminating environmental concerns relating to mining, and working to promote an intersectional approach to environmental topics in the Telluride region.
“Sheep Mountain Alliance has the honor and responsibility of protecting the wild places that we all depend on for health, livelihoods, solitude and solace. It is a role we do not take lightly.”
Our Values
We believe the right to a clean and healthy environment and the right to access nature are fundamental human rights. Sheep Mountain Alliance stands with marginalized communities and is dedicated to the principles of equity, inclusivity, and environmental justice. As an organization, we work to:
Integrate principles of justice, inclusion, equity, and intersectionality into our strategic planning and ensure that these values are reflected in our programming, hiring, board recruitment, organizational decision-making, language, and media.
Highlight environmental voices from communities of color; promote social media that uplifts environmental leaders from these communities; and work to ensure leaders from these communities are integrally involved in environmental efforts in our region.
Offer opportunities for community learning and taking action on environmental justice and inclusivity issues, and strengthen and build on our equitable access initiatives.
Form connections with local Indigenous groups to express solidarity and help hold federal and local agencies accountable for incorporating their input in land planning processes.
Host trainings for our board and staff focused on inclusion, equity, and diversity.
Assess our programming through anti-racist and equity lenses, and continually reexamine and refine our practices.
Maintain a sustained effort to keep learning, become meaningful allies, and engage in environmental and social justice efforts.