SMA uses advocacy, activism, and outreach to protect the environment in Southwest Colorado.
Since 1988, we have been standing up for people, wildlife, ecosystems, and wild places.
Photo by Ryan Bonneau
The Beginnings
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, private land conservation, and wildlife habitat protection. SMA partners with regional and national groups including the Southern Rockies Conservation Alliance, The Wilderness Society, Telluride Mountain Club, and the San Miguel Watershed Coalition.
“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.”
The Present
Sheep Mountain Alliance (SMA) is a grassroots citizen 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.
What we did last year:
Won a court case that promotes sensible regulations to cleanup and remediate inoperative mines
Saw the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, which includes over 60,000 acres of proposed protected wildlands in the San Juans introduced in both the House and Senate, and passed through House.
Introduced 180 kindergarten - 2nd graders to their local public lands on the 2nd annual Valley Floor Education Day.
Passed state-level mining reform legislation to prevent future disasters like the Gold King spill.
Celebrated and gathered support for public lands at the local, regional and national levels, through letter-writing, cleanups and hikes
Kicked-off a LatinX Outreach Initiative to facilitate wellbeing and outdoor access for everyone in our community.
Looking to the Future
Coming Soon!