Introduction: Why TripOutside Joined the Protect the Dolores Campaign

As part of TripOutside’s ongoing mission to protect the places we love, supporting the Protect the Dolores campaign felt incredibly meaningful. This campaign is centered around preserving the Dolores River Canyon Country in Colorado, with the goal of establishing a national monument spanning nearly 400,000 acres across Mesa and Montrose counties. It’s a vision that aims to protect an area of immense natural and cultural value, balancing biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable recreation while uplifting local community voices.

I joined this event as part of The Conservation Alliance (TCA) to support these goals directly. The TCA is an inspiring group of businesses and organizations that, like us at TripOutside, believe in using our collective voices and resources to create lasting impact in the wild places we love. I was stoked to reconnect with the TCA team, outdoor industry allies, and conservationists, all brought together to rally for the Dolores.

Earlier this summer, I attended a public hearing event in Naturita where Senator Bennett took comments from those that support the monument and oppose it.

Who Was There and Why It Mattered

The gathering was a true testament to collaboration and passion for conservation. Leading the way were the folks from TCA – Rebecca, Kim Paymaster, Bridget, Kelly Campbell, and Paul Hendrix – many of whom I’d only known through email exchanges and virtual updates until now. Seeing them in action, spearheading efforts like this, left me incredibly grateful to be part of this network.

Outdoor companies were also key contributors to this event, showing up in person or providing support to ensure we had what we needed. Osprey, based right in Cortez, CO, provided packs for the attendees, showing their commitment to protecting the places in their “backyard.” Alpacka Raft, another Colorado company from Mancos, brought their passion for preservation alongside us. Verde Communications, GU Energy (which supplied our much-needed snacks), Bonfire Collective, and Bregeen’s Photography added their unique support to the experience. Though Keen and The North Face couldn’t attend, they ensured our group was set up for success. It was a reminder that the outdoor industry is not only about gear; it’s about showing up for the environment we all rely on.

We also had the privilege of connecting with TCA’s grantees: Scott from the Colorado Wildlands Project and Rica from Dolores River Boating Advocates (DRBA), two leaders deeply invested in this cause. The event organizers, Alex, Mckenzie, and Julia from Eventus, along with Natalie from Camp V who hosted us, created a seamless experience. Camp V itself, nestled in the heart of Naturita, was the ideal base for us to gather, exchange ideas, and re-energize for the journey ahead.

Day 1: Experiencing the Dolores River’s Splendor Firsthand

The event kicked off with an adventure that brought the area’s beauty into clear view. The group split into two: one set off on a hike to view pictographs, while the rest of us opted for a gravel ride up to an overlook of the Dolores River. The ride was more than just a scenic tour; it provided an eye-opening contrast between mining-impacted lands on one side and preserved wilderness on the other. Standing there, looking over the Paradox Valley where the Dolores River makes its paradoxical crossing, was a sobering moment. Seven canyons like this stretch through the area, similar to the striking landscapes around Moab and Castle Valley.

After our hike and ride, we gathered back at Camp V for a well-earned happy hour, which led into presentations from Scott, Rica, and the TCA team. Paul Hendrix shared his thoughts on conservation rooted in compassion and understanding, even reading from Edward Abbey – an author who captured the spirit of these desert landscapes in his books. As the TCA team introduced themselves and outlined their roles in different campaigns, I felt a surge of pride knowing we’re aligned with people who put their hearts into these causes every day.

The night wrapped up around a campfire, sharing stories and learning more about the other outdoor businesses involved. It was inspiring to hear how long some organizations have been advocating for conservation, and the depth of their contributions. It was humbling and motivating – we’re lucky to stand beside them.

Day 2: A Moment of Reflection at the Petroglyphs

Early the next morning, a few of us joined Scott on a hike to a culturally significant site adorned with petroglyphs. This wasn’t just a history lesson; it was a profound reminder of how long these canyons have been traveled, the stories etched into their walls by countless generations before us. When we reached the petroglyphs, we all sat in silence, taking in the moment together. Without words, the silence deepened our connection to each other and to the land, as if we were sharing a quiet vow to protect it. It was a powerful feeling – a realization that so many of us care deeply about protecting wild spaces, even in the face of massive challenges.

The morning’s reflections led us back to Camp V, where we regrouped for breakfast and additional talks that encouraged us to carry this conservation energy back to our organizations, our communities, and our audiences. Leaving the site, I felt a renewed drive to spread the word about why places like the Dolores matter.

Key Learnings from the Campaign and the Area’s Challenges

Scott shared some pressing threats to the Dolores area that stuck with me:

1. Mining: Uranium mining, if unplanned and unregulated, could destroy parts of this landscape forever.

2. Unregulated Recreation: UTVs, off-road vehicles, and bikes often travel on old, unplanned mining roads, damaging the environment without proper regulations.

3. Lack of Coordinated Oversight: Without a unified management plan, this unique area lacks the protections it desperately needs.

These challenges bring up complex issues. I grapple with the paradox of uranium – a source of both energy and destructive potential. As our society becomes more energy-intensive, nuclear energy is often proposed as a solution, yet without conservation efforts, we may not even be able to have these discussions responsibly. It’s a difficult balance, and it underlines the importance of protecting these lands before the threats intensify.

Struggles and Inspiration: Conservation in a Changing World

In recent months, my conservation journey has felt like a rollercoaster. Visiting beaches in Cancun last month, where the shores were lined with plastic, was overwhelming. While swimming with my niece and nephew, I kept thinking of what kind of world they were inheriting, feeling both guilt and a heavy sense of responsibility. Sitting here now in my hometown in India, I’m surrounded by similar issues, seeing plastic waste overflowing on streets and and mountains of plastic being dumped directly into the rivers. These experiences have deepened my resolve to push forward with conservation and advocacy, for the sake of future generations.

Attending the Leave No Trace (LNT) summit and earning my LNT instructor certification before coming to the TCA Protect the Dolores event gave me a renewed commitment. Meeting other passionate people working tirelessly to protect these spaces was the encouragement I needed. October was a month of learning, connecting, and re-energizing, filling my cup with the motivation to keep advocating for our wild places.

A Personal Call to Action

Protecting the Dolores and joining the conservation community has reminded me of the power we each hold. This post is one small way to share that journey, hoping it inspires others to look at the world through a conservationist’s lens. Together, we can ensure these incredible landscapes and cultural stories remain for future adventurers.

If you’re reading this, thank you for being a part of this journey. It’s our collective love for the outdoors that drives change – let’s keep that energy going.

If you’re feeling inspired or would like to take action, you can sign a petition to protect this beautiful area for future generations.

Thanks for reading,

Reet