Learn about what one parks, trails, and open space division accomplished in order to enhance Leave No Trace stewardship practices and address growing trail issues throughout their system.
Presented by:
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September 15, 2022
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Pacific Time) {more time zones}
Cost (RECORDING):
FREE for membersNote:
Closed Captioning is available for this webinar.
Learning Credits are available for this webinar.
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Like a lot of areas around the country, Colorado Springs’ population is rapidly expanding with more people excited to use the parks, trails, and open spaces. The problem (or opportunity!) is those areas aren’t expanding along with the population and require an enhanced sense of environmental stewardship from park visitors and staff alike to remain sustainable, scenic, and safe. User conflicts and negative trail impacts have increased as more people share the trail system. The City of Colorado Springs’ Regional Parks, Trails & Open Space division launched a Leave No Trace Stewardship Initiative to increase knowledge of responsible recreation practices and promote positive behavior changes from park visitors. Utilizing Leave No Trace education strategies has given park staff the tools needed to create effective change throughout the trail system. Setting visitors up for success by making trail maps easy to access and providing proper wayfinding through the system is a top priority. The initiative is one based in positivity and the creation of a culture of stewardship, not shaming and citations. Join in to learn more about the steps taken to build this initiative, challenges faced, and how your agency or organization can help support turning park visitors into park ultra-stewards!
This webinar qualifies as a Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) course (via LA CES).
Gillian Rossi, Recreation & Cultural Services Department, City of Colorado Springs Parks
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Gillian is a Senior Park Ranger with the City of Colorado Springs’ Trails, Open Space & Parks (TOPS) program and currently serving as the Colorado State Advocate for Leave No Trace. Gillian developed a passion for Leave No Trace while working as a park interpreter for Arkansas State Parks and pursued a Master of Environmental Management degree at Western Colorado University in order to gain additional tools to promote environmental stewardship through the lens of integrative and public land management. Her mission is to help create a culture of stewardship throughout land management agencies and the outdoor recreation industry.
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3,340 views • posted 07/29/2022
