Colorado Working Landscapes (CWL) is a landowner-driven coalition of interests dedicated to the advancement of public policies and private initiatives to conserve land, preserve and sustain agriculture, and enhance landowner values while recognizing public benefits

Farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners own and manage more than half Colorado's land and are the primary stewards of our soil, air and water.  More than 85% of Colorado's appropriated water is in agricultural use.  While the cost of stewardship of that land and water is borne by private land managers, the benefits serve society at large.  Meeting society's demand for improved environmental quality requires that we broaden our definition of "output" to include environmental benefits - such as rural landscape amenities, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and improved water and air quality - along with food, fiber and timber production.

CWL is committed to establishing a leadership role in the development of incentives for the conservation of working landscapes and enhancement of landowner values. 

CWL’s current focus is on building the Colorado Harvesting Energy Network, administering the effort to bring rural prosperity through renewable energy in partnership with the Farm Bureau, the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and Environment Colorado.

See our new web site for information on our renewable energy work: www.harvestenergy.org