John Sanderson
John has a Ph.D. in ecology from Colorado State University, and he co-directs the Center for Conservation Science and Strategy. John manages a staff of scientists and project directors to deliver conservation outcomes that range from ensuring adequate streamflow for endangered fish in the Yampa River to keeping hundreds of thousands of acres on the Great Plains intact to support native wildlife from prairie dogs to antelope.
Among the reasons we live in Colorado is the quality of life, including the beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, clean water, and wide open spaces. But Colorado is changing. We are adding 100,000 per year to our state’s population, headed to 10 million people by 2050. At the same time, our climate is changing—Colorado is 2 degrees F warmer today than it was 30 years ago. What are the challenges to nature that come from our growing population and changing climate? In the face of this change, what do we need to do to steward our forests and rivers and endangered species, for their own sake and for all they provide for us? John will give an overview of the changes, the challenges, and the solutions that The Nature Conservancy is pursuing. Also, we’ll have time for questions and dialogue about conservation in Colorado.