The Arkansas Basin Conservation Alliance (ABCA) is a new coalition formed by several of our Colorado land trust members that are conserving private lands in the Arkansas Basin. While the basin region is very diverse geographically, culturally and economically, there are many commonalities – one being the Arkansas River. As the river winds its way through the region, it is a focal point for the communities that surround it, keeping alive the basin’s local farming and ranching operations, outdoor recreation economy, and abundant wildlife and the habitat they rely on for survival.

The ABCA members recognize that while the communities they serve may be different, many of their conservation priorities overlap. These land trusts have deep collective experience working with partners on initiatives large and small, and constantly strive to strengthen ties with their local community members. The broad vision they have in common is to connect these landscapes at a larger scale across the region and to create more resilient, more sustainable communities for the future. And they seek ways to collaborate and strategize to make that vision happen.

Keep It Colorado has published a case statement that tells the story of the basin and highlights a few ways our members are strategizing and collaborating to conserve more land, protect more critical habitat, and have greater impacts on their communities. We hope it leads to greater investments in conservation in the Arkansas Basin. Read it here.