Our Future is Growing
Photo: Jon Mullen
Who We Are
We are farmers, ranchers, vintners, artisans, small business owners, educators, realtors, wildlife enthusiasts, and community members united around the values that make the North Fork Valley such a special place. We believe that we are stronger together.
Why the North Fork
Historically, the North Fork Valley has been a coal mining and agricultural region whose economy was closely tied to the boom and bust cycles of the coal industry. In recent years, though, we have successfully diversified our economy with agro-tourism, family farms and ranches, renewable energy, outdoor recreation, and other local businesses.
However, increasing water scarcity driven by a changing climate, economic impacts from the COVID-19 global pandemic, and federal land management decisions that overlook our local interests are creating an incredible amount of uncertainty for our local communities.
This is our chance to come together and chart out a unified vision for a sustainable future.
What We Do
We are building a broad coalition to lift our voices together and develop community-driven solutions that embrace sustainable economic opportunities, foster a just transition away from extractive industries, protect the natural environment of the North Fork Valley, and preserve our heritage and way of life.
The Values of the North Fork Valley
Agricultural and Ranching Heritage
The North Fork Valley watershed supports twice the number of organic farms than any other county in Colorado, and it was dubbed the state “farm-to-table” capitol by Colorado Life Magazine. To this day, family farms, vineyards, and ranches draw visitors from around the state and beyond to experience the valley’s bucolic charm and envision a past time.
Natural Resources and Wildlife
The North Fork Valley boasts a remarkable suite of natural and cultural resources, including outstanding backcountry and roadless National Forests and public lands, populations of native cutthroat trout, critical winter habitat for elk, mule deer, and lynx, and rare purple martin and yellow-billed cuckoo nesting habitat.
Character of Place
The North Fork Valley is a nationally unique landscape: geographically, geologically, ecologically, economically, and socially, and is known for its dark skies, rustic charm, pastoral beauty, and stunning views. Humans have occupied this region for over 10,000 years, and it was a key agricultural and hunting area long before American settlers arrived. The area’s character of place includes a sense of health and well-being, clean living, fresh water, and healthy land.
Photo by Mason Cummings
Clean Water
The North Fork Valley is a hub of organic agriculture and one of only two federally recognized wine regions in Colorado. Organic agriculture, specialty crops, and high-quality hay all depend on the availability of abundant water free from contamination. For farmers and ranchers, water quantity and quality are both of utmost importance. Protection of the valley’s water supply relies on protecting the North Fork from source to use, which means that sediment from new roads, well-pads, pipelines, and other energy development must be prevented from entering this critical water system.
Clean Air
From organic agriculture to back country camping, fresh air contributes to everything that makes living in the North Fork Valley so special. Protecting this important resource, and the high quality of life found here, requires preserving the Valley’s natural spaces from over-development and extractive industries.
Photo by Jon Mullen
Sustainable Outdoor Recreation
River and trail recreation is a growing economic opportunity in the North Fork, with these industries bringing millions of dollars to communities in Colorado. Delta and Gunnison counties, which includes the North Fork Valley, received combined economic benefits of approximately $80.9 million from hunting and fishing activities in 2019. We need to consider the economic, ecological, and social factors in place when managing for the future of outdoor recreation.
Vibrant Local Businesses
The North Fork Valley has diversified its economy and reimagined itself into a thriving agricultural, recreation, and tourism hub. Outdoor recreation businesses, as well as local shops, restaurants, and bakeries, are springing up and promising a more sustainable economic future. The area is a model for rural communities transitioning away from fossil-fuel-based industries and valuing its surrounding public lands for much more than extracting its resources.
Partners
Get Involved
Join the conversation about how we can achieve meaningful protection for the North Fork Valley’s unique values and community. Email KeeptheNorthFork@gmail.com with any questions.
We will not use your data for anything other than the Keep the North Fork Fruitful Campaign. We respect your privacy.
Map of the North Fork Valley & Surrounding Region
Map by Marty Schnure