New Protect What Matters Film Shows What Colorado’s Forests Really Mean To The People Who Call This Place Home
A new film from Forest Trends and the National Forest Foundation, developed in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, invites Coloradans to see forest stewardship through the things forests make possible: clean water, outdoor experiences, local livelihoods, community resilience, and the places we hope to pass on to future generations.
Featuring six Coloradans whose lives are connected to forests in very different ways, Protect What Matters grew out of Forest Trends research showing that people connect most personally to forests through the benefits they provide—not forest health as an abstract concept. The film starts with those shared values before showing how caring for forests can help protect them from the impacts of wildfire.
“National Forests are part of everyday life in Colorado, whether you're hiking a trail, relying on water that begins in a forested watershed, or simply valuing the landscape surrounding your community. The work we do today can help these places withstand wildfire and continue providing those benefits long into the future. This film gives people a chance to see themselves in that story and to recognize that caring for forests is something we all have a stake in.”
— Joe Lavorini, Rocky Mountain Region Program Director, National Forest Foundation
The film introduces viewers to people whose stories bring those connections to life: Rafael Salgado, Executive Director of Cal-Wood Education Center; Karla Baise of Odell Brewing Company; Bill Van Horn of MacGregor Ranch; Michelle Kidd Eynon of Meier Skis; and professional ultrarunner and Barr Camp caretaker Zach Miller.
Their stories move from the joy and identity people find in Colorado's mountains to the very real consequences wildfire can have for forests, watersheds, businesses, communities, and places filled with memories. The film also shows what can be done before and after fire to help forests and communities withstand those impacts.
“It’s just a lot easier to do some work on the front end and be anticipating things, as opposed to waiting for problems and then be reacting.” — Zach Miller, Professional Ultra Runner
That connection is especially important as land managers and communities work together to expand forest stewardship across Colorado. Public understanding and support can help create the conditions needed to sustain long-term investments in forest and watershed restoration.
Rather than asking viewers to begin with a position on a particular forest management practice, Protect What Matters begins with common ground. What matters to you?
For Salgado, it is teaching the next generation to care for the land. For Baise, it is a clean river for generations to come. For Miller, it is wild spaces. For Van Horn, it is protecting the range, forests, wildlife, and natural environment around his community.
Different answers. A shared connection.
Protect What Matters is designed to give organizations, community leaders, land managers, businesses, and residents a new way to begin conversations about forest stewardship, rooted in the benefits people already value and the future they want to protect.
Watch Protect What Matters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmJEekQQsuk
Learn more and access campaign resources: https://protectwhatmatters.us/
About the National Forest Foundation
The National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress to bring people together to restore and enhance America's National Forests and Grasslands. Working with communities and partners across the country, the NFF supports on-the-ground conservation and stewardship of these treasured public lands.
About Forest Trends
Forest Trends' mission is to drive innovation in environmental finance to sustain resilient ecosystems and communities. Since 1999, Forest Trends has worked through partnerships to develop finance and business models that recognize the value nature provides and create durable benefits for ecosystems and communities.
Media Contacts
Forest Trends: Eszter Bodnar, ebodnar@forest-trends.org