CMC

The crisp mountain air is calling, and so is the thrill of adventure! Colorado Mountain Club is bringing the magic of the Banff Mountain Film Festival to the National Western Stockyards Event Center in Denver, and it's an event you won't want to miss. But what can you expect from this incredible evening? Let's break it down:

The Basics:

When: Films start showing at 7PM, but doors will be open at 6PM. Come early to check out our booths, grab food, and meet other outdoor enthusiasts! The evening ends at 10PM.

Location: Stockyards Event Center - 5004 National Western Drive Denver, CO 80216

Parking: Parking is available at the Stockyards Event Center parking lot for $20 per car. Free street parking is available on National Western Drive.

Public Transportation Options: There is an RTD stop near the Stockyards Event Center, but there isn’t an easy way to access it. Rideshare is recommended. 

Food/Drinks: There will be a cash/card bar and a small selection of food available for purchase.  

What’s Playing: Each night features a different set of films. Click the series name to see the lineup each night.

FEBRUARY 27 - BASALT (Watch Trailer)

FEBRUARY 28 - GRANITE (Watch Trailer)

MARCH 1 - QUARTZITE (Watch Trailer)

MARCH 2 - SANDSTONE (Watch Trailer)

More Than Just Movies:

While the heart of the event is undoubtedly the collection of breathtaking films, it's so much more than just a movie night. Think of it as an immersive experience, a celebration of mountain culture, and a gathering of like-minded adventurers. Here's what awaits you:

• A Curated Selection of the Best: The Banff Mountain Film Festival receives hundreds of submissions, and only the most exceptional films make the cut. The CMC screening will showcase a diverse selection of these award-winning films, ranging from adrenaline-pumping expeditions to thought-provoking documentaries about environmental issues and mountain cultures. Expect a mix of climbing, skiing, kayaking, biking, and everything in between!
  
  
• Community Connection: Banff is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re a CMC member, stop by the CMC table and show us your membership card to get some goodies. Share stories, swap tips, and meet people who share your love for the mountains. It's a great chance to build community and find new adventure buddies.
  
  
• A Chance to Support the CMC: By attending the screening, you're directly supporting Colorado Mountain Club and our efforts to protect and preserve our mountain landscapes. It's a win-win!
  
  

Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience at Banff:

• Get Your Tickets Early: These screenings tend to sell out quickly, so don't wait! Grab your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
  
  
• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to find parking, get settled, and grab a snack or drink before the films begin.
  
  
• Bring Your Friends: Sharing the experience with friends makes it even more special. Gather your adventure crew and make it a night out.
  
  
• Come Prepared to be Amazed: Seriously, the cinematography is stunning. Be ready to witness some of the most incredible landscapes and human achievements captured on film.
  
  

Film Lineups: 

FEBRUARY 27 - BASALT (WATCH Trailer)

Home from Home

USA, 8 min

Filmmakers: John Peirce, Delianna

Description: Take a glimpse into the lives and hearts of some of the best Japanese freeride skiers in the world. Home from Home explores the intersection between Japanese athletes and the natural world.

Eliot Jackson - Drop The Mic

Canada, 2 min

Filmmakers: Scott Secco, Seb Kemp, Daniel Gillooley, Scott Secco Films

Description: Eliot Jackson has sneaky superpowers. He is one of the most badass riders to ever scrub-whip a mountain bike.

Wolf of Wingsuit

Australia, 8 min

Filmmakers: Aaron Gecic

Description: The beautiful and towering mountains of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, are a paradise for BASE jumpers and wingsuit professionals seeking thrills during the off-season. Avalon, an American wingsuit pilot, and a Filipino-Australian documentary filmmaker unite to capture Avalon's audacious quest to leap from the mountainside as many times as humanly possible.

The Bird in My Backyard (2024 Best Short Film)

Canada, 20 min

Filmmakers: Ryan Wilkes, CBC, Trochilus Films

Description: Follow Eric Pittman, a window salesman turned hummingbird expert, as he documents the secret lives of the hummingbirds that nest in his urban backyard.

Canyon Chorus

USA, 17 min

Filmmakers: Chris Cresci, Davis Love, Wondercamp

Description: Set against the backdrop of Desolation Canyon, UT, Mikah Meyer, a world-record traveler and LGBTQ+ advocate and his friends reflect on their stories and the power of mentorship within the queer community.

Wild Days (Tour Edit) (2024 Best Film - Snow Sports)

France, 50 min

Filmmakers: Yohan Guignard, L'Enérait, Pascal Berneville

Description: Four friends from Savoie have a crazy idea: 50 days of self-sufficiency in Alaska's Denali massif. Wild Days takes us overland on a grueling journey to a place where time drifts, spirits wander off, and where friendships are created and then tested by commitment.

Dropping Molly

USA, 30 min

Filmmakers: Cedar Wright, Cedar Wright Productions

Description: Follow Molly Mitchell's roller coaster journey to climb Crank It, one of Colorado's most dangerous routes. After breaking her back on the climb, Molly must face her rocky mental health and embark on a journey of therapy, self-discovery, and growth.

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FEBRUARY 28 - GRANITE (WATCH TRAILER)

Anytime - Utah (Tour Edit)

Canada, 8 min

Filmmakers: Darcy Wittenburg, Colin Jones, Darren McCullough, Galen Knowles, Tan Dunn, Anthill Films, Red Bull Media House

Description: In Utah's rugged, arid landscape, a new era of female freeride mountain biking is born. Follow four trailblazing women as they carve unprecedented lines and push the limits of what is possible.

House of Bliss

Iceland, 9 min

Filmmakers: Elli Thor Magnusson, Ben Welland, Steve Lewis, 104 Frames

Description: House of Bliss (Saeluhus) documents the making of a shelter situated somewhere on the border of reality and the imagination. A private world of contemplation and quiet relief from the outside world.

Ian

Australia, 8 min

Filmmakers: Matt Raimondo, GoodFolk Film Production

Description: Meet 72-year-old Australian climber, Ian Elliott. Ian's extraordinary climbing ability defies age stereotypes, showcasing his resilience and challenging societal perceptions.

Ice Waterfalls (Tour Edit)

Spain, 36 min

Filmmakers: David Arnaud, MOVIO, Red Bull Media House

Description: For years, professional kayaker Aniol Serrasolses has dreamed of running the rivers and waterfalls formed by melting ice caps and gigantic glaciers. Accompanied by a team of expert kayakers and Arctic guides, he ventures into one of the most remote and rugged regions of the planet: Svalbard. Amidst the Arctic's otherworldly landscapes, reality is about to surpass his wildest dreams.

For Winter (Tour Edit)

USA, 45 min

Filmmakers: National Geographic Society Impact Story Lab, Taylor Schulke, Katie Cleary

Description: Glaciologist and National Geographic Explorer Alison Criscitiello leads her team on an ambitious 10-day climb up Mt. Logan, through whiteout conditions and precarious icefalls, to unearth thousands of years of climate data in one record-breaking ice core.

A Team Sport

USA, 16 min

Filmmakers: Alexis Berg, Julien Raison, Sarah Stewart, Jon Brogan, Laura Mittleberg, Jason Israel, Marion Blache, Oliver Denton, Stept Studios

Description: Ultra-runner Courtney Dauwalter is one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. Continuing to shatter records, in 2023 she became the first person ever to wear the Triple Crown of ultra-running, winning three iconic 100+mile races back-to-back in one summer. But who is the team behind Courtney and her remarkable success?

2 Legs is 2 Easy

USA, 7 min

Filmmakers: Tamara Susa, BTX Productions

Description: Steve Karczewski was born with bone cancer in his left leg and has never known what it is like to have two legs, but that hasn't prevented him from doing anything and everything he's ever wanted as an outdoor athlete.

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MARCH 1 - QUARTZITE (WATCH TRAILER)

Anytime - Switzerland (Tour Edit)

Canada, 5 min

Filmmakers: Darcy Wittenburg, Colin Jones, Darren McCullough, Anthill Films, Red Bull Media House, Ian Dunn, Galen Knowles

Description: Set in the Lenzerheide Bike Park this segment will highlight the fact that good times are at the core of it all. Leave your preconceptions behind and join the revolution as these women prove they're not just riding - they're reigning.

The Last Observers

Filmmakers: Maja K Mikkelsen, Patagonia Films, Adam Mikkelsen

Description: For decades, every third hour around the clock, every day of the year, Karin Persson and Lennart Karlsson have gone outside to observe and record the weather. At one of the last manual weather stations on the planet, there are no days off.

Jamrock: The birth of Jamaican rock climbing

USA, 17 min

Filmmakers: Gareth Leah, Well Good Productions

Description: Kai Lightner, a 12-time national US climbing champion and the visionary founder of "Climb for Change" embarks on a transformative mission into the heart of Jamaica's emerging climbing community, where passion and determination thrive despite limited resources and recognition.

Reel Rock: Jirishanca

USA, 32 min

Filmmakers: Peter Mortimer, Josh Lowell, Zachary Barr, Halle Johns, Sender Films, Patagonia Films

Description: Renowned alpinists Josh Wharton and Vince Anderson attempt a free ascent of the Jirishanca, an epic 6000-metre peak in the Peruvian Andes. The duo will have to tackle 5.13 face climbing, horizontal ice roofs, technical mixed terrain, and treacherous snow mushrooms as they reconcile the inherent risk of climbing with their love of alpine adventure.

Of A Lifetime

Switzerland, 44 mins

Filmmakers: Jérôme Tanon, Sart XDLR Suisse, Xavier de Le Rue, Beanie de Le Rue

Description: Of A Lifetime chronicles the renowned De Le Rue family's journey as Xavier, Victor, and 18-year-old Mila sail across the Drake Passage to ride the unimaginably steep icy lines of the white continent.

Sliding

United States Virgin Islands, 4 min

Filmmakers: Katie Tannenbaum, Matiss Spaile, Juris Kudeiko

Description: A female athlete skips the crowded ski slopes to traverse the Swiss Alps on her sled... headfirst.

The Smoke that Thunders

Canada, 5 min

Filmmakers: Caleb Roberts

Description: Aiming to paddle the fabled Minus rapids at the base of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi river, Ben Marr's biggest challenge is to access them by trekking upstream. A total assault on the senses awaits as the force of the river speaks for itself.

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MARCH 2 - SANDSTONE (WATCH TRAILER)

The Streif

Austria, 4 min

Filmmakers: Fabio Wibmer, Christoph Thoresen, Tobi Reindl, Thomas Wernhart, Legs of Steel in cooperation with Sick Cinema

Description: Fabio Wibmer is back on snow! This time crashing the preparations for the most legendary ski race in the world: the Streif.

Welcome to the Pit

Canada, 15 min

Filmmakers: Seth Gillis, Charlene Brochu

Description: In 2011, Steve Matthews had a bright idea. With his kids completely hooked on snowboarding, he rallied a few friends and set out to build Yellowknife's first and only rope tow.

River Mamma

USA, 13 min

Filmmakers: Saneh Hamilton, Sarah Hamilton Film, Ryan Weigman

Description: River Mamma follows Elisha McArthur, a lifelong raft guide and single mom and her relationship with her teenage goth daughter, Charlotte, who has no interest in rivers at all.  

Dolomites (Tour Edit)

France, 33 min

Filmmakers: Kilian Bron, Valentin Birent, VB Films

Description: Mountain biking free solo and more... Kilian Bron and his team take you on a thrilling and history-rich adventure, riding the steepest trails of the Dolomites.

109 Below

USA, 59 min

Filmmakers: Nick Martini, Stept Studios, Sarah Stewart, Ben Osborne, Lex Hinson

Description: 109 Below tells a tale of resilience and grit when elite rescue volunteers go out of their way to save the lives of strangers.  

Undammed

USA, 37 min

Filmmakers: Shane Anderson, Patagonia Films, Swiftwater Films

Description: After witnessing a massive fish kill on her ancestral home waters, Yurok tribal attorney Amy Bowers Cordalis dedicated her life to reversing the generations-long destruction wrought by the Klamath River dams. Undammed follows her journey to free the Klamath, from testifying before Congress to passing down fishing traditions within her young family.  

Keep It Burning

Spain, 32 min

Filmmakers: Guillaume Broust, Manu Moreau, Petzi

Description: The Karakoram is the wildest mountain range in the world and Nameless Tower beckons to climbers who approach. Edu Marin, his brother Alex and father Novato attempt the second free ascent of Eternal Flame 33 years after the first ascent by Wolfgang Güllich and Kurt Albert, and 13 years after Alex and Thomas Huber's first free ascent.

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The CMC's Banff Mountain Film Festival screening is more than just a film festival; it's an experience. It's a chance to celebrate the spirit of adventure, connect with the outdoor community, and be inspired by the power of the mountains. So, grab your tickets, gather your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable night! We'll see you there!

Hello Colorado Mountain Club members,

My name is Brian Bergeler, and I am the new Conservation Director for CMC. I have been with CMC since August of 2023, previously serving as the Stewardship Manager for our Conservation Department. I am remotely based in Salida, “The Heart of the Rockies,” centrally located in the middle of OUR Colorado public lands. I grew up across the street from an expansive state park and know first-hand the impact that quality public lands can have in forming personal values and a deep-rooted connection to our natural world through conservation, stewardship, and recreation. This devotion to public land is what led my career path to the CMC Conservation Department. Conservation has been a core pillar of CMC since 1912, and our organization continues to be a valuable partner in stewardship efforts across our great state today.

I wanted to take this opportunity to share some updates and inform our membership of recent successes, present challenges, and future opportunities. Seasons of change come in life and these transitions are often accompanied by adjustments – both positive and negative. Moving from winter to spring, many of you are exchanging your skis for hiking boots and looking forward to warmer adventures ahead this year.

As most of you know, our public lands are currently undergoing a dramatic shift in resources and management – to put it lightly. Our public lands are abundant in Colorado and where most of us recreate, whether it be a National Forest, neighborhood park, or anything in between. Recent actions on our public lands and public land management agencies are impacting the places we cherish and recreate in negative ways.

As an organization that places tremendous value on the places we recreate, I encourage you, the members of Colorado Mountain Club, to engage in productive efforts to protect, steward, and conserve our public lands. This is a time for us to unite and speak cohesively as a club in defense of our public lands and public land managers. If we lose our public lands, we will not get them back. If our public land management agencies continue to lose valuable resources and staffing, our public lands will suffer. Without stewardship and conservation, where will you recreate? Where will you connect with nature?

Below are some ways to get started on protecting our public lands:

• Contact your local, state, and nationally elected representatives to let them know how important OUR public lands and our land management agency employees are. The messaging is working, but we must continue respectfully to make our voices heard. Let decision makers know that you don't want them to sell off public land and ask them to reserve staffing cuts to land management agencies.
• Send us firsthand experiences you have recently witnessed on public land and impacts to public land managers – we are in direct communication with Federal Agency representatives who are collecting this information to make future decisions. Fill out this form or send stories to conservation@cmc.org.
• Document impacts on OUR public lands by downloading the CMC Recreation Impact Monitoring Systems (RIMS) App to help CMC Conservation provide detailed information to our land managers on where resources are needed to combat issues and identify deficiencies.
• Volunteer, recreate, donate, recreate, participate, recreate…….repeat.

My tenure as Conservation Director started at a very precarious time, but I want to assure you all that I am engaged and ready to protect our public lands. Are you?

Brian Bergeler
brian@cmc.org
Conservation Director
Colorado Mountain Club

Colorado’s breathtaking mountains, rushing rivers, and endless trails have always been here—but not everyone has felt they belong in these spaces. We’re beyond excited to introduce a program that holds great significance for us: Outdoor Unidos. 

How We Got Here 

Our journey began when CMC was invited to apply for The Denver Foundation’s Belonging Colorado grant initiative. The mission of Belonging Colorado is simple: to provide resources for building belonging and strengthening connections across diverse communities. Since this aligns with our mission to promote outdoor engagement for all, we applied. Our program idea was simple yet powerful: to bring the outdoors to everyone and make it truly accessible. 

More than 300 organizations applied, and only 15 programs were awarded the grant—we were thrilled to be among them! 

However, a remarkable turn of events made this opportunity even more meaningful. We were paired with the incredible ViVe Wellness, an organization dedicated to fighting social injustice and serving underrepresented communities, particularly immigrant and Latino populations. That’s how Outdoor Unidos was created! To put it simply, CMC brings outdoor access and programming expertise, while ViVe serves as the vital bridge to the communities we aim to reach. 

Following the formed partnership, CMC brought on Raquel Cabeza as the new program manager to oversee this initiative. With both lived and professional experience—having lived in beautiful Colorado for six years since arriving from Venezuela—Raquel expressed her honor in leading this meaningful program, whose main goal is to foster a sense of belonging for everyone in Colorado and to break down cultural barriers through the one thing that unites all people in our world: the outdoors. 

A Partnership for Belonging 

Since receiving the great news, we’ve been working hard and closely with ViVe Wellness. With the support of the Belonging Colorado initiative, we’ve created something truly special. Together, we are working to break cultural barriers in our communities while creating pathways for underserved groups to experience the transformative power of outdoor recreation. At the same time, we’re fostering connections across diverse backgrounds, guided by the principles of the Bridging Differences Playbook. 

We’ve been awarded this grant for two years, but we know this is just the beginning of something bigger! 

What Makes Outdoor Unidos Special? 

We’ve designed this program to offer classes from June through November for all ages—kids, teens, and adults. Participants will explore a variety of outdoor experiences, including: 

🌊 Water Sports – Thanks to our partnership with ViVe Wellness, we’ll host exciting water sports sessions. 
🧗 Climbing – For all skill levels, from indoor climbing to outdoor adventures! 
🌿 Outdoor Education – Hands-on learning combined with hiking and exploration. 
🏕 Community-Building Events – Special camping trips and social gatherings to foster connections across cultures. 

What we’re most proud of is how Outdoor Unidos creates a space where diverse communities come together through shared experiences in nature. But this program isn’t just for newcomers—we’re also inviting you, the established community members and longtime CMC members, to join or volunteer with us to make this program possible! True belonging happens when we build bridges between communities, and this is your opportunity to be part of something truly unique. 

Why This Matters to Us 

We’ve seen firsthand how the outdoor recreation community has struggled with diversity and inclusion. Too often, barriers to access, representation, and resources have kept many Coloradans from experiencing the joy and benefits of outdoor activities. With Outdoor Unidos, we’re tackling these challenges directly by: 

✅ Removing financial barriers – Participation is completely free! We also provide transportation, refreshments, and all necessary gear. 
✅ Creating a welcoming environment – Providing bilingual resources and diverse representation. 
✅ Teaching practical outdoor skills – Building confidence for future adventures. 
✅ Fostering meaningful connections – Bringing together people from different cultural backgrounds. 

Join Us on This Journey 

We can’t make Outdoor Unidos successful alone—We need your support! Here’s how you can get involved: 

🤝 Volunteer or lead – Share your expertise as an activity leader! 
🏕 Participate – Join us on an adventure and connect with new friends. 
📣 Spread the word – Invite others who might benefit or want to contribute. 

Looking Forward 

As we prepare to launch this initiative, we're excited about the connections, stories, and experiences that will emerge. The outdoors has given us so much, and now, through Outdoor Unidos, we have the opportunity to extend that gift to more members of our Colorado community. 

Have questions or want to get involved? Join us on May 1st for an informational session to learn more. (Or go ahead and apply now!)

Let’s create an outdoor community where everyone truly belongs—together! 

Here in Colorado, we love the outdoors. It’s who we are. It’s where we recreate. It’d be hard to imagine a place this beautiful and life-giving that wasn’t a source of pride and identity for its people. That’s why Coloradans across the state have come together to bring to life an inspiring vision called Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy. It advances shared goals and clear actions to support conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience. 

The Strategy drives partnerships and collaboration. It will inform regional and statewide decision-making and spark change with a host of tools and resources, including data, mapping tools, and funding opportunities.

We won’t leave the future of our outdoors up to chance, because we love Colorado. 

Learn how we’re working collaboratively to shape the future of Colorado’s outdoors: https://cpw.state.co.us/colorados-outdoors-strategy

There's been a lot of talk about public lands lately (they've been impacted by staffing cuts and are at risk for sale), but do you really understand what's covered under the umbrella of "public lands" in these discussions? In case you don't, here's primer on public lands for anyone feeling left out of the loop.

Public lands, the vast and varied landscapes owned by the American people, offer a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. Colorado is home to a lot of public land – 22 million acres, in fact. National parks, national forests, and BLM land are all public land, but they all have different land managers who have distinct management approaches that shape the recreational experiences they provide.

National parks are managed by the National Park Service and prioritize preservation, offering visitors stunning scenery and carefully managed recreational access. In Colorado, if you’re hiking and sightseeing in iconic locations like Rocky Mountain National Park, where trails wind through alpine meadows and past towering peaks, or exploring the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, you’re recreating on public land. Camping is often permitted within designated campgrounds, allowing for immersive experiences in these protected landscapes, though dispersed camping and motorized recreation are generally limited.

National forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. In Colorado's national forests, such as the White River National Forest or the San Juan National Forest, visitors can enjoy extensive hiking and backpacking trails, often with less strict regulations than national parks. Dispersed camping is generally allowed (but not always, so check before you head out!), offering greater freedom for overnight adventures. Activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, and fishing are popular, and in certain areas, motorized recreation like off-roading is permitted on designated trails.

BLM land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and encompasses vast tracts of land, particularly in the western United States. BLM land often provides a more rugged and less developed recreational experience. In Colorado, BLM land near areas like Cañon City or Grand Junction are popular for activities like off-road vehicle use, dispersed camping, and rock climbing. These areas often lack the developed infrastructure of national parks and forests, appealing to those seeking a more primitive and adventurous outdoor experience.

The fight to keep ALL public lands in public hands is crucial for several reasons, all stemming from the fundamental principle that these lands belong to all Americans.  

Access and Equity

Public lands provide recreational opportunities that are often accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. You can explore the outdoors without having to pay massive fees for access, and in many areas, there's no cost at all. Privatization or significant resource extraction can limit or eliminate these opportunities, disproportionately affecting people who can't afford private land access. Keeping public land open to the public guarantees that everyone, regardless of their income, gets to experience the beauty and restorative power of nature.  

Conservation and Environmental Protection

Public lands are managed, to varying degrees, with the goal of preserving natural ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and watersheds. Transferring these lands to private entities often prioritizes profit over conservation, which leads to increased resource extraction, habitat destruction, and pollution. Public stewardship ensures that these lands are managed for the long-term health of the environment, benefiting both humans and wildlife.  

Economic Benefits

Public lands support local economies through tourism, recreation, and outdoor industries. When you go to an area to explore and stop by the town to support their businesses, you're helping to support local jobs and provide revenue that would be lost if these lands were privatized or heavily exploited.

Historical and Cultural Preservation

Many public lands hold significant historical and cultural value, including sacred Indigenous sites, historical landmarks, and archaeological sites. Public ownership ensures that these places are protected and preserved for future generations, rather than falling to commercial development or destruction.

Join us in the fight to protect public lands by signing petitions (don’t sell our public lands and reverse staffing cuts from Outdoor Alliance are two must-signs), sharing your experiences, and volunteering to help with trail maintenance while we adjust to the staffing cuts and changes. 

Another way you can help is by downloading our Recreation Impact Monitoring Systems (RIMS) app and reporting problems you encounter when you’re out on the trail. By reporting issues through RIMS, you tell land managers exactly where they need to go so that they don’t have to make guesses about which areas need repair. Learn more and watch the training video here. 

Earlier this month, Colorado Mountain Club CEO Madeline Bachner Lane represented the CMC alongside the Outdoor Alliance (OA) during a trip to Washington D.C. There they met with decision makers responsible for protecting Colorado’s people and public lands.

Before Madeline ventured east, she went to the annual Backcountry Snowsports Initiative (BSI) hut trip outside of Leadville, CO to have some in-depth policy discussions and develop plans with partners from across Colorado. Seeing so many people care deeply about the future of the state has been one of the few upsides of a turbulent time. From the BSI trip to discussions with OA partners to feedback from community members, every insight helped her get in the mindset to make change. “It's always so valuable to connect with the other executive directors and CEOs,” says Madeline. “Hearing their perspectives and strategizing together about our collective involvement with OA really helps me frame how I think about the broader landscape of outdoor organizations. It’s an inspiring group of people to be around.”

The visit was an eye-opening one and a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Coming off the high of celebrating the implementation of the Explore Act to the stark reality of having to argue against the wholesale selling of our public lands was tough to accept. “We met with representatives and advisors to those who couldn't be there in person, including a meeting with the Secretary of the Interior – a first for me personally in this capacity, though CMC has certainly advocated at this level before,” says Madeline. “It was jarring to move between conversations with folks who seemed open to our perspective and those who, let's just say, had a very different agenda.”

For Madeline, it left her with even greater respect for the Outdoor Alliance team and those who work in D.C. consistently. They are incredibly skilled at being pragmatic, finding common ground, and telling the stories that resonate. They understand how to navigate these complex political systems without resorting to simplistic "save the environment at all costs" rhetoric. They effectively highlight the immense value in public land that the millions of people across the country that our collective memberships represent. This is where our power lies, even if it doesn't always feel like we're in the strongest position right now.

“We had some significant meetings, including with representatives from Northern California and New Mexico, as well as an important conversation with the Secretary of the Interior and his senior advisor,” says Madeline. “Personally, the whole experience really reinforced my pretty low tolerance for the political maneuvering that goes on. But even with that, I left feeling empowered. It felt genuinely good to be in those rooms, speaking directly to these individuals, and feeling like I authentically represented our 6,000 members , the 15,000 people in our network, and the countless Coloradans who cherish our public lands.”

What struck Madeline the most was the vastly different vibe in each office. They had to prep for each meeting, strategizing about what to emphasize and how to present themselves to a new audience. “It's part of the political dance – fascinating as an observer, but sometimes feeling a bit like putting on a costume,” says Madeline. “There were eight of us from different OA organizations, all looking our "D.C. best" in blazers and non-sensible shoes, a far cry from our usual climbing pants and organizational tees!”

But beneath the surface, there was a powerful sense of purpose. OA’s non-partisan approach, coupled with the incredible skills of building connections and telling compelling stories, truly opens doors, facilitates connections between different offices, and strengthens the relationships that are so vital for progress.

One of the most insightful takeaways was a comment from a decisionmaker who expressed excitement about working with OA precisely because they couldn't even tell which way the people we brought to the table leaned politically. That really hit home. It underscored the importance of being more pragmatic, focusing on shared values, and building bridges.

“Wednesday was a whirlwind of getting around D.C.. I quickly discovered how incredibly bikeable the city is and hopped on one of their city bikes,” says Madeline. “It was a fun way to get between our six meetings in five different buildings across the capital. I even managed to squeeze in a visit to the cherry blossoms – a truly beautiful sight that turned into a very special moment after a sudden downpour wiped them out almost immediately after I saw them! That little moment felt like my personal connection to nature amidst the intensity of D.C.”

Overall, the trip was a reminder of the importance of advocacy and the power of our collective voice. Let's continue to share our stories and ensure that the value of our public lands remains at the forefront of the minds of our decision makers. It can be difficult to feel like we’re making much progress, but the Secretary of the Interior recently issued a mandate for national parks to remain open. While it didn't specifically address rehiring staff, it shows that our voices are being heard.

“Even when it felt like we weren't making immediate headway, just being there, establishing contacts, and having the opportunity to share our stories felt like a crucial step,” says Madeline. “That's the action I feel we can all take: keep sharing those stories that remind people of the inherent value of these places – our American public lands.”

Want to help make an impact? CMC members are being asked to share stories about the real-world impacts of recently made decisions. If you encounter a closed gate, a lack of facilities, or any other issue on public lands, please share it with us. Because of this trip, we have direct lines to people in D.C. who can hear these stories and potentially take action.

Also, don’t forget to sign these petitions from OA if you haven’t already!

• Reverse Staffing Cuts
• Don’t Sell Off Public Lands