The High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) was founded in 1977. HCCA was originally formed to protect Mt. Emmons, also known as Red Lady, from a proposed molybdenum mine. Over four decades later, they have continued to keep Mt. Emmons from being mined. Today, HCCA continues to protect Mt. Emmons, as well as other natural resources in the Gunnison Valley. HCCA has developed public lands and water programs to protect our natural resources such as lands, water and wildlife. Their goal is to protect landscapes and ecosystems and promote sustainable recreation on the public lands in Gunnison County.

The best ways to get involved with HCCA are by volunteering or donating. HCCA facilitates a number of stewardship projects on the public lands in Gunnison Valley. Projects include wet meadow restoration, building fences to protect endangered areas, workdays to clean up trails and more. Wet meadow restoration projects have included Upper Willow Creek, Taylor Park and Flat Top Mountain. These projects reconnect and restore wetlands and wet meadows to strengthen their resiliency. HCCA also hosts events. Events include fundraiser film festivals, group hikes on trails and peaks around the valley, and open houses with public lands offices. These events raise money, build community and help connect the public to stewardship projects. Join HCCA’s volunteer list here to learn about volunteer opportunities. Make a donation here. 

If you want to keep up with stewardship and conservation projects HCCA is involved with, join their mailing list. Check out their calendar to see what events they have going on. Learn about volunteer opportunities and other ways to take action here. 

Check out the other organizations in the Gunnison Valley that help make the land and the people here thrive.

• Gunnison Trails 
• Crested Butte Avalanche Center 
• Crested Butte Land Trust 
• Gunnison Public Lands Initiative
• Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee  
• Gunnison Nordic Club