About CO PARC
Colorado Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (CO PARC) is a state chapter of Southwest PARC (SW PARC), a regional working group of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC). PARC is an inclusive partnership dedicated to the conservation of herpetofauna–reptiles and amphibians–and their habitats. Its membership comes from all walks of life and includes individuals from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, museums, pet trade industry, nature centers, zoos, energy industry, universities, herpetological organizations, research laboratories, forest industries, and environmental consultants.
Mission
"To conserve amphibians, reptiles and their habitats as integral parts of our ecosystem and culture through proactive and coordinated public-private partnerships."
Colorado PARC is organized for the purpose of implementing the PARC mission within Colorado. Our state is home to 18 amphibian and 53 reptile species that occupy the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and western plateaus and canyons. Like the Southwest, Colorado faces a number of conservation challenges, including periodic drought and water resource consumption, habitat loss/fragmentation, and the introduction of crayfish, bullfrogs, and non-native fish into amphibian and reptile habitats. Although we are a state chapter of PARC, we welcome our neighbors and friends from all over to become active participants in Colorado amphibian and reptile conservation.
Core Values
Inclusivity and Collaboration – PARC is a network that is open to people of all backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, thus providing a community of practice, which coordinates and cooperates toward mutual or complementary goals.
Proactive, Responsive, and Adaptive Approaches - The PARC model of effective conservation anticipates emerging threats when possible, but also responds to existing needs. In doing so, we develop practical solutions, or build the desired expertise or resources. We aim to adapt our approaches when efficiencies or improvements can be realized.
Scientific Integrity - PARC produces or delivers materials and services that are based on the best available science and expertise, and we update and improve these as new data become available.
Biodiversity – Although our focal species are amphibians and reptiles, PARC considers the work we do in the contexts of maintaining, conserving, or enhancing all levels of biodiversity, from genetic diversity to habitat quality and ecosystem function. This approach benefits and complements multiple species and conservation partners.
Optimism – PARC communicates challenges and needs for amphibians and reptiles in a positive manner, providing hope and highlighting successes, and looking at all possible opportunities where we can make a difference.
Colorado Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (CO PARC) is a state chapter of Southwest PARC (SW PARC), a regional working group of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC). PARC is an inclusive partnership dedicated to the conservation of herpetofauna–reptiles and amphibians–and their habitats. Its membership comes from all walks of life and includes individuals from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, museums, pet trade industry, nature centers, zoos, energy industry, universities, herpetological organizations, research laboratories, forest industries, and environmental consultants.
Mission
"To conserve amphibians, reptiles and their habitats as integral parts of our ecosystem and culture through proactive and coordinated public-private partnerships."
Colorado PARC is organized for the purpose of implementing the PARC mission within Colorado. Our state is home to 18 amphibian and 53 reptile species that occupy the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and western plateaus and canyons. Like the Southwest, Colorado faces a number of conservation challenges, including periodic drought and water resource consumption, habitat loss/fragmentation, and the introduction of crayfish, bullfrogs, and non-native fish into amphibian and reptile habitats. Although we are a state chapter of PARC, we welcome our neighbors and friends from all over to become active participants in Colorado amphibian and reptile conservation.
Core Values
Inclusivity and Collaboration – PARC is a network that is open to people of all backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, thus providing a community of practice, which coordinates and cooperates toward mutual or complementary goals.
Proactive, Responsive, and Adaptive Approaches - The PARC model of effective conservation anticipates emerging threats when possible, but also responds to existing needs. In doing so, we develop practical solutions, or build the desired expertise or resources. We aim to adapt our approaches when efficiencies or improvements can be realized.
Scientific Integrity - PARC produces or delivers materials and services that are based on the best available science and expertise, and we update and improve these as new data become available.
Biodiversity – Although our focal species are amphibians and reptiles, PARC considers the work we do in the contexts of maintaining, conserving, or enhancing all levels of biodiversity, from genetic diversity to habitat quality and ecosystem function. This approach benefits and complements multiple species and conservation partners.
Optimism – PARC communicates challenges and needs for amphibians and reptiles in a positive manner, providing hope and highlighting successes, and looking at all possible opportunities where we can make a difference.
The Organizational Structure of CO PARC
Colorado PARC activities are lead by a Steering Committee. CO PARC is managed by two Co-chairs, each serving a 2-year term. The Co-chairs are responsible for representing CO PARC to SW PARC and chairing the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee (SC) assists Co-chairs with strategic planning and various projects. The SC is composed of members representing various partners (universities, agencies, citizen science organizations, etc...). At this time we would like our volunteers to be involved in CO PARC for 1 year before they serve on the SC. SC members are approved for 1-year terms beginning at our annual winter meetings.
If you are interested in participating in CO PARC as a volunteer, member or Steering Committee member, please Contact Us! Our organization is reliant on our wonderful volunteers to succeed.
Colorado PARC activities are lead by a Steering Committee. CO PARC is managed by two Co-chairs, each serving a 2-year term. The Co-chairs are responsible for representing CO PARC to SW PARC and chairing the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee (SC) assists Co-chairs with strategic planning and various projects. The SC is composed of members representing various partners (universities, agencies, citizen science organizations, etc...). At this time we would like our volunteers to be involved in CO PARC for 1 year before they serve on the SC. SC members are approved for 1-year terms beginning at our annual winter meetings.
If you are interested in participating in CO PARC as a volunteer, member or Steering Committee member, please Contact Us! Our organization is reliant on our wonderful volunteers to succeed.
Steering Committee Members
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Tim Warfel, Co-chair, SC Member since 2012
CO PARC Field Trip Organizer North American Field Herping Association tviridis@gmail.com |
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Kelly Triece, SC Member since 2017
Biologist ktriece@gmail.com |
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