Welcome to COSA!

The Colorado Open Space Alliance is a statewide organization of publicly funded local and regional open space programs, working cooperatively to share information, create public awareness and foster partnerships needed to protect and preserve the special places of Colorado.

COSA's 10th Anniversary Conference

September 21-23, 2009
Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center
Breckenridge Colorado

It's not too early to book your hotel. Call 800-525-2253 or register online. Click on Groups and Conventions, then enter the password OSA7WG to make your reservation at the COSA discounted rates [pdf]. Make your reservation by 8/20/2009 to receive these special rates.

Has your program accomplished something amazing? Nominate your project for COSA's Blue Grama Award [pdf]. Due August 3rd.

Conference Sponsors

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Legislative Updates

Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts - Updates at www.cclt.org on legislation regarding the use of conservation easements in Colorado.

Accreditation/Standards and Practices

CCLT and members of the COSA Steering Committee are reviewing proposals to provide for a "best practices" document for open space organizations in Colorado. The goal of this project is to develop a peer reviewed document that provides guidance to local governments on the acceptance and stewardship of conservation easements. For additional information contact Janis Whisman, Land Stewardship Officer for Boulder County's Parks and Open Space Department.

The Land Trust Alliance is moving forward with an accreditation program supported by recent Colorado Legislation. There have been cases of fraud in the use of conservation easements in Colorado and efforts to provide best practices are believed to be important in retaining the tax benefits available in Colorado.

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

Blue Gramas - The new Blue Grama Awards will recognize outstanding management and programs offered by Colorado open space organizations.

LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Growing the Next Generation of Open Space Leaders

The program goal is to offer a leadership experience within the conservation community that will give participants a broader understanding of issues facing local government open space programs and the candidate's ability to be a future leader within those organizations. To learn more about the program - review the following documents. Please contact us if you are interested in being a candidate or mentor for the 2008 program. Contact Linda Strand at LJeanStrand@comcast.net.

Join Our Mailing List

To subscribe simply send a blank e-mail to: listserv@listserv.co.boulder.co.us with "subscribe cosa" in the body of the message.

To send a message to the COSA list, simply send an e-mail to: COSA@LISTSERV.CO.BOULDER.CO.US

Archives of the list will be available at: http://listserv.co.boulder.co.us/archives/cosa.html