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Manitou Springs Climate Action Initiatives
WHAT IS THE RESOLUTION?
City Council is considering a resolution to direct resources to the environmental sustainability of Manitou Springs. This resolution provides a timeline of measurable action that moves the City to achieving the community’s ambitious environmental vision. Stretch goals push everyone to move beyond what is currently being done. They can only be achieved if substantially new ideas, approaches, and strategies are pursued. Stretch goals inspire and require creativity and innovation.
As a community, we recognize that Climate Change is a threat to some of our greatest assets. We also understand that to create positive change, we must be leaders in the region in pushing ourselves to protect the environment and develop sustainable practices to fight Climate Change head on.
This resolution is a commitment from the City to champion resiliency and to work with the community and stakeholders to find the best solution to difficult problems
Environmental Resolution Documents and Handouts
Resolutions
Where did we get our information?
- Colorado Wildland Urban Interface -
WUI is the transition from natural areas to human development. These areas require collaboration to ensure healthy forests and sustainable communities. - Fourth National Climate Assessment -
This report from the U.S. Global Change Research Program was part of federally mandated climate research required under the Global Change Research Act 1990.
- IPCC - Warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius -
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a United Nations effort to understand the science, potential impacts, and solutions of Climate Change. - Manitou Springs Tree Inventory -
Have you ever wondered what kind of trees are in Manitou Springs? Check out this resource!
RESOLUTION AND KICK-OFF
On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Manitou Springs City Council approved the Environmental Resolution, followed by the first action item: the Tree Planting Resolution and Program.The following day, the City hosted a press conference kicking off the new Climate Action program, answering questions from the public and the press, and challenging other communities to do the same. To view coverage of the press conference, click the link.
INAUGURAL TREE PLANTING DAY
More than 50 volunteers spent a Saturday cleaning up overgrown areas at Hiawatha Gardens and planting trees all around our community. This tree planting was the first of a new annual program that aims to plant one tree for every year since the founding of Manitou Springs in 1872, and our goal this year was 147 new trees.
After the tree-planting, we celebrated with a Climate Action Potluck, featuring organizations from around the region that are helping to make Manitou Springs a better place to live, play, and breathe.
What is coming up next for the Environmental Resolution?
- Objective 1: Protecting Ecosystems and Pollinators – The Manitou Springs Pollinator Project is working with the City of Manitou Springs on piloting a certified “Pollinator District” – 2020.
- Objective 2: Tree Protection Program – The City is working towards “Tree City USA” designation from the Arbor Day Foundation and will continue the annual tree-planting program launched in 2019 as well as additional programs aimed at protecting existing tree canopy and tree diversity – 2020.
- Objective 3: Local Food Assessment – This project is underway and in early stages. Check back here or on PlanManitou.com for updates! – 2020.
- Objective 4: Tackle Single-Use Plastics and Litter – The City has partnered with “Plastic Free Manitou” to evaluate options for single-use plastic bags. Additionally, City Staff are assembling a toolkit of waste reduction best practices for prioritized implementation – 2020.
- Objective 5: Hazardous Waste Disposal – The City of Manitou Springs is gathering information from other municipalities on operating a hazardous waste disposal program for residents. Additionally, Staff are assembling resources for residents about how to dispose of and recycle common household materials – 2020.
- Objective 6: Sustainable City Facilities and Operations – As part of a Parks and Facilities Capital Improvement grant, the City will audit the sustainability of City facilities and steps for improvement – 2020-2021.
- This is just the beginning!