A Regional Vision for People + Nature
Urbanization, climate change, and environmental disparities threaten both ecosystems and communities in Metro Denver. Access to nature is not equal, and many of our communities lack nearby green spaces or safe ways to enjoy the outdoors. At the same time, conservation efforts remain fragmented across jurisdictions.
To address this, Metro DNA spent 18 months collaboratively developing a Regional Vision for People and Nature—a shared framework guiding conservation and environmental equity efforts across the seven-county metro area.
Through interviews, focus groups, presentations, and surveys, this initiative brought together over 250 participants – representing outdoor recreation users, private landowners, agriculture, economic development, wildlife conservation, traditionally underrepresented populations, hunting and fishing, local governments, Tribal representatives, and land management agencies – at more than 40 engagement opportunities.
“Our community wants fun, safe, and inclusive ways to recreate locally in the outdoors, and they shouldn’t have to leave the Denver Metro to find it. The Regional Vision is directly informed by the lived experiences of our neighbors and the latest data regarding our environment’s health. The Denver Metro is the perfect place to demonstrate how we can build resilient landscapes with both the community and the land’s needs equally considered.”
Inside the Vision
The Vision identifies regional values, themes, and desired future conditions where:
Nature remains accessible and protected for future generations
Conservation and recreation planning reflects community values
Climate adaptation strategies integrate natural solutions
Metro DNA’s partners can collaborate effectively across the region
With support from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) State Regional Partnership Initiative funding, and led by Keystone Policy Center, the Vision builds upon previous work conducted by Metro DNA, including the: Regional Conservation Assessment, Regional Equity Assessment, and Regional Demonstration Projects grants.
The Regional Vision for People and Nature was completed in January 2026 and now serves as the foundation for Metro DNA’s work moving forward.
Experience the Full Vision
Regional Conservation Assessment
The Regional Conservation Assessment (RCA) was developed in 2020 by Metro DNA, The Nature Conservancy, and Biohabitats as a technical tool to evaluate habitat quality and connectivity across the seven-county Metro Denver area. Its creation was also guided by a Technical Advisory Team, composed of experts from government, academia, and nonprofit sectors, along with a Leadership Council of decision-makers from key land and water organizations across the region.
Recognizing the Metro Denver’s rapidly evolving landscape, the RCA includes an interactive web map and a detailed technical report to help users identify high-priority areas for protection, connection, restoration, and enhancement—benefiting both people and nature.
Regional Equity Assessment
The Regional Equity Assessment (REA) is a research- and experience-driven mapping tool developed from 2021-2023 by the Equity Task Force, which includes the Equity Working Team, Equity Research Team, and a team of consultants. The REA was created to address inequities in nature resulting from discrimination, segregation, trauma, and environmental injustice in the Metro Denver area.
It is guided by an Equity Framework which defines six interconnected dimensions of “Equity in Nature”. Using a blend of spatial data and storytelling, the REA details environmental inequities across Metro Denver, drawing from a range of sources such as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), U.S. Census Bureau, Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), and the American Community Survey (ACS).
Metro DNA encourages members, stakeholders, and policymakers to use this tool to inform future policy, advocacy, and investment, advancing equitable access to nature.
Regional Demonstration Projects
The Regional Demonstration Projects were created to lay the foundation for a regional collective impact model, by providing funding for projects that may catalyze greater investments in habitat protection and connection, and equitable access to nature.
One of our goals is to gain greater understanding of barriers, opportunities, and best practices in balancing urban conservation and equity in the region. In keeping with the “demonstration” intent of these projects, Metro DNA has been engaging with recipients to learn how the projects might inform, guide, and strengthen the implementation of our Regional Vision.
The grant program was launched in 2023. Six Demonstration Projects were awarded funding in 2024, and eight in 2025. The program is currently on pause.