Earlier this year, a handful of our Colorado State Land Board staff had the opportunity to visit an incredible state trust property, State Forest State Park—one of Colorado’s crown jewels of outdoor recreation and conservation. Nestled along the Medicine Bow Range, the park showcases the beauty and purpose of state trust lands, offering both public enjoyment and sustainable management of natural resources.
Our team spent the night at the Seven Utes Yurt, operated by our partners at the Colorado Mountain School (CMS). The visit offered a mix of reflection, connection, and challenge—bringing together staff from different divisions to strengthen teamwork and explore leadership in one of the most inspiring backdrops imaginable.
Building Leadership and Connection in the Field
During the stay, staff met with Russell Hunter, owner of the Colorado Mountain School, who shared his journey with CMS and his vision for building inclusive, safety-focused outdoor education opportunities across Colorado. In turn, our team shared insights into the State Land Board’s mission and the unique history of the State Forest property, which blends recreation, conservation, and trust land stewardship.
The following day, Russell led a guided hike that paired physical challenge with leadership reflection. Through group exercises and discussion, staff explored concepts like effective communication, situational awareness, and decision-making in dynamic environments—skills as relevant to outdoor expeditions as they are to managing 3 million acres of state trust land.
Stewardship, Collaboration, and Inspiration
More than just a site visit, the trip embodied the spirit of the agency’s Strategic Plan Goal 4: Communications and Outreach—fostering relationships, deepening understanding, and celebrating the lands we’re entrusted to manage. For many on the team, seeing firsthand how State Forest State Park serves as both a working landscape and a public recreation asset brought renewed appreciation for the diverse roles of trust lands in supporting Colorado’s public schools.
The experience also underscored how partnerships—like the one between the State Land Board, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Colorado Mountain School—can expand opportunities for recreation, education, and stewardship.
Looking Ahead
This overnight adventure reminded us that some of the best professional growth happens outside the office, where shared challenges and laughter build lasting bonds. We hope to bring additional staff—and, hopefully, our Commissioners—back to State Forest State Park in the future to experience the Seven Utes Yurt and continue learning from the Colorado Mountain School team.
Our thanks go out to CMS for their hospitality, expertise, and dedication to fostering leadership in the outdoors. The trip was more than a retreat—it was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do: to care for Colorado’s lands today, and for generations to come.