Partners for a sustainable future... The New Community Coalition (TNCC) is committed to identifying, coordinating and implementing sustainability projects in San Miguel County and the surrounding region. TNCC recognizes that developing a vision for a sustainable future requires the involvement of our entire community. TNCC works in collaboration with organizations and individuals in our community to re-localize our economy and food sources, develop a greener built environment, reduce our carbon footprint, increase recycling and recover value from waste, expand educational resources and increase energy efficiency.
TNCC LAUNCHES A NEW PHASE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY CONVERSATION AND REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
TNCC announced the launch this week of the See Forever Community Leadership Program and called for a community effort to raise $30,000 in direct individual and business contributions to fund the program. See Forever is a regional leadership training program created to strengthen our community by facilitating the growth of leadership skills, community knowledge and working relationships throughout San Miguel County and the surrounding region.
“The goal of the program is to encourage and train future community leaders by providing them with useful knowledge, tools and skills to more effectively lead the governmental, nonprofit, and/or business organizations they work within,” said Kris Holstrom, executive director of TNCC.
LOCAL LIVING SOLUTIONS FOR GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE:
OCTOBER 24
350--as in parts per million, the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. But 350 is more than a number--it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet.
On October 24, locals gathered on Colorado Avenue for a day's worth of programs, activities, information and community.
Telluride and the environment: Roz Savage on the 350 global happening
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TNCC AND TELLURIDE INSTITUTE TEAM UP FOR FOREST HEALTH WORKSHOP
On Wednesday, September 30, at 6 p.m., the public is invited to talk forest and trees. Everything – from the big picture overview of the carbon system of trees to the role of forests locally – will be considered during the Forest Health and Community Carbon Connection program at the Wilkinson Public Library.
GREEN BUILDING TOUR TO FOCUS ON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT
In addition to volunteer labor, a signature of Habitat for Humanity, the iconic organization known for building homes for low income families goes one step further, adhering to ENERGY STAR’s residential construction guidelines and encouraging U.S. affiliates to build ENERGY STAR qualified homes.
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE POURS TALL GLASS OF WATER EDUCATION
There are 326 million trillion gallons of water on Earth, though we may not always have access to clean drinking water. Reservoirs of the west are drying up while more people are calling the west home. Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Do you know where it will come from in ten, twenty, fifty years?
Water issues of the west are as legendary and turbulent as the rivers we depend on. Thanks to climate change; population growth; sprawl; and unsustainable practices, our water crisis is also as complicated as the river is long. John Wesley Powell, the premier 19th century thinker on the subject, warned against a rabid and unbridled development of the arid west. He proposed rigid and thoughtful development based on watersheds and responsible growth. All that in 1878.
But here we are. So what’s a concerned citizen to do?
SEE THE FOREST AND THE TREES
On July 9, 2002, Burn Canyon, just outside of Norwood, was struck by a bolt of lightning hell bent on delivering irony to the canyon’s name. By the time the fire was extinguished, over 30,000 acres lay devastated and many people packed.
After a reforestation commitment from the Norwood District in 2004, Burn Canyon is once again coming to life with fauna and flora.
Approximately 153,700 one-year-old, container-grown ponderosa pine seedlings have been planted on over 424 acres of land.
On Tuesday, July 28, The New Community Coalition (TNCC), in collaboration with San Miguel Basin, Colorado State University Extension office and USDA Forest Service, are hosting a Burn Canyon Tree Tour to showcase the restoration of a major forest fire on regional forests.
Read more...
PERMACULTURE CLASS OFFERED IN TELLURIDE AND NATURITA
This summer, continue your education in sustainability and take the Introduction to Permaculture class in Telluride or Naturita. The class meets between July 21 and 26, Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:00-8:30 pm), with Saturday and Sunday hands-on projects and tours at permaculture farms in Hesperus and Hastings Mesa (a carpool will be set up). In Telluride, the evening classes will meet in the Wintercrown Building Conference Room, and will be taught by Kris Holstrom, MS. In Naturita, the evening classes will be held in the new Naturita Public Library, taught by Robyn Wilson, ME, MA. Both groups will meet for the weekend farm tours. It is available for one credit of Environmental Science through Mesa State College or for non-credit.
"A GEODESIC GREENHOUSE - YEAR ROUND GARDENING AT 6000 FEET" with Breigh Peterson and Kris Holstrom is now online!
In Colorado it's cold for much of the year, but inside this cozy dome greenhouse, the plants are growing happily. Take a grand tour with Buckhorn Gardens manager and permaculturist Breigh Peterson: the greenhouse structure with its interplay of light and water, warmth and air; curving raised beds of vegetables and flowers; fish tanks moderating the temperature; vertical trellises and shelves to use vertical space. Outdoors a huge garden of row crops and a young orchard are complemented by free-roaming chickens and ducks.
LOCAL STUDENTS GET THEIR HANDS DIRTY DURING SUMMER VACATION
This ain’t no party. This ain’t no disco. This summer program ain’t no fooling around.
Eight local teenagers, participating in a Community Corps Crew, have been put to task throughout the region with a public works service and education program that addresses key public needs, builds civic pride, teaches employment skills and facilitates personal growth.
The program, made possible by The New Community Coalition (TNCC) and Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC), began June 29, when the crew worked alongside Dave Bangert, Mountain Village forester, to remove noxious weeds along Big Billie’s Trail.
TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS...OUR BLUEGRASS IS GREEN
Read more at...
ZERO WASTE GOALS ACHIEVED AT MountainFilm DINNER
Read more at...
TNCC EXTENDS NUMBER 5 RECYCLING PROGRAM ONE WEEK
TNCC issued this week a final call for number 5 plastics as their offer collect and recycle yogurt and other containers, issued in March, winds down.
For the past two months, TNCC has been accepting clean number 5 plastics, currently not recycled regionally, in an effort to coordinate with the “Gimme 5” recycling program presented by Preserve, an eco-friendly company that produces home products from 100% recycled plastic.
MAYORS ISSUE ENERGY CHALLENGE: MOVE TO 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2020
In an unprecedented move this week, two southwestern Colorado mayors issued a joint Mayoral Challenge to their communities: move to 100% renewable energy by 2020.
Watch the mayor's issue the statement at ...
TNCC LAUNCHES COMMUNITY BIKE LIBRARY!
Recycle your unwanted bicycles (or bike parts) at the Telluride Wilkinson Public Library, May 25 - 27. 5 - 7p.m. Or call Jacey Depriest at 970 708 4004 for more details.
Made possible by San Miguel Bike Alliance, the Wilkinson Public Libary and Deep Creek Cycles.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO CONSIDER CLIMATE CHANGE GOALS
Next week, San Miguel County, the Town of Telluride, the Town of Mountain Village, and the Town of Ophir will be considering adoption of greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in support of Governor Ritter’s Climate Change Action Plan, which calls for a reduction of 20% below 2005 emissions levels by 2020.
“Our goal is to create regional uniformity and accountability in reaching our regional greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals,” said Kris Holstrom, Executive Director of the New Community Coalition, which is spearheading the effort to get regional governments to collaborate in reducing local greenhouse gas emissions.
SOLAR HOT WATER REBATES PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES THAT ACT FAST
San Miguel Power Association (SMPA), in partnership with The New Community Coalition (TNCC) announced this week that there is still $70,000 available to residents and businesses that want to invest in new solar hot water systems in SMPA Territory. The rebates will allowcustomersto install solar systems at considerable savings.
THE LATEST NEWS:
2009 ENERGY STAR PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO COLORADO GOVERNOR'S ENERGY OFFICE
Gov. Bill Ritter today announced that the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) along with its 46 statewide partners will receive an EPA 2009 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., later this month.
KEEP YOUR NUMBER 5 PLASTICS ALIVE
Recycling conscious yogurt consumers in southwest Colorado have long been whipsawed by a hard reality: Yogurt may be yummy, but the containers are doomed for the dump. TNCC says, "have your cake and eat it too!"
NEW GREEN BUILDING CODE REDEFINES THE STATUS QUO IN MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
It’s been said, quite famously, that “it's not that easy being green,” beginning next month, however, new buildings in Mountain Village won’t have a choice thanks to a new Green Building Code passed, unanimously, on February 19, by Mountain Village council.
THREE GREAT REASONS AND ONE EASY WAY TO CUT COSTS AND THE COLD
“With the economy like it is,” as is the expression du jour, now might be the best time to tackle those nagging home improvement projects you’ve been putting off. Consider, for example, the advantages to properly insulating your home.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners can typically save up to 20% of heating and cooling costs, or up to 10% of total energy costs, by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists.
Want to do right by your country and your pocketbook? Home improvement projects, according to many talking heads, are a great way to stimulate the economy, while also adding value and comfort to a home.
What’s more, rebates are now available to help make the improvements more affordable than ever before. The New Community Coalition (TNCC) and the San Miguel Power Association (SMPA), in partnership with the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office (GEO), are currently promoting a rebate program designed to put refunds into the hands of homeowners wishing to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes. Read more...
SAN MIGUEL POWER ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW COMMUNITY COALITION LAUNCH SOLAR REBATE PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GOVERNOR’S ENERGY OFFICE
San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) and The New Community Coalition (TNCC) announced this week a partnership with The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) and the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) to offer area home and business owners a Solar Rebate Program throughout SMPA territory, including San Miguel, Ouray, western Montrose and portions of Hinsdale, Dolores and San Juan counties. Read more...
SOURCEGAS OFFERS "EXCESS IS OUT" COLORADO ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM
SourceGas Distribution LLC announced the introduction of four new energy efficiency programs to help its natural gas customers in Colorado. The programs include energy audits, rebates on equipment and insulation measures, a residential income-qualified program and a custom program for large gas users. 
The primary objectives of the company’s energy efficiency programs are to increase energy efficiency awareness and reduce natural gas consumption, which in turn saves money for consumers and benefits the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Learn more!
NEW PROJECT SET TO TACKLE REGIONS SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
TNCC launches new phase in the Regional Sustainability Visioning Project and issues a call to arms.
"It's absolutely essential for our community that we act immediately towards sustainable economic solutions," says Kris Holstrom, Director of TNCC.
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QUICK LINKS:
TNCC leads 350 Day in Telluride
Read about it...
Attention all businesses and agriculture producers!
Watch TNCC'S Home Energy Improvement video!
TNCC STAFF PICKS!
Kris's pick:
Kim's pick:
Colleen's pick:
Green House Projects Let Elders Age In Homes. Listen to the story...
Beth's pick:
Cardboard solar oven wins first prize! Read more...
Walter's pick:
SEE FOREVER COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM.
Kate's pick:
Calculate your Carbon Footprint.
