News From Our District Conservation Technician, Camryn Riddell

Threatened and Endangered Species

This newsletter is called Mesa Conservation Resource Connection, as it connects us to you! One of my personal favorite connections to see is the way that natural resources connect, from animals and wildlife, to water, to plants, to soil, and it goes on and on. Our Resource Connection newsletters will be focused on natural resources. Whether the focus is on water, soil, wildlife, pollinators, air quality, invasive or native species, best conservation practices, specific projects, and more, this newsletter will bring you closer to vital resources and conservation work.

As habitat loss and environmental changes continue to impact wildlife, learning about threatened and endangered species helps us understand the importance of conservation and how we can protect the unique species that call our region home!

Support Mesa Conservation District through City Market Community Rewards

Mesa Conservation District is excited to announce that we are now a part of the City Market Community Rewards program. By linking your City Market Community Rewards to MCD by using our organization number, BH872, you can support local conservation efforts every time you shop, at no cost to you! Just use your City Market card as usual, and your purchases will help to support the important work MCD does to support local agriculture in our region. The best part? Participating will not impact your fuel points, discounts, or other rewards. Click the photo below to enroll your shopper’s card today!

Threatened and Endangered Species

Extinctions can occur naturally, but the current rate of extinction is alarmingly higher than the natural or background rate of the past. Many factors can influence this higher rate of loss; one major factor is habitat loss. Other factors can include invasive and nonnative organisms, environmental pollution, and the spread of diseases. Species extinction is dangerous for ecosystems and can be extremely detrimental to the overall health of an area. An endangered species is a species that is at risk of extinction, a process through which organisms or a group of organisms cease to exist, or extirpation, the removal of a species in an area.

Scientists predict that more than 1 million species are on track for extinction in the coming decades (United Nations Report- 2019). In the United States, as of 2025, over 1,600 species are listed as threatened or endangered. The Bureau of Land Management reports over 150 special status species in Colorado. A special status species can include plants and wildlife that are protected as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act or are designated by the BLM as sensitive species. Reasons for a species being considered a sensitive species can include limited distributions, small population sizes, specialized habitats, and their benefit from management.

Why do threatened and endangered species matter?

All species affect their environment and ecosystem differently; therefore, species have a multitude of reasons why their protection matters. Some key reasons include biodiversity, food web management, ecosystem health, and environmental sustainability. Ecosystems are strongly connected, and the loss of one species can mean the loss of more species or even the loss of that entire ecosystem. Biodiversity is the key to healthy ecosystems and is essential for all life as it supports healthy air, water, soil, and vegetation. Maintaining a balance in the food web is integral to avoiding population booms or over-predation. Losing species would not just harm their surrounding environment, but would have a profound impact on our way of life and survival. One example is birds and bats, with many species threatened by habitat loss and by diseases like avian malaria or white nose syndrome. They both play a large role in insect control and pollination, which then greatly benefits the agriculture industry and disease control. Losing pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths can mean notable changes to the food we eat. Sustaining threatened species and maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem matters because it affects all life.

Regional Threatened and Endangered Species

How do we combat extinction and work to preserve native species?

Preserving native species and combating extinction is vitally important. The two major factors to species detriment mentioned, habitat loss and invasive species, are two necessary factors to combat to ensure species survival. Conservation planning and habitat restoration efforts can make a great difference in providing a healthy environment for native species. Implementing management and strategies to control invasive species and best avoid the spread. Public education can be essential for raising awareness of best practices to support native species. Best practices can include avoiding the spread of disease, planting native vegetation that will benefit native wildlife, recreating responsibly, mitigating the spread of invasive species, and so much more.

Local Resource Hub Now Available! Brought to you by the Grand Valley Water Committee

MCD is proud to announce the Resource Hub! Click the button below to learn more about available resources on soil health, irrigation, agribusiness management, weather and climate, ag-informed behavioral health, and much more!

Want to learn more about Mesa Conservation District?

Since 1963, Mesa Conservation District has been your local conservation partner, working hard to support thousands of producers to ensure their sustainability and resiliency in the face of many challenges.

Want to learn more about Mesa Conservation District does for our local community? Check out our website below to learn more about past projects, upcoming events, and available resources:

Mesa Conservation District is dedicated to bringing conservation to our community. You can play a part in these local sustainability and conservation efforts and help conserve our priceless natural resources by making a financial donation of any amount below.

Thank you for your consideration and support!