Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer started publishing profiles of nonprofits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in 2020 as a community service. The purpose of these profiles is to highlight the meaningful work being performed by these organizations and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2023. Nonprofit organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles.

Year established as a nonprofit: 1993

What does your organization do for Ouray County?

ROCC strives to build, nourish and protect the health and spirit of Ouray County.

ROCC is dedicated to quality of life issues that will help shape the future of the county. ROCC provides financial support via grants to other local organizations whose activities further ROCC’s mission.

ROCC members have been instrumental in obtaining the International Dark Sky Association’s designation for Ridgway and ongoing monitoring for compliance. We also organize trash removal along Highway 550 in the fall and spring, keeping our county beautiful.

What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2023?

ROCC completed the installation of LED lighting in the Ridgway School District and in the public buildings of Ouray County and worked with the U.S. Forest Service to give input on protecting trails in the forest, specifically the Blue Lakes Trail.

ROCC members actively participated in surveys, county meetings and written communications supporting ROCC’s goals with the Ouray County Planning Commission working on the revision of the county’s master plan.

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2024?

ROCC will continue to actively participate in the revision of the Ouray County Master Plan, bringing issues we feel are important to protecting the scenic and rural nature of the county. ROCC will continue to promote discussions that seek solutions for providing services to those citizens with mental health challenges.

ROCC will continue working with entities impacting wildlife habitats and migration routes (i.e. U.S. Forest Service, CDOT).

Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.

Participate by joining ROCC and giving your input on issues such as: clean energy, high alpine regulations, master plan revisions, and public land use and regulations.

Volunteer installing LED lighting, clearing debris from highway, attending master plan work sessions and educating our youth on conservation and clean energy.

Visit roccnet.org for more information on how you can join and participate.

Thank you to Linda Browning for providing this information.