Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) was founded in 1994 by the USDA Forest Service. The mission of this organization is to preserve the 14,000 foot Colorado Peaks through education and stewardship. With the help of the U.S. Forest Service, CFI has completed impact studies on all of Colorado’s 54 Fourteeners. By examining damage to resources, rate of change, impacts on sensitive species, and U.S. Forest Service priorities at the district level, CFI recognized 35 peaks for priority action. Thus far, CFI has conducted trail restoration and other work on 18 Colorado Fourteeners.

With the increased use of the current trails due to the popularity of hiking 14ers the work of CFI has become more and more necessary. I believe strongly in preserving the open area that we all love. It is possible to love a place to death through over use. It is important that we all practice the Leave No Trace principles and even pitch in with helping CFI with their efforts. They accept cash donations and volunteer time. Spending a day of repairing a trail is the ultimate way to give back.

For more information on the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative check out their website here.