About Us

The City Natural Resources Department was created in 1985 in response to the City's desire to take a leading role in the development of programs which conserve the natural resources and environmental quality of Fort Collins.

The department consists of four major program areas:

• Air Quality
  The Clean Air Program implements the Air Quality Plan (2004) and the Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP). The goal of the air quality program is to continually improve air quality in the community. Clean Air programs are completed in collaboration with the Air Quality Advisory Board, other City department, and County, State, and Federal Agencies.

  On-going projects include public outreach, pollution monitoring and reporting, the Climate Wise program (a joint initiative with the City Utilities Department), vehicle emissions reduction, the Clean Cities program for alternative fuel vehicles, pollution prevention, wood smoke reduction, indoor air quality education, and intergovernmental partnering.

• Natural Areas
  The Natural Areas Program's mission is to protect and enhance lands with exisiting or potential natural areas values, lands that serve as community separators, agricultural lands, and lands with scenic values. Protection of natural habitats and features is the highest priority, while providing education and recreation for the Fort Collins community. The Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan (2004) is the Natural Areas Program's long-range visioning document.
  
• Recycling and Solid Waste
  

  The mission of the Solid Waste Reduction Program is to implement the integrated solid waste reduction goals adopted by City Council. The program helps citizens reduce the amount of solid waste that is sent to landfills for disposal, and increase the amount of material recycled, reused and composted in the community.

  On-going projects include public outreach and education, operation of the community recycling drop-off site at 1702 Riverside Ave; coordination of the Fall Leaf Exchange and Christmas Tree Drop-Off programs; coordination of City's in-house recycling program; monitoring the amount of trash and recyclables collected in Fort Collins; and participation in curbside recycling by residents through biannual reports from trash haulers.

  Solid waste goals and policies target reductions in solid waste sent to landfills, and increases in resource conservation through citizens' efforts. The program sets trash hauler licensing requirements; promotes voluntary waste reduction; and works with Larimer County and other partners to increase local opportunities for material recycling and reuse.

• Environmental Planning and Information
  The mission of the Environmental Planning and Information Program is to research emerging environmental issues facing the City, prepare policy and program recommendations for consideration by Boards and Commissions and City Council, review development plans, coordinate various citywide environmental management programs, and provide information about our environment to the community.

Major programs developed and coordinated by Natural Resources include:

• presenting environmental education programs
• monitoring and improving the City's air quality
• managing programs to collect items for recycling
• managing wildlife habitats and natural areas
• reviewing development plans
• coordinating environmental management programs through a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan
• informing the citizens of Fort Collins about environmental conditions and issues facing the City.