GVORC Campfire - Standing up for Parks and Public Lands

Name: GVORC Campfire - Standing up for Parks and Public Lands
Start: 2025-08-22T17:30:00-06:00
End: 2025-08-22T20:30:00-06:00
Location: Gemini Beer Company

Schedule

Fri Aug 22 2025 at 05:30 pm to 08:30 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

Gemini Beer Company | Grand Junction, CO

You’re invited to a special Campfire Session hosted by the Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition (ORC), National Parks Conservation Association's (NPCA) "Protect Every Park / National Day of Action" and the Center for Western Priorities' (CWP) "Keep Parks Public" road tour.
This unique gathering will bring together public land advocates, former National Park Service leaders, and local voices to spotlight the importance of keeping our parks public and resisting harmful rollbacks and policies threatening our shared lands.
Programming will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the Moderators / Panelists Include:
Kate Groetzinger - Communications Manager, Center for Western Priorities (CWP)
Kate joined CWP in July 2021 after two at Utah’s statewide public radio station, KUER, as its Southeast Utah bureau reporter. In that role, she covered Bears Ears National Monument and public land management issues extensively. She now co-hosts CWP’s podcast, The Landscape, and manages CWP’s social media. She works remotely from Salt Lake City. On the weekends, she enjoys hiking in the canyons around Salt Lake, thrifting, walking her dog Tony, roller skating, and skiing.
Tracy Coppola - Colorado Senior Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)
At NPCA, Tracy works to celebrate and defend Colorado’s national park sites (monuments, big parks, historic sites, recreation areas) and national heritage areas by investing in long term partnerships. Based in Denver, she serves as the Colorado Senior Program Manager within the Southwest Regional Office. Prior to NPCA, Tracy was at Earthjustice where she served as Senior Legislative Counsel on public lands policy. Her favorite place in Colorado is being on or near a trail with her dog, Griffin.

Ken Mabery - Retired Superintendent, Colorado National Monument (CNM) & Colorado National Monument Association Board of Directors
Ken worked 40+ years for the National Park Service that included service in 14 national park units, Superintendent of five units, and international assignments. For 20 years he also served as Senior Advisor for the Department of the Interior's International Assistance Program in the country of Georgia. He holds degrees in International Relations and Colorado Plateau Geology and is published on these topics. In the Grand Valley, he is now serving on Boards of Directors for his Rotary Club Foundation, Colorado National Monument Association, and New Dimensions. His current passions are international relations and traveling with his wife, Jeannie.
More Panelists to Come!
Plus:
Engage with Public Land Exhibitors
Enjoy Live Music
Ian Janco (5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)
Union of None (7:30 p.m. and on)
Birthday Cake celebrating the 109th year of National Parks
Why it matters:
The Trump administration’s anti-public lands policies continue to impact communities and visitors alike. Through conversation and action, we can push back and protect what matters.
Get involved, get inspired, and help us light the way forward.
ALL AGES WELCOME!
To better prepare for this campfire session, In addition to the FB Event Page RSVP, please take a moment to sign up here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/standing-up-for-parks-and-public-lands-tickets-1549781541309?aff=oddtdtcreator