Nicole Rosmarino is set to take the helm as the director of the Colorado State Land Board, but her appointment comes amid scrutiny over her past affiliations with the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), a radical environmental group.
The ELF gained notoriety for its high-profile arson activity, including the infamous October 1998 fire at Vail Resort, which was sparked to protest against a proposed expansion allegedly threatening lynx habitat.
Rosmarino’s nomination has drawn attention due to her prior statements, particularly a 1999 comment to Mother Jones magazine where she expressed delight over the arson, describing it as ‘one of the most beautiful acts of economic sabotage ever in this state.’
However, Rosmarino, now a seasoned policy adviser, insists that her past views do not represent her current beliefs.
As the former policy adviser to Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Rosmarino played a pivotal role in wildlife and agriculture legislation, fostering bipartisan initiatives to combat wildlife trafficking and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The Colorado State Land Board is a significant entity, managing approximately 2.8 million surface acres and 4 million mineral-estate acres, primarily to fund public schools through various leases and resource development.
In fiscal year 2023-24, these trust assets generated an impressive $282 million for the state’s education system, a testament to the importance of effective management of these resources.
Rosmarino’s credentials include leading the Southern Plains Land Trust, which has preserved over 60,000 acres of Colorado prairie with the vision of revitalizing its ecosystems.
Additionally, she served as the wildlife program director for Wild Earth Guardians, aligning with her commitment to rewilding and biodiversity, though her involvement prompted concern from rural legislators regarding potential impacts on agricultural practices.
Critics of her appointment, such as Lori Diversy of the Eagle County Republican Party, argue that Rosmarino’s history raises doubts about her commitment to agriculture—a vital sector represented by the land board.
They point to her radical past and question whether her evolution in thinking is sufficient to allay fears among agricultural stakeholders.
While Rosmarino acknowledges her past views, she emphasizes the importance of growth and change, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson: ‘The years teach much that the days will never know.’
Rosmarino shared that her recent work with the Colorado Department of Agriculture has reinforced her appreciation for agricultural practices and the necessity for collaboration with ranchers and farmers.
Eric Washburn, an energy consultant and key figure in Colorado’s wildlife conservation efforts, supports Rosmarino’s candidacy, citing her comprehensive understanding of the state’s natural resource challenges and her adeptness in managing diverse stakeholder interests.
Under Rosmarino’s leadership, the Southern Plains Land Trust experienced substantial growth, increasing revenue from $10,000 to $3.4 million in just over a decade, demonstrating her entrepreneurial capacity to address funding challenges within Colorado’s educational infrastructure.
The land board’s revenue is significantly affected by oil and gas leases, which constitute 70% to 80% of its income, underlining the delicate balance between resource extraction and sustainable land management.
Despite only 12% of leases currently in production, these operations provide crucial funding for state educational programs, which continue to face increasing demands for improvements and construction.
Grazing leases comprise the vast majority—98%—of the leases managed by the land board, yet the diversity of lease types, alongside recent policy changes, adds a layer of complexity to Rosmarino’s anticipated decisions.
In light of Colorado’s evolving environmental and agricultural landscape, Rosmarino faces the critical task of ensuring the land board’s mission embraces sustainable practices without alienating agricultural lessees.
The state’s commitment to agriculture is enshrined in its constitution and laws, making it essential for Rosmarino to balance conservation efforts with the needs of farming and ranching communities.
Stakeholders from various sectors, including those within the fishing and hunting communities, have communicated the necessity for careful stewardship of land and resources in relation to potential hunting and access restrictions.
As the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project’s chair Gaspar Perricone expressed, there is an expectation for Rosmarino and the board to respect the historical contributions of agricultural lessees and the financial and social support they provide.
Rosmarino remains optimistic about her new role, stating her intention to advance agricultural interests while also exploring innovative approaches to engage new producers and rejuvenate the sector, crucial for maintaining the vitality of Colorado’s agricultural landscape.
Rosmarino’s journey reflects not only her personal growth but also the broader challenges of reconciling environmental advocacy with the realities of agricultural livelihoods, a balance she will be tasked with maintaining as she steps into her new leadership role.
image source from：coloradosun
