The Federal Art Act of 1937, among other things, helped promote the visitation of residents and international tourists to a newly created National Parks system.  In recent years, the number of visitors and parks visited has increased substantially causing public lands officials to consider how best to manage these lands with the increased visitation.  Today, the message to visitors and outdoor recreationists would be different if we were to create new promotional posters for visiting our national lands.

The State of the Rockies Conservation in the West Poll surveys people in the 8-state Rocky Mountain Region about their attitudes toward public land conservation and other current environmental, social, and political issues we face living in the West.  The poll consistently demonstrates a growing desire to protect our nationally designated public spaces.

1st Place Winner

ALBERTA FALLS

Colorado

by Sam Daley '25

With forest fires, rising temperatures and dropping water levels facing Westerns, 92% of respondents believe that drought is a serious issue. In Colorado, 86% of respondents believe that loss of natural habitat is a serious problem. The lowering of the Colorado River is often the spotlight of these concerns, however, other rivers deserve attention as well. Alberta Falls is a Rocky Mountain National Park phenomenon, is fed from Glacier Creek and is home to the native Colorado cutthroat trout. Aptly named, Glacier Creek is fed from the shrinking snow fields in the mountains, leading to a slow loss of habitat for the native endangered cutthroat trout. I chose Alberta Falls as its popularity for hikers can be used as a platform to recognize the importance of preserving our glaciers and mountain streams. As the mountains grow drier, the tributaries of major rivers shrink vital habitats as well, like Alberta Falls.

Judges' Comments:

• Strong design and bold color palette
• Thoughtful composition to achieve a vintage-feel 
• Clear message about important issue

2nd Place Winner

FLOW FORWARD

Black Canyon, Gunnison National Park, Colorado

by Holden Perry '25

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, with its striking landscapes and the mighty Gunnison River, serves as a testament to the delicate balance of nature. My decision to choose this location is based on its role as a microcosm of the broader dynamic between the interconnected ecosystems and residents of the Southwest's region. The results of the 2023 Conservation in the West Poll indicated that water supplies in the west are in a serious crisis, with rivers such as the Colorado and Gunnison viewed more at risk than ever before. The motto "Flow Forward: Conserve, Cultivate, and Cherish Water Supplies" encapsulates the urgency to address the environmental challenges highlighted by the poll results, while also promoting a positive call to action metaphorically tied back to the park.

Judges' comments:

• Striking with beautiful imagery
• Features typefaces reminiscent of vintage posters
• Well-balanced in composition and color
• Impactful slogan that is approachable to a wide audience. 

3rd Place Winner

HEADWATERS

Glacier National Park, MT

by Ben Curry '25

The stunning Glacier National Park in Montana is the homelands to the Blackfeet, Salish, Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai tribes. However, Glacier National Park is melting at two times the global average rate, due to anthropogenic warming (NPS 2020). Throughout the 2023 Conservation in the West Poll, participants in all states demonstrated that drought and water availability is a point of stress, with 56% of voters in Montana agreeing that drought is a serious problem. Glacier National Park is the headwaters for three major North American watersheds: Hudson Bay, Atlantic, and Pacific. Quality and quantity of the headwaters has immense impacts on downstream ecosystems and users. Anthropogenic warming has increased glacial melt rate, sparked wildfires and reduced average precipitation in the park, significantly altering natural flows. Climate mitigation efforts and increasing the efficiency of water use is key to protecting our nation's headwaters.

Judges' comments:

• Creative and relevant typeface
• Appealing color palette
• Clear message and acknowledgment of indigeneity within the narrative