About

In January 2000, a group of concerned Teller County residents met to explore ways and means to respond to growing concerns over increasing threats to the historic and environmental resources in the area. Community leaders, local organizations and the general public became aware of this grassroots effort and joined in. Throughout the spring and summer, common purposes became evident:

Preservation and protection of historic structures, park lands, open space, recreational facilities and trails and other historic, cultural, scenic and environmental resources in the area.
Preservation of the natural environment and beauty of the area.
Education of the public regarding historic structures and the geographic, geological and other environmental features unique to the area.
Assist charitable and educational organizations in the area with common purposes.

This group determined that a single nonprofit organization presented the most effective structure in dealing with the environmental issues facing the community. This organization would create a “culture of collaboration” via a cohesive umbrella for local citizens and groups with shared goals and interests.

By October 2000, Teller County Historic and Environmental Coalition was formed as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. The unique feature of T.H.E. Coalition, and its greatest strength, is that it brings together the private, public and nonprofit sectors in support of a common mission … preservation of the historic, cultural, environmental, recreational and scenic resources in and around Teller County, and to broadening public understanding regarding the significance of those resources.

Teller County is located in the center of Colorado, 20 miles west of Colorado Springs. Its mountainous terrain ranges in elevation from 8,000 to 14,000 feet and includes the western slope of Pikes Peak. Highway 24, the major east-west thoroughfare was once a Ute Indian Trail, becoming a wagon road during the gold rush of the 1890s and then a railroad bed for the Colorado Midland Railroad in 1887. Today Teller County faces the very real challenges brought about by rapid grown and demands on limited water, financial and infrastructure resources. For this reason, T.H.E. Coalition is committed to … preservation of the historic, cultural, environmental, recreational and scenic resources in and around Teller County, and to broadening public understanding regarding the significance of those resources.

THE Coalition is governed by a volunteer board of directors representing regional nonprofit organizations, city and county governments, businesses, and grassroots organizations.

Member organizations associated with THE Coalition:

Catamount Institute City of Cripple Creek Coalition of Pikes Peak Historic Museums

Coalition for the Upper South Platte     Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mining Company

Divide Chamber of Commerce     Gold Belt Scenic Byway     Gold Camp Victorian Society

Gordon Jackson Foundation Palmer Land Trust Rampart Library District

Rural Land Preservation Group   Teller-Park Conservation District

Trails & Open Space Coalition      Two Mile High Club Ute Pass Historical Society

Ute Pass Trails Committee Victor Heritage Society Victor Penguins Hockey Club

Woodland Park Hockey Association