The mock scenario: A rare salamander was discovered in a popular recreation and hunting area known as the Emerald Plateau. The question: How do you protect fragile habitat without shutting down access to a place people love?
The mock commission meeting was part of Interdisciplinary Studies in Southwest Conservation (ISSC), a new tri-credit course launched this school year at DHS. Students earn Economics, Civics and Senior English credit over a full year while examining the complex intersection of land management, public policy and professionalism in Southwest Colorado.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission simulation offered a vivid example of the course’s unique structure.
How real decisions get made
The classroom leaders for the CPW Wildlife Commission classroom activity were, pictured above from left: Jacob Branch-Boyle, ISSC teacher; John Livingston, CPW Southwest Public Information Officer; Mary Beth Clancy, CPW Biologist; Tiffany Hood, Area 15 Office Manager; Cathy Dolder, Southwest Region Education Coordinator; and Samuel Travis, ISSC teacher.
The CPW team began by explaining how the statewide commission is structured and appointed by Gov. Jared Polis — and why its makeup matters.
“There has been a lot at stake lately, and an intense focus on who makes up the commission,” Romeo told students.
He also walked students through Colorado’s open meeting rules: when commissioners may speak to one another, how motions are made, and how votes are taken. Before the simulation even began, students were learning that conservation policy is as much about process as it is about wildlife.
Teachers told students they were looking for participation, effort and accuracy. Then the debate began.
The Emerald Plateau dilemma
Students were divided into roles: commissioners, CPW directors, biologists, and public stakeholders including ranchers, birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, mountain bikers, hunters, outfitters, tourism representatives and animal rights advocates. Each student worked from a structured role card and prepared questions in advance.
At one table, student biologists impressively fielded questions about soil compaction, habitat elevation and breeding cycles. They explained how deer hunting can prevent overbrowsing and benefit salamander habitat; while on the flip side noting that hunters and hikers can trample leaf litter and damage sensitive stream habitats.
The larger conversation reflected a very real Colorado tension. With 90 million visitors annually and 96% of residents engaging in outdoor recreation, how does the state protect natural resources while keeping public lands accessible?
“Responsible access is possible only if conservation comes first” is a central mission for CPW, and it was important for the discussion.
After roughly 30 minutes of respectful testimony and commissioner debate, the student commission reached a compromise: Maintain current public access, install educational signage about the salamander, and close fishing during the early April-June breeding season near streams.
It was not a perfect solution. It was a negotiated one — much like real conservation policy.
A new kind of classroom
The CPW simulation is one example of how the DHS Interdisciplinary Studies in Southwest Conservation class blends academic rigor with real-world application.
Launched in fall 2025 and designed primarily for seniors, the course allows students to earn three credits while exploring conservation through multiple lenses — economic impact, civic process and advanced writing.
Students are paired with professional mentors from the community and meet with them throughout the semester to discuss career pathways and professionalism. Weekly guest speakers — from ranchers and real estate agents to historians and wildlife officers — bring lived experience into the classroom. Students are responsible for reaching out in advance and formally introducing speakers, building communication skills alongside content knowledge.
Field experiences have included helping spawn kokanee salmon at Lake Nighthorse, setting wildlife camera traps, visiting the DSD SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab and Animas City Museum, and attending a CPW careers workshop. The class will visit Murphy Legacy Bison ranch in Hesperus on March 5.
In each case, students are not simply observing. They are weighing tradeoffs, asking hard questions and practicing how public decisions are made.
On Feb. 18, that practice came with a gavel. And for one class period, DHS students experienced firsthand that conservation in Southwest Colorado is not just about protecting wildlife. It is about balancing values, navigating competing needs, and making thoughtful decisions in public view.
Through experiences like this, Durango High School students are preparing not only to understand conservation — but to lead in it.
Become a mentor for DHS conservation students
Durango High School’s new 11th-12th grade course, Interdisciplinary Studies in Southwest Conservation, is seeking community professionals to serve as mentors. Mentors meet with one or two students three times per semester (six times per year). Students take the lead in scheduling and communication while learning professional skills and workplace expectations.
Who can mentor? Professionals age 25+ with workplace experience (background check required). This is a meaningful way to support future leaders in Southwest Colorado — and build connections along the way.
Interested? Complete the interest form.