About

About Us

OUR MISSION: Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition (“CCCC”) conserves and protects the Rocky Mountain Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes and their habitat using science and education to connect people with this iconic species. CCCC is the collaborative leader in fostering long-term sustainability of the Rocky Mountain Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes.

Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition (CCCC) was formed in May 2012 in response to a community discussion regarding the hunting of Greater Sandhill Cranes in Northwest Colorado. Birdwatchers, nature-lovers, and other interested citizens of Northwest Colorado were concerned that these migratory birds, still listed by the state as a Tier 1 species of concern, would decline in numbers and disappear from the area.

CCCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and relies on the generosity of volunteers, sponsors and private individuals like you to help maintain all of our programs, including the Yampa Valley Crane Festival. All donations/contributions are tax deductible. Learn about ways to support us.

Since its inception, CCCC has concentrated on providing public education to ensure the protection of the Rocky Mountain Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes. CCCC presents the annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival every fall and presents educational programs for school children and community groups. In 2021, CCCC started a livestream Sandhill Crane nest camera to use as an educational and science tool. CCCC also monitors the status of cranes in the area and partners with other organizations engaged in habitat improvement projects for cranes and wildlife in Northwest Colorado. CCCC works with willing farmers and landowners in the Yampa Valley through a program called Crops for Cranes to help provide adequate food supplies for staging cranes just prior to migration.