In the Colorado Rockies, forested areas containing little or no evidence of human use are extremely valuable ecologically, yet shrinking each year.  Many species of wildlife, such as lynx, wolverine, goshawk, and grizzly bear, require freedom from human disturbance in order to thrive.  Aquatic species also flourish in undisturbed areas, as road building, logging, and intense recreational development introduce sediment to aquatic ecosystems. 

Although Colorado has moderately large Wilderness areas, much of the area currently protected as designated Wilderness in the state is near or above timberline.  As a result, many existing Wilderness areas have limited value for wildlife, especially in the winter, as few species can survive the harsh alpine conditions.  Much of the lower elevation, ecologically valuable National Forest land in Colorado is unprotected and vulnerable to logging, road construction, ski area expansions, and other threats.

Colorado Wild's Protection Program works to counter these threats through the operation of three core campaigns: