Colorado, with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, holds a special place in the hearts of its residents. For Tarn Udall, a proud lifelong Coloradan, conserving and protecting the natural beauty of her home state is not just a passion but a mission.
To Udall, life in Colorado is synonymous with outdoor adventures and cherished family moments spent amidst nature’s wonders. From the majestic red rocks of the Colorado National Monument to the serene expanses of the Elk Mountains, she finds solace and inspiration in the diverse landscapes that her home state offers. With her husband Alex, their two young children and their faithful dog Flick, Udall embraces a lifestyle centered around outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing, rafting, and skiing.
Her deep-rooted connection to the outdoors traces back to her formative years, where she found herself drawn to the wilderness of the West.
One standout memory includes a year spent as a field instructor for Outward Bound in Moab, Utah, where she immersed herself in nature, spending over 200 nights sleeping under the open sky. These experiences, including traversing the High Sierra in California and connecting backcountry huts in Colorado, instilled in her a profound appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the natural world.
Equitable access to lands holds paramount importance for Udall, especially for the wellbeing of future generations. Recognizing systemic barriers that hinder many children from experiencing the outdoors, she advocates for inclusive environmental initiatives that ensure everyone can enjoy the transformative benefits of nature. She believes environmental advocacy is stronger if it is community-centered and focused on environmental justice. As WRA’s senior attorney for the Western Lands team, Udall plays a critical role in advancing equitable access to conserved lands and fostering inclusive decision-making processes.
The urgency to protect Colorado’s lands stems from the alarming rate of development encroaching upon its pristine landscapes. With nearly one-third of the state’s lands already altered by human activity, Udall emphasizes the need for swift and decisive action to conserve vital habitats and recreational spaces. She is focused on developing and implementing state-level policies to safeguard 50% of Western lands from further development.
Conservation finance plays a pivotal role in this work, enabling the acquisition of land for protected areas, funding restoration projects, and leveraging resources to support conservation efforts. By advocating for legislative measures and securing public funds, she hopes to accelerate the protection of critical habitats and biodiversity in the face of climate change.
Despite the challenges inherent in her work, Udall finds inspiration in the landscapes she strives to protect, as well as in the communities she serves. Whether it’s spending time with her family outdoors, nurturing her garden, or delving into creative literary works, she remains driven by her commitment to create a more sustainable future for the West.
