How wildlife migration informs Chevron’s plans in Colorado

This kind of proactive collaboration is an innovative way to show how conservation and energy development can work together, he said. "When companies like Chevron actively engage with scientists, wildlife professionals and conservation organizations at the beginning of project planning, that's a refreshing approach to help make sure that the wildlife and its habitat are taken into consideration."

Greg Sheehan, president and CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation, has a different take on why programs like this are important. "Wildlife can't speak for themselves," he said. "We have to help do that. We have to understand their needs, their habitats, and some of the challenges that they face. We want to help this species wherever they may roam and range, and Chevron has been a great partner for that."

The collaboration with Chevron has been one that has moved the needle on conservation in Colorado, including connecting with those who live and work on the land, according to Erik Glenn, chief executive officer of the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust.

Through his conservation work with Minerich and her team, his organization works with local landowners to help them participate in wildlife conservation efforts. "We reach out to our landowner community to talk about opportunities where they can do conservation work on their property that will also benefit pronghorn and mule deer," he said.

Chevron's CWP helps Colorado as well, Minerich said. "This data is being shared with the state regulatory agencies, and it also informs the state's understanding of the wildlife and their habitats. So I think that wildlife is benefiting from that. I think that conservation efforts are benefiting from that."