Women in Conservation Leadership: SCI’s Mia Anstine
SCI Region 13 Representative Mia Anstine has been appointed to the newly formed Colorado Outdoors Strategy (COS) Leadership Committee. This committee was created in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and the governor’s office.
Anstine also serves on the Governor’s Colorado Outdoor Partnership steering committee and represents SCI. She joins the new COS committee to help guide the implementation of Colorado’s long-term outdoors strategy, including setting priorities and tracking progress related to conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience. In this role, Anstine will help ensure that science-based wildlife and hunting traditions remain part of the implementation process.
Women Go Hunting asked Anstine to share how she became involved in conservation policy and how other outdoors women can find a role in this space.
She writes, “Throughout my career, I’ve looked for opportunities to ensure that hunters, conservationists, landowners, and rural communities have a voice in shaping the future of wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. Now, I’m honored to serve on the Colorado Outdoors Strategy (COS) Leadership Committee because it represents the next step in the work to which I’ve been committed.
“Among many things, my involvement in Colorado has included serving on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Sportsperson’s Roundtable, the Governor’s Colorado Outdoor Partnership (CO-OP) Steering Committee, and contributing to the development of the COS during its drafting and review. Having the opportunity now to help guide its implementation is meaningful and a natural progression of that work.
“For generations, hunters have been among North America’s most dedicated conservationists, providing both funding and hands-on stewardship for wildlife and habitat. I believe it is essential that those voices continue to have a seat at the table as Colorado works toward long-term outdoor and conservation goals. My role is to help ensure that science-based wildlife management, sustainable hunting, working lands, and practical conservation remain part of the conversation as priorities are implemented.
“One of the greatest strengths of the Colorado Outdoors Strategy is its commitment to bringing together people with different perspectives to solve shared challenges in our outdoor spaces. Healthy wildlife populations, thriving habitats, access to hunting and outdoor recreation, healthy waterways, and productive farms and ranches all depend on collaboration and thoughtful stewardship.
“I also hope my appointment encourages more lady hunters and ranchers to take on conservation leadership roles. My advice to women is simple: don’t wait to be asked. If you care about wildlife, healthy habitats, and the future of our outdoor traditions, there is a place for you. Start by volunteering within an SCI chapter or committee, attending local wildlife commission or public lands meetings, participating in stewardship projects, or lending your skills to other events. Every experience builds knowledge and confidence and may lead to larger opportunities to serve. Know that you have something valuable to contribute.”
