The Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB) elected a 2026 Executive Officer team made up entirely of women. This historic election coincides with 2026 being designated as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) by the United Nations, a campaign meant to highlight women's crucial role in food systems and address the challenges they face.
“The leaders of the Colorado State Conservation Board bring together deep conservation expertise, strong practical knowledge and visionary stewardship leadership,” said Nikki Brinson, Director of the Colorado State Conservation Board Program. “This executive team is uniquely positioned to navigate the future in our local, state, and federal conservation partnerships, ensuring forward progress for our land, our producers, and our communities through locally led conservation.”
The CSCB, which is part of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, is made up of representatives from the 74 Conservation Districts in Colorado that have represented private landowners’ interests in conservation planning and practices since 1937. Conservation Districts are considered local governments and fall under the statutory guidance of the State. The CSCB supports the districts through programs that provide technical assistance to landowners and cost-share opportunities for conservation projects.
The 2026 CSCB Executive Officers are:
- President: Maggie Hanna
- Vice President: Tammy Ridennoure
- Secretary: Alysen Tarrant
“It’s an honor to step into this role, especially as we get ready to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer,” said Maggie Hanna, incoming President of the Colorado State Conservation Board. “Women have long been leaders in agriculture and conservation, and this executive team reflects the strength of locally led conservation. Together, we’ll support Conservation Districts and Colorado's agricultural producers in maintaining resilient operations, healthy landscapes, and strong rural communities.”
Maggie Hanna represents the Upper Arkansas Watershed and serves on the El Paso Conservation District. Hanna is a fourth-generation rancher near Fountain, operating her family's cow/calf ranch, the Hanna Ranch, which uses sustainable practices like Holistic Resource Management and rotational grazing. Part of the ranch is protected by a conservation easement. Hanna is also the Director of the Central Grasslands Roadmap Initiative, where she leads grassland conservation across the central U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Her expertise combines practical ranching knowledge with large-scale conservation leadership and environmental policy.
Tammy Ridennoure represents the Lower Arkansas Watershed and serves on the West Otero Timpas Conservation District. Along with her family, she owns Edgar Ranches, Inc., a seven-generation Centennial Farm and Ranch in Otero County. Their mission is to manage the farm and ranch holistically, building resiliency in their operations by improving the health of the land and the wealth of the business.
Alysen Tarrant represents the San Juan Basin Watershed and serves on the High Desert Conservation District. Tarrant has spent the past two decades working on bringing conservation efforts to various industries throughout the western United States. Presently, she and her family are converting their 17-acre property to a small-acreage farm, with the goal of creating a homestead that can be enjoyed by future generations.
The Colorado State Conservation Board’s mission is to foster the conservation of Colorado’s natural resources, including by promoting and supporting local Conservation Districts and by developing and implementing cooperative programs for the conservation of soil and water resources in Colorado. The Board is a key element of CDA’s Strategic Plan, specifically the Environmental Stewardship and Climate Resilience strategic direction, which aims to advance water resiliency within Colorado agriculture.