Ex-range spearheads forest philanthropy.

• Author: FELLNER, DEB
• Position: Rocky Mountain National Park Associates - Brief Article

WHEN CURT BUCHHOLTZ TALKS, people listen. People like Interior Secretary Gale Norton and Colorado Sen. Wayne Allard. Both politicians recently invited Buchholtz, executive director of Rocky Mountain National Park Associates, to Washington to hear details of his campaign to promote philanthropy in America's national parks.

On first impression, this former park ranger of 23 years, teacher, author and philanthropist appears as polished as any corporate CEO. But his boardroom is in the mountains of Estes Park. His shareholders are the more than 3 million people who visit Rocky Mountain National Park every year.

Established in 1986, the non-profit RMNPA has raised nearly $7 million to support the park. It is regarded as one of the most influential and effective park foundations in the nation.

From its start, Buchholtz took the helm of RMNPA with no fundraising or business experience whatsoever. He immediately faced the task of raising $35,000 in three months for a crucial land acquisition. "It reminded me of fire fighting when I was a park ranger," he said. "I had to marshal all my resources."

He raised that money, and RMNPA has gone on to become a major ally of Rocky Mountain National Park. More than 11,000 donors worldwide have contributed time, money and expertise to RMNPA projects. Their collective accomplishments include the construction of the Fall River, Lily Lake and Kawuneeche visitor centers, wheelchair-accessible trails, historical building...