Be a good steward

A changing landscape for forest management

The Gunnison Valley has more than two million acres of public lands, which is part of what makes it such an amazing place for recreation and experiencing nature. However, for several years the National Forest Service (USFS) has dealt with budget cuts and staff shortages. With the new recent federal spending cuts both the USFS  and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have lost additional resources to help manage the local trails, campgrounds and recreation areas. The Gunnison Ranger District lost 12 employees.

Gunnison County commissioner Laura Puckett Daniels summarized the situation this spring: 

“The Forest Service and BLM [Bureau of Land Management] have been understaffed and underfunded for years, and now we’re in a whole new world of trying to figure out how to run our public lands,” she said.

In response to this shortfall, the Gunnison County Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee has taken a leadership role in a new fundraising initiative to employ four backcountry stewardship crew members for 14 weeks this summer, beginning Memorial Day weekend, and to create an awareness campaign as well. The crew members are working with the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association conservation corps, but they will only be able to cover basic needs. 

Please be patient this with this limited staffing and their ability to address bathroom facilities, trail maintenance and enforcement issues for the area’s vast National Forest Service and BLM land. 

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace principles of packing out every bit of food, trash and human waste so nothing is left in the forest and on the trails is an established rule for all trail users. This is more important than ever now as the local public lands management are less available to manage and educate users who might not be familiar with wilderness practices. 

Plan ahead and prepare

Make sure you know your route ahead of time. Have a map and compass you can read and navigate with. Bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen. Colorado often gets afternoon thunderstorms, so bring appropriate rain gear just in case.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Stay on the trail, and don’t cut across switchbacks. If the trail is extremely muddy, turn around and come back another day because using a muddy trail alters how water flows across it and causes damage and erosion. If you’re camping, learn the rules of the area you’re in ahead of time. Before your trip to the Gunnison Valley, make a plan B in case campsites are full—most camping has changed from dispersed to designated camping in Crested Butte so you are not guaranteed a spot. 

Dispose of waste properly

If you pack it in, pack it out. Don’t litter on the trail, including microtrash like fruit peels or cores. Animals, birds, insects and soils maintain a delicate balance to thrive as a healthy environment and ecosystem. Human waste and dog waste introduce new microorganisms that are not based on food sources in the area, and they are smelly, unsightly and obviously, gross for other trail users to encounter as they are trying to enjoy the outdoors. 

Make sure to use the restroom facilities at your place of lodging, in the town’s public restrooms or at trailhead facilities (where available) before you venture out. Bring baggies to dispose of your dog’s poop properly, and you can buy WAG bags for yourself or check out the local company PACT for lightweight packable bathroom kits complete with a small shovel, wipes and mycelium tablets that break down poop faster and kill harmful bacteria. Walk away from the trail, camp and water first, and dig a six-inch-deep hole and bury the waste. Do not leave toilet paper behind.

Leave what you find

Removing anything from a natural area alters the way the ecosystem functions. Leave behind rocks, sticks, animals, leaves, feathers, etc.

Minimize campfire impacts

If you plan to have a campfire make sure there are no fire bans in effect and in designated camping areas make sure to use only the fire rings provided. Always drown campfires fully when you’re done with them, as embers can reignite long after you have left. Check local travel alerts to get updated fire information for the county and surrounding public lands.

Respect wildlife

Always observe wildlife from a distance. Never approach them or feed them. Make sure all your food and trash are secured. If you’re in the Gunnison Valley, you’re in moose and bear country.

Be considerate of others

Be kind and considerate of other trail users. Yield to uphill traffic and make yourself known when passing. Don’t play loud music that will disturb the peace. If you’re taking your dog out, always maintain control of them and clean up after them. Check out the many dog-friendly activities in Gunnison and Crested Butte. Pack out all your trash, and leave campsites better than you found them for the next visitor.

know before you go: camping restrictions in crested butte

Planning to sleep under the stars during your visit?  Camp smart, tread lightly, and help keep our public lands pristine. Check out a valley-wide camping map at gunnisoncrestedbutte.com. 

Designated Camping:

Camping is permitted only in designated areas to preserve the natural environment.

First-Come, First-Served:

Most campsites are not reservable and fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

Reservations:

Consider reserving campsites in advance through the U.S. Forest Service or private campgrounds to guarantee a spot.

Fire Restrictions:

Always check for fire bans or restrictions in Gunnison County before starting a fire.

Fire Rings:

Never build your own fire ring. Use the existing metal rings provided at designated campsites.

Leave No Trace:

Practice Leave No Trace principles by camping smart, minimizing your impact, and keeping the area pristine. 

For more information on Stewardship efforts in Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley, visit gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/stewardship.