Introduction: Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of Colorado’s identity and economic vitality, attracting both residents and visitors to the state’s breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled recreational opportunities. However, increased visitation has led to challenges such as overcrowding, waste management, introduction of invasive species, and unattended campfires. As stewards of this natural playground, it is critical to prioritize sustainable practices that protect and preserve these outdoor spaces while providing equitable access for all. Strategies include promoting lesser-known recreation areas to balance visitation, implementing timed entry permits to manage visitor numbers, and sharing Do Colorado Right messaging to correct undesirable behaviors. These efforts aim to chart a sustainable future, ensuring that outdoor recreation remains a fundamental aspect of Colorado’s identity.

Goal: Preserve and enhance Colorado’s outdoor recreation spaces while promoting equitable access and environmental stewardship, protecting these landscapes so they remain a vital part of the state’s identity and are enjoyed responsibly by all.

Objective: By 2035, reduce negative impacts from outdoor recreation activities in Colorado by 50% through expanded education campaigns, improved visitor management systems, and increased community and industry engagement in stewardship practices.

Strategies

Outdoor Recreation 1: Expand Do Colorado Right Campaigns on Public Lands

Do Colorado Right campaigns aim to inform visitors and residents about responsible behaviors that foster respect for wildlife, natural landscapes, and community norms, including proper pet waste disposal. By leveraging established guidelines and partnering with various agencies and conservation groups, this strategy seeks to expand the program statewide. The goal is to further spread messaging and mitigate risks associated with outdoor recreation, such as accidents, wildfires, and environmental degradation.

Outdoor Recreation 2: Facilitate and Convene Collaborative Outdoor Management Discussions

This strategy leverages the tourism industry’s relationships to support land managers, NGOs, and recreation enthusiasts in implementing balanced outdoor recreation management. Emphasizing shared decision-making and recreation ecology principles, it fosters dialogue and cooperation to minimize environmental impact and preserve natural resources. Engaging diverse stakeholders leads to more effective and inclusive management practices.

Outdoor Recreation 3: Identify the Need for Timed Entry Permit Systems and Seasonal Closures

This strategy improves the visitor experience by preventing overcrowding and safeguarding Colorado’s diverse ecosystems in collaboration with land managers. Identifying and assessing areas with high visitor traffic and sensitive wildlife habitats helps determine the need for more controlled access. Implementing timed entry permits and seasonal closures mitigates tourism’s impact on natural resources and protects wildlife, supporting a sustainable visitor experience.

Outdoor Recreation 4: Enhance Recreation Site Assessment Efforts

Leveraging the tourism industry’s capabilities in data collection, the opportunity exists for the tourism industry to collect data, photos, and other information to share with land managers. Through the tourism industry’s support of expanded data collection, land managers can make more informed decisions to adapt management practices that balance environmental preservation with the visitor experience. This continuous feedback loop promotes responsible enjoyment of outdoor spaces while minimizing impact on the natural environment.

Outdoor Recreation 5: Develop and Distribute Recreation and Trail Guides

Promoting lesser-known outdoor destinations helps distribute visitor numbers more evenly across Colorado’s landscapes, easing pressure on popular sites. This strategy supports destinations in developing outdoor recreation and trail guides in partnership with CTO and CPW’s official trails app–Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX). These guides feature recreation opportunities and highlight alternative destinations that can accommodate increased visitation without compromising their ecological integrity or local enjoyment.

Outdoor Recreation 6: Expand Trail Ambassador and Volunteer Initiatives

Increasing trail ambassador and volunteer initiatives will foster stewardship and care for Colorado’s outdoor spaces. This strategy involves developing and supporting trail ambassador programs and diverse volunteer opportunities. By engaging community members, including school groups, it cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility for maintaining and protecting recreational areas.

Outdoor Recreation 7: Promote Guided Recreation Opportunities

Utilizing expert guides enriches visitor experiences by providing deep insights into the state’s diverse landscapes and promoting responsible interaction with wildlife and biodiversity. In addition, utilizing a guide creates employment opportunities and significantly enhances visitor safety. Guides are trained to navigate challenging environments, manage risks, and ensure that visitors are well informed and prepared for their activities. This strategy seeks to elevate the culture of guided recreation by encouraging more visitors to opt for experiences with a guide.

Outdoor Recreation 8: Enhance Destination Stewardship Through Strategic Partnerships with the Private Sector

The tourism industry, alongside outdoor gear companies, craft breweries, and various Colorado businesses, is dedicated to sustainability. This strategy aims to build strategic partnerships across both tourism and non-tourism sectors to strengthen destination stewardship efforts. Through collaboration, these partnerships will amplify Do Colorado Right messaging and support conservation funding. Initiatives may include programs like ‘Adopt a Trail’, ‘Adopt a Wildlife Species’, and projects focused on trail maintenance and wildlife protection.

Outdoor Recreation 9: Foster Inclusive Outdoor Experiences

This strategy aims to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in Colorado’s outdoor experiences, ensuring they welcome everyone, regardless of ability or background. By implementing targeted initiatives such as adaptive infrastructure, inclusive programming, and customized communication, the goal is to enable more visitors to engage in and enjoy Colorado’s diverse offerings fully.

Outdoor Recreation 10: Provide Education on Responsible Backcountry Vehicle Use

As the popularity of backcountry vehicle rentals grows, so does the environmental impact. Many visitors, eager to explore Colorado’s rugged landscapes, may not fully understand the negative impacts of their activities when proper practices are not followed. This strategy focuses on engaging tourism businesses that offer these vehicle rentals to join the Care for Colorado Coalition and disseminate Do Colorado Right education and awareness materials to their customers.