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Crested Butte to Gunnison Corridor - Adopted October 7, 2005
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Recreation and Tourism
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This element of the Plan addresses the issues and policy approaches developed by the Recreation and Tourism Focus Group. This section addresses the entire County since it is the only element that is required by statute in the state of Colorado.[1] The element is divided into the following sections: existing data regarding recreation and tourism in the study area and a series of goals and objectives.
The Focus Group, due to statutory requirements and time constraints, only addressed the ten required elements cited in the enabling legislation. Exclusion of any recreational opportunity from discussion in this section does not mean that it is necessarily a lower priority. The Economic Development Focus Group made the following additional recommendations related to recreation and tourism:
- Expand the linkage between economic development, tourism and existing educational opportunities (Rocky Mountain Biological Lab, Western State, On-going festivals, etc);
- Make Gunnison County an arts and cultural destination by building an world-class arts center and developing a cultural tourism program in Gunnison County;
- Encourage expansion of a back-country hut network in order to establish Gunnison County as a hut-to-hut destination;
- Diversity recreational opportunities through support of the construction of additional recreational facilities in the Town Center of Mt. Crested Butte (aquatic center/ice skating rink); and
- Create conference facilities in both Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte.
[1] C.R.S. 30-28-106 and 31-23-206
Existing Recreation and Tourism Data
Recreation and tourism has become an important economic engine in the County. The County is blessed with a rich environment for year round recreational opportunities including hunting, fishing, skiing and hiking/camping to name a few. Data regarding the majority of the recreational and tourism activities in the County are summarized below.
Alpine Skiing
The Mt. Crested Butte Ski Area is considered one of the finest ski areas in the State of Colorado. Total terrain is approximately 1,160 acres. The base area is located at an elevation of 9,375 feet, and the top of Mt. Crested Butte is 12,162 feet. The terrain breakdown is shown on Chart IV-1.
The Mountain is served by 14 lifts, and has a total vertical drop of 2,775 feet. Approximately 300 acres are covered by snowmaking. The mountain is known for some of the best lift-accessible extreme skiing in North America. The area has seen a steady decline in skier visit days since 1998, as shown on Chart IV-2.
Reasons for the decline include the relative isolation of Crested Butte when compared to I-70 corridor ski resorts, economic downturns, the need for significant improvements to the base village, and last but not least, the need for additional beginner and intermediate terrain. Since the recent sale of the ski area in March of 2004, there have been capital investments of at least several million dollars. The new owners have made lift improvements, expanded snow making, extended the season, made cosmetic upgrades and engaged in significant grooming improvements. Plans for expansion onto Snodgrass (to gain additional intermediate terrain) have been submitted to the U.S.F.S. and the Town of Mt. Crested Butte has approved plans for the Base Village. With anticipated continued capital investment on the mountain and base area, skier visits are anticipated to increase.
Nordic Skiing
Nordic skiing has seen unprecedented growth in the region. The Crested Butte Nordic Center has established one of the finest programs in the State of Colorado. It also operates an extensive trail system and instruction program. There are approximately 35 to 40 kilometers of groomed trails in the Crested Butte area and The Center sells both annual and daily passes. There are approximately 300 season pass holders and 1,000 annual visitors purchasing daily passes. An overall goal of the Center is to connect Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte South with a series of groomed Nordic trails. In addition to groomed and managed trails, the region has seen an increase in backcountry travel as well.
Hunting
Hunting has long been a significant economic contributor to the region. Although local data is not available, anecdotal evidence suggests that the monetary contribution to the region is second only to alpine skiing.
For the purpose of managing hunting resources, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has divided the County into management units, which are shown on Figure IV-1. Primary units within the Study Area include Units 54, 55 and 551. For the 2003 hunting season the number of licenses sold were 3,606 for elk, 586 for deer, and 103 for bear. In addition to big game hunting, 409 licenses were issued for other species. Outfitters and guides were issued 313 service days for 2003 from the United States Forest Service.
Fishing
Fishing has long been a considerable contributor to the tourism economy in the County. The County is blessed with relatively pristine water quality, and nearly perfect habitat for the primary species of fresh water fish including rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and Kokanee salmon. Primary fisheries in the study include the East River, Slate River, Taylor River, Gunnison River and numerous smaller back-country fisheries. Although out of the initial study area, Blue Mesa Reservoir is considered one of the best lake fishing resources in the state of Colorado.
Hiking
The Crested Butte/Gunnison study area includes some of the finest hiking and backpacking terrain in the state. Primary areas include the Collegiate Peaks, Maroon Bells Snowmass, The Raggeds, West Elk, Fossil Ridge, as well as the resources of the White River and Gunnison National Forests. In addition, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has considerable land holdings in the County that provide numerous trails for hikers and backpackers. Management of these trails is undertaken by each respective agency with the participation of the County as well as various citizen groups. Although precise numbers are difficult to define with precision, federal agencies estimate that approximately 10,000 hikers utilize the system annually, but this estimate is a gross under-representation since they only reflect voluntary sign-ins at wilderness areas and other trailheads. There are in excess of 1,000 miles of public-access trails in the County.
Biking
Crested Butte is considered by many as the “Home of the Mountain Bike” and has established “Fat Tire Week” to promote the resources of the area. In addition, Hartman Rocks, located on BLM land southwest of Gunnison provides a superb trail system.
Rafting/Kayaking
Colorado annually attracts more white water rafters than any other state in the country. Rafting’s economic impact in Colorado is significant. From 1998 through 2002, the average annual growth has been nearly seven percent. Rafting suffered in 2002 due to the economy, low water and fires throughout the state. The usage drop in 2002 does not reflect the actual demand for rafting but rather is due to the external forces described above. Cancellations and a dramatic drop in inquiries immediately following the Hayman Fire near Denver are indicative of the negative publicity regarding conditions in Colorado during the summer of 2002. Even with the dramatic drop in user days experienced in 2002, the economic infusion to the local economy of rafting on the Gunnison and Taylor Rivers was $3.1 million.[1] Commercial User Days for 2002 are summarized on Table IV-1.
Kayaking is also popular in the County, particularly on the Gunnison and Taylor Rivers. The County developed a Whitewater Park in 2002, and the site includes bathrooms, picnic areas and a trail system.
Boating
The Curecanti National Recreation Area and Taylor Reservoir are the two primary locations for boating in Gunnison County. The Curecanti Recreation Area attracts nearly one million visitors per year. Water resources within Curecanti include three reservoirs (Blue Mesa, Crystal and Morrow Point). Due to the location in the Black Canyon, boating on Crystal and Morrow Point Reservoirs is limited to hand carried craft. A Visitor Satisfaction Survey conducted in 1999 found that fishing and pleasure cruising are the most important activities in the recreation area. Blue Mesa is also the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States.
[1] Colorado River Outfitter’s Association, 2003.
Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing has gained in popularity in the United States, and Gunnison County has also seen a marked increase. The most popular spots include areas in Taylor Canyon, but isolated areas suitable for the sport are also found throughout the County. A significant opportunity exists for the expansion of “created” climbing walls both indoors and outdoors.
Shooting
Shooting practice is allowed on lands managed by the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Gunnison Sportsman’s Club on County Road 18 also allows for shooting and sighting opportunities on private property.
Recreational Resource Mapping
As a component of the Focus Group recommendations, composite maps of all recreational resources in the County were mapped, and reductions of the final maps are shown on Figure IV-2, Figure IV-3, Figure IV-4 and Figure IV-5. These maps are based on existing U.S. Forest Service mapping, Trails Illustrated Maps produced by the National Geographic Society, and consultation with Forest Service staff. The maps were produced at 36” x 36”, and will be distributed to local Chambers of Commerce offices, libraries, and any other public or private entities that may find that their availability would assist in promoting the vast recreational resources that exist in the County.
Gunnison County Trails Commission
Gunnison County has an active volunteer Trails Commission, which has adopted a Trails Master Plan (shown on Figure IV-6). As discussed in the finding of the Focus Group, it is the intent that this map be considered official policy by Gunnison County, and implemented as the region continues to develop. A particularly important linkage that is a high priority for both the Trails Commission and the Focus Group is a connection between Crested Butte and Crested Butte South, which is depicted on Figure IV-7.
In the fall of 2003, Gunnison and Pitkin Counties began to investigate the potential for a trail alignment that would connect Crested Butte and Carbondale with a non-motorized trail. This trail connection would have considerable benefit to the region, and the Focus Group supports its implementation as funds become available in the future.
Focus Group Summary and Findings
The Recreation and Tourism Focus Group met weekly during 2003 and 2004. The Group was composed of representatives from local governments, the U.S. Forest Service, local recreational enthusiasts and other interested parties.
The next step taken by the group was to bring in local experts familiar with specific topics for presentations regarding their areas of expertise. This allowed the Focus Group to understand opportunities, constraints and potential policy ideas to promote tourism and recreation within the County, while not compromising the ecological assets of the area. Presentations were given addressing alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowmobile riding, mountain biking, fishing, boating, rock climbing, hunting and backcountry activities.
Goals and Objectives
Based on the presentations and deliberation within the Focus Group, two specific steps were taken in regard to future policies: (1) development of broad overall goals and objectives to promote tourism and recreation in the County; and (2) identification of specific steps to be taken for separate activities. The broad goals and objectives are:
The Gunnison County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan goals and objectives and implementation strategies, developed by the Recreation Focus Group, demonstrates how recreation and tourism responsibilities are integrated among the common providers in the county. These goals and objectives are summarized below, and are refined in the implementation matrices included within Appendix C.
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1
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Promote and Maintain High Quality Recreational Activities that include, but not limited to, the ten (10) Statutory Requirement Activities
(Hiking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Rafting, Fishing, Boating, Hunting, and Shooting).
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2
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Promote Environmental Balance
Provide quality recreation and tourism opportunities while at the same time be stewards of the land in all actions and protect delicate social, cultural and ecological systems.
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A
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Recreation and tourism planning must incorporate protection and management of sensitive resource values to ensure their long-term availability.
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B
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Determine the levels of use that Gunnison County’s recreation and tourism facilities can handle without endangering natural habitats and ecosystems.
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C
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Determine the types of recreation and tourism opportunities best suited to fragile ecosystem settings and respect sensitive, threatened and endangered species.
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D
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Cooperatively establish and use environmental standards that help ensure balance between sustaining recreation resources and meeting the needs of our customers.
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3
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Promote a Unified Communication and Marketing Program
Educate residents and targeted out-of-state markets about the variety of recreation and tourism opportunities available in Gunnison County.
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A
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Promote year-round recreation and tourism opportunities in areas that desire it and can absorb the impacts.
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B
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Design a strategy to educate residents and decision makers about the benefits of outdoor recreation and tourism.
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C
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Establish and fund a unified Events Coordinator to expand, attract, market and lead efforts to increase year-round events in Gunnison County.
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4
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Improve Maintenance and Provide Recreation and Tourism Infrastructure and Services
Pursue, develop and maintain tourism and recreational facilities and services and access to recreational land and water in accordance with desired markets, residents’ desired level of leisure services and the likely potential to promote the area for travel.
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A
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Create and maintain a database that includes existing tourism enterprises and outdoor recreation facilities, access, services, attractions and programs that make up the Gunnison County outdoor recreation and tourism industry.
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B
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Monitor and regularly make available the current capacity, use levels and quality ratings of facilities, services, attractions and programs by season.
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C
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Develop a maintenance management approach that ensures Gunnison County’s non-profit operated facilities and resources are cared for and exhibit the highest level of quality.
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D
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Ensure that future recreational facilities respect the needs of both residents and visitors.
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5
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Monitor Outputs and Collect and Manage Data
Establish common ways to sample, collect, report, access, and share data. Maintain a database that is acceptable and used by all partners involved in providing outdoor recreation and tourism in Gunnison County.
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A
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Monitor the real and perceived impacts of outdoor recreation on Gunnison County’s natural, cultural, historic and social environments to maintain desired community and regional character.
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B
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Promote collection and use of data that meets adopted standards of scientific quality.
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C
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Monitor visitor experiences and customer satisfaction with Gunnison County’s recreation and tourism facilities and programs and make the findings available to all providers.
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6
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Protect and Enhance Landscapes, Scenery and Visual Resources
Maintain and enhance landscapes, scenery and visual resources to ensure that attributes upon which Gunnison County's outdoor experiences and residents' quality of life are considered in future land use decisions.
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A
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Develop and adopt a standardized method to identify and classify Gunnison County’s landscapes, scenery and visual resources regardless of land ownership.
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B
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Describe and monitor the relationship between landscapes and scenery, quality recreation and tourism experiences and citizens’ perceptions of quality of life.
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C
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Implement a program whereby new projects include an evaluation of the impact of the project on important corridors and view sheds.
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7
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Recognize the importance of Transportation and Access in Project Development
Recognize and integrate transportation planning, access and project development into outdoor recreation and tourism facility and program development.
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A
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Create partnerships that strengthen the prioritization, funding, construction and maintenance of transportation systems to provide an optimal level of traveling safety to recreational opportunities.
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B
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Encourage and promote improved air transportation.
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C
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Encourage alternative transportation systems such as bicycle and mass transit services to minimize motor vehicle traffic through environmentally sensitive areas.
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D
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Recognize and be sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities when designing or improving recreational facilities.
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8
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Enhance Trail Corridor, Greenbelt and Greenway Opportunities
Seek to enhance and create more existing corridor recreation opportunities by promoting linear recreation spaces (trails, bikeways, waterways and roads) and where appropriate promote their use as connectors between communities.
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A
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Shift the emphasis of funding partnerships and development from primarily public tax-supported ventures to private ventures where it is clear that public access to diverse recreation and tourism opportunities will be retained.
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B
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Encourage partnerships to reduce duplication of facilities and services and to promote cost-effective management.
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C
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Develop a database of potential partners, grant programs and types of recreation and tourism projects of interest.
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D
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Work with small businesses within regions to effectively market, manage and deliver recreation and tourism products and services.
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E
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Promote the use of regional advisory groups of partners who review and develop project applications and are the focal point for disbursing information.
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Office Staff
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Office Hours
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Monday - Friday (except for holidays)
8:00 am - noon & 1:00 - 5:00
* Prior arrangements can be made for services during the lunch hour.
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Contact Information
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Geographic Information Services
200 E. Virginia Avenue
Suite #158
Gunnison, CO 81230
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Phone: (970) 641-7620
(Voicemail is available 24 hours per day)
Fax: (970) 641-3061 |
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