The 57,725-acre Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA), located approximately 7 miles northeast of Montrose in west central Colorado, was designated an NCA and Wilderness on October 21, 1999. The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness occupies 17,770 acres of the total NCA acreage. The NCA adjoins the newly created Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Over 10,000 visitors a year come to the Wilderness area, which consists of the 14-mile Gunnison River Canyon noted for outstanding whitewater boating and world-class trout fishing. Commercial outfitting accounts for approximately one-half of the Wilderness use, with receipts for whitewater and float fishing use totaling over $1 million each year. Urban growth along the western and southwestern edges of the NCA has elevated the need for accurate boundary surveys to reduce trespass and private land impacts. Public meetings are expected to address a number of issues, such as grazing, off-highway vehicle use, wilderness management, commercial and private use allocations, access, tenure adjustments, and user education.