BLM Colorado, Grand Junction Field Office host recreation summit

Bureau of Land Management Colorado hosted a summit to talk with partners about the bureau’s recreation program Jan. 13 at the Grand Junction Convention Center.

About 45 members from the local government and community, interest groups, and recreation-based organizations attended the event. Together, BLM staff and participants discussed challenges and opportunities related to outdoor recreation on BLM-managed lands in and around the Grand Valley.

“I was encouraged to see the diversity of stakeholder groups attend this event,” said Greg Larson, Upper Colorado River District manager. “We strive to maintain collaborative relationships with our local partners and the level of participation among attendees signaled we are meeting that goal.”

BLM staff gathered the attendees into five groups to learn what recreation program efforts are working well and what areas need improvement. According to the group, some things the BLM is doing well to improve recreation experiences include:

• Developing new trails, maintaining existing trails and teaching others how to maintain trails
• Engaging with partner organizations
• Hiring dedicated, resourceful BLM staff

“I heard a lot of praise for the dedication of our staff,” said Stacey Colón, Grand Junction Field Office manager. “It’s rewarding to learn about the positive interactions the public has with the people in our office.”

Suggestions for ways to improve focused on finding ways to secure more resources, such as law enforcement officers and funding, to meet the growing demand for recreation opportunities on public lands.

With more than 1.6 million visits to the 1.3 acres of public lands managed by the Grand Junction Field Office, outdoor recreation is popular. It also has a notable impact on the local economy. According to an economic impact study by Colorado Mesa University in 2022, outdoor recreation contributes more than $484 million a year to Mesa County.

“We are committed to doing our part to elevate BLM Colorado as an outdoor recreation leader,” said Larson. “The thoughtful input and feedback we received from our partners today will help us make the right decisions to move us closer to fulfilling that commitment.”

BLM Colorado plans to host more recreation summits at other field offices throughout the year and will announce more details as they are available.