Gunnison Field Office

The Gunnison Field Office (GFO) is responsible for the management and stewardship of over 600,000 acres of public land in the upper Gunnison River Basin of southwestern Colorado. In collaboration with public and private partners, GFO management and staff guide the protection and sustainable use of a wide range of public resources, including Hartman Rocks Special Recreation Management Area and portions of the Powderhorn and Uncompahgre wilderness areas and the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway. Approximately 42 miles of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail cross the GFO.

Ecosystems within the GFO range from dry sagebrush steppe at 7,000 feet to forests of aspen, ponderosa and lodgepole pine, Douglas and subalpine fir, and Engelmann spruce to alpine tundra meadows that reach to more than 14,000 feet. The varied topography provides habitat for elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mountain lions, bobcats, hawks, songbirds, and trout, as well as several special status species. The largest population of Gunnison sage-grouse is found within the Gunnison Basin. GFO manages over 500,000 acres open to livestock grazing and boasts three mountains with peaks above 14,000 feet.

Field Office Spotlight

Temporary Closure Order COS06-23-01 (7/28/2023)

Gunnison Field Office has implemented a temporary closure to all public use for 978 acres of public land from Cunningham Gulch north to Mill Creek Road (Gunnison County Road 727). The measure was taken to provide for public and firefighter safety during operations to contain the Lowline Fire.

Nourse Fire Update (7/30/2023)

The Nourse Fire is burning in a small string of mixed confers surrounded by a rock scree field on BLM-managed lands in the Powderhorn Wilderness at 10,280 feet elevation. The fire is currently showing minimal activity and is being managed as a full suppression fire, using natural barriers for containment to increase firefighter safety.

Fuelwood Permits

The Gunnison Field Office offers fuelwood permits for online purchase. To obtain a permit, visit forestproducts.blm.gov, answer the questions, and review the terms and conditions. Payment information is collected through a secure government payment site. Please print and keep a copy of your permit for law enforcement officers to check.