Wilderness Backcountry Management Plan

Black Canyon of the Gunnison was established as a national monument in 1933 and subsequently designated a national park in 1999. Approximately 50% of the park (15,599 acres) is designated wilderness and is managed to preserve wilderness character as mandated in the Wilderness Act.

Curecanti National Recreation Area was established in 1965 to manage the waters and federal lands around Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal Reservoirs. Although the recreation area does not have designated wilderness, the area protects an abundance of natural, historic, and archeological features in a western landscape encompassing canyons, pinnacles, cliffs, rivers, reservoirs, and mesas, while offering opportunities for recreation, public benefit, and personal reflection.

In recent years, the National Park Service has been working towards a comprehensive planning document that will address underlying trends in backcountry and wilderness recreation at both units. Planning and proactive management will allow the parks to balance the demands of multiple visitor activities and the protection of resources and wilderness character with a thoughtful decision-making process.

At this time, the NPS is seeking early feedback from stakeholders to inform the planning process. Documents providing an overview of the planning history, the planning goals and issues, potential management strategies and actions, and information about submitting comments are available via the "Documents List" link on the left hand side of this page. Interested parties should submit comments before January 21, 2022.

Contact Information

Superintendent
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP-Curecanti NRA
150 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230