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Wilderness Backcountry Management Plan
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park » Wilderness Backcountry Management Plan » Document List
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 developing the draft wilderness and backcountry management plan and corresponding environmental assessment required under the National Environmental Policy Act. The completed draft of the plan/EA is expected to be available for public review and comment in summer 2022.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP-Curecanti NRA
150 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
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 developing the draft wilderness and backcountry management plan and corresponding environmental assessment required under the National Environmental Policy Act. The completed draft of the plan/EA is expected to be available for public review and comment in summer 2022.
Contact Information
SuperintendentBlack Canyon of the Gunnison NP-Curecanti NRA
150 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230