What is the GORP Act?
Over the past 10 years, a coalition of local organizations has worked together on a vision for the future of public lands in Gunnison County. Local ranchers, sportsmen, conservation groups, mountain bikers, motorized users, and water interests worked with community members and public land stakeholders across the region to develop a legislative proposal to protect local public lands, enhance a strong and sustainable economy, and support historic uses of public lands in Gunnison County.

This year, a decade of local, grassroots work has culminated in Senator Michael Bennet’s draft Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act. The Act would protect and enhance key portions of this incredible landscape for generations of future Coloradans through a variety of public land management tools, including special designations focused on recreation, wildlife, scientific research, and conservation.

How can you get involved and learn more?
This Sunday, July 10, join Western Colorado University's Center for Public Lands on a field trip to learn more about the draft GORP Act and spend time on lands that would be protected by this legislative proposal.

Together, we will hike the Three Lakes Trail, which is an easy to moderate 4-mile loop south of Kebler Pass. Against the backdrop of lively aspen groves, craggy peaks, and tranquil mountain lakes, we will discuss the purpose, scope, and history of the draft GORP Act and how you can become involved to shape its future.

We will meet at the Crested Butte Visitors Center parking lot (601 Elk Avenue) at 8:30 AM and carpool to the Lost Lake trailhead on Kebler Pass. Please bring sturdy shoes, water, sun protection, rain gear, and snacks with you.

To sign up and for more information, please email tnickel@western.edu.