Public vs Private Lands in the Gunnison Country
Our public lands belong to all of us. These lands are managed by federal agencies, such as the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service.
Public lands make up more than 80% of all land ownership in Gunnison County, which means most of our ecosystems, viewsheds, and recreational opportunities happen on public lands.
Development on public lands typically means mining, logging, or oil and gas drilling. Where our public lands are threatened, High Country Conservation Advocates engages in public processes to advocate for their protection, often against the odds, but always with conservation of our precious resources – including public lands, waters and wildlife – as our focus.
Development on private lands typically means residential or commercial use. In our area, there are local and national land trusts that work with willing landowners to reach agreements to conserve private lands. On private land, public access may be allowed, but the land itself remains private.
HCCA will continually advocate for the responsible use of our public lands and against any attempts to remove them from public ownership.
Take Action!
Become a Voice for the Valley
Public lands need public advocates. When you join HCCA, you're adding your voice to a local movement rooted in care, science, and action.
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