CPW applauds final GMUG Forest Land Management Plan

DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) today commended the United States Forest Service in finalizing an important land management plan for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) in western Colorado and for the inclusion of many of the state’s priorities to protect wildlife and their habitat and corridors, protect roadless areas, water resources and recreational uses among other issues. 

CPW participated in the planning process as a formal cooperating agency, including participation from Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). 

“We greatly appreciate the United States Forest Service collaboration and responsiveness to our state comments in developing their Land Use Management Plan for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “Our forests are critical to Colorado’s economy, environment, wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities. The GMUG in particular has important water resources and high biodiversity of species supporting populations of Gunnison sage-grouse, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer and other wildlife important to Coloradans.

"We look forward to continued partnership with the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and the Rocky Mountain Region of the U.S. Forest Service as we work closely together in the shared stewardship of our forested lands in Colorado.”

Some specific areas the GMUG was responsive to state concerns and comments include issues around Wildlife Management Areas and plans to balance outdoor recreation with maintaining high functioning wildlife habitat and migration corridors, key plan components designed to ensure Gunnison sage-grouse and bighorn sheep population persistence, coordinating with the state on managing forests to reduce impacts of wildfires on local communities and critical infrastructure, coordinating with the state to ensure protection of key water resources, and adding trail density management considerations to some Colorado Roadless areas recognizing the protections and exceptions to maintain the integrity of Colorado Roadless Rule.