The National Park Service (NPS) has announced an important opportunity for public engagement that could significantly impact the health of two treasured Colorado landscapes: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. A new Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (GrMP/EA) is currently under development, and the agency is actively seeking public input to shape its final form.
The Future of Grazing in Colorado’s Protected Lands
For decades, livestock grazing has been allowed in select areas of these public lands through a system of Special Use Permits (SUPs) and interagency agreements with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). However, the lack of a comprehensive and updated grazing management strategy has raised concerns among conservationists and recreation advocates about the long-term impacts of grazing on fragile ecosystems, water quality, native species, and public access.
This new Grazing Management Plan aims to formalize grazing practices through updated SUPs that include clear terms and conditions focused on protecting natural, cultural, and recreational values in alignment with NPS policies. The outcome of this plan will help determine how – and if – livestock grazing continues in areas within or adjacent to these protected lands.
Public Comment Period Opens May 28
The NPS will open a 30-day public comment period on the plan beginning May 28, 2025, and closing on June 27, 2025. During this time, the public is encouraged to review the Environmental Assessment and submit comments through the official Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website:
👉 Submit a Comment Here
Once on the page, click “Open for Comment” on the left side, then follow the link to the EA and click “Comment on Document” to share your thoughts.
Written comments may also be mailed to:
Superintendent, Curecanti NRA
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
Additionally, hand-written comments will be accepted at upcoming public meetings.
Upcoming Public Meetings
To facilitate community involvement, the NPS will host both in-person and virtual meetings to explain the Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. These meetings are a chance for the public to learn more, ask questions, and make their voices heard.
In-Person Meetings:
Montrose, CO
June 3 | 6–8 p.m.
Montrose Police Department Community Meeting Room
434 S. 1st St., Montrose, CO 81401
Gunnison, CO
June 4 | 6–8 p.m.
Fred Field Center
298 S. Spruce St., Gunnison, CO 81230
Virtual Public Meeting:
Why This Matters
Livestock grazing, while a traditional use of Western landscapes, can pose significant threats to native vegetation, soil stability, water quality, and the experience of visitors seeking natural beauty and solitude. In national parks and recreation areas meant to prioritize conservation and recreation, it’s essential that any permitted grazing is strictly limited, scientifically informed, and regularly monitored to prevent degradation.
With the growing impacts of climate change, increasing visitation, and rising pressures on public lands, now is the time to ensure that the NPS adopts a plan that puts ecosystem health and long-term sustainability first.
Take Action: Make Your Voice Count
This is a critical opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and local residents to speak up for responsible land stewardship. We urge you to:
✅ Submit a public comment urging the NPS to limit grazing and prioritize conservation in its plan.
✅ Attend a public meeting to learn more and share your concerns.
✅ Share this opportunity with friends, family, and fellow hikers who care about protecting Colorado’s public lands.
Let’s make sure that Black Canyon and Curecanti remain wild, beautiful, and resilient for generations to come.
Park Service Seeks Input on Public Land Grazing for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The National Park Service (NPS) has announced an important opportunity for public engagement that could significantly impact the health of two treasured Colorado landscapes: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. A new Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (GrMP/EA) is currently under development, and the agency is actively seeking public input to shape its final form.
The Future of Grazing in Colorado’s Protected Lands
For decades, livestock grazing has been allowed in select areas of these public lands through a system of Special Use Permits (SUPs) and interagency agreements with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). However, the lack of a comprehensive and updated grazing management strategy has raised concerns among conservationists and recreation advocates about the long-term impacts of grazing on fragile ecosystems, water quality, native species, and public access.
This new Grazing Management Plan aims to formalize grazing practices through updated SUPs that include clear terms and conditions focused on protecting natural, cultural, and recreational values in alignment with NPS policies. The outcome of this plan will help determine how – and if – livestock grazing continues in areas within or adjacent to these protected lands.
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Get the Free Planner →Public Comment Period Opens May 28
The NPS will open a 30-day public comment period on the plan beginning May 28, 2025, and closing on June 27, 2025. During this time, the public is encouraged to review the Environmental Assessment and submit comments through the official Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website:
👉 Submit a Comment Here
Once on the page, click “Open for Comment” on the left side, then follow the link to the EA and click “Comment on Document” to share your thoughts.
Written comments may also be mailed to:
Additionally, hand-written comments will be accepted at upcoming public meetings.
Upcoming Public Meetings
To facilitate community involvement, the NPS will host both in-person and virtual meetings to explain the Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. These meetings are a chance for the public to learn more, ask questions, and make their voices heard.
In-Person Meetings:
Montrose, CO
June 3 | 6–8 p.m.
Montrose Police Department Community Meeting Room
434 S. 1st St., Montrose, CO 81401
Gunnison, CO
June 4 | 6–8 p.m.
Fred Field Center
298 S. Spruce St., Gunnison, CO 81230
Virtual Public Meeting:
Online via Zoom
June 5 | 6–8 p.m.
Register to attend
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- ✓All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- ✓Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- ✓Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Get the Free Planner →Why This Matters
Livestock grazing, while a traditional use of Western landscapes, can pose significant threats to native vegetation, soil stability, water quality, and the experience of visitors seeking natural beauty and solitude. In national parks and recreation areas meant to prioritize conservation and recreation, it’s essential that any permitted grazing is strictly limited, scientifically informed, and regularly monitored to prevent degradation.
With the growing impacts of climate change, increasing visitation, and rising pressures on public lands, now is the time to ensure that the NPS adopts a plan that puts ecosystem health and long-term sustainability first.
Take Action: Make Your Voice Count
This is a critical opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and local residents to speak up for responsible land stewardship. We urge you to:
✅ Submit a public comment urging the NPS to limit grazing and prioritize conservation in its plan.
✅ Attend a public meeting to learn more and share your concerns.
✅ Share this opportunity with friends, family, and fellow hikers who care about protecting Colorado’s public lands.
Let’s make sure that Black Canyon and Curecanti remain wild, beautiful, and resilient for generations to come.
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Alex Derr is an Eagle Scout, climber, and environmental policy expert located in Denver, Colorado. He created The Next Summit to help others stay safe exploring the mountains and advocate to preserve the peaks for the future. Follow him on Linkedin or Twitter or click here to contact him.
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