The plan aims to provide a framework to sustainably manage recreational access to, and activities within, the Maroon Creek Valley.
ASPEN, COLO. (August 3, 2023) – A comprehensive recreation management plan for the Maroon Bells area is nearing completion and the public is invited to participate in an in-person meeting on Tuesday, August 8 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pitkin County Administration Building at 530 E. Main Street in Aspen. The public will have a chance to review and provide input on recommendations for a final Maroon Bells Comprehensive Recreation Management Plan (CRMP), which aims to address recreation growth in that area.
Members of the project team, including Pitkin County, The City of Aspen, the White River National Forest, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Aspen Skiing Company, the Aspen Chamber Resort Associate, and the U.S. Department of Transportation will present on the final Maroon Bells CRMP, including a discussion on the identified recommendations and next steps.
The project team will also host a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, August 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Members of the public who are unable to participate in-person are encouraged to join the virtual meeting for a presentation and discussion on the final plan.
Visitation to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area (MBSA) has more than doubled over the past decade, creating many management challenges including maintaining a quality visitor experience while minimizing impacts to natural resources.
The plan aims to provide a framework to sustainably manage recreational access to, and activities within, the Maroon Creek Valley. This plan identifies goals and recommendations to improve sustainable access to and recreation in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area while accounting for local economic and other community impacts. All modes of transportation and types of recreation activities have been considered as part of this planning process.
The study area includes Maroon Creek Road from the Highway 82 roundabout to the MBSA, which includes the scenic loop, East Portal, the campgrounds, and access up to Crater Lake.
“Public input will continue to be an important component of this plan,” said Brian Pettet, Pitkin County Public Works Director. “We want to hear the public’s thoughts on these final recommendations as well as ensure they know how to effectively stay involved.”
“We are happy to have the chance to present the final plan to the public”, said Kevin Warner, White River National Forest, Aspen- Sopris District Ranger. “This has been a good process and we appreciate the public participation we have seen for this very important area.”
If you are interested in attending the virtual meeting on August 15, please contact Hoamy.Tran@dot.gov for the Zoom meeting link.
Media Contacts:
Pitkin County: Brian Pettet, 970-920-5392
White River National Forest: Kevin Warner, 970-948-3911