Chaffee County is a special place. Over 80% of our land is public, offering world-class recreation opportunities that draw visitors from across the globe. These landscapes are the backbone of our local economy and the heart of our community. In 2019 alone, tourists spent $128.4 million here, and since the pandemic, visitation has surged by more than 50%. People travel from all over the state, the country, and the world for the rivers, trails, forests, and open spaces that make Chaffee County unique.
 

This growing popularity comes with challenges. Nationally, Forest Service and BLM staffing has decreased by 30%, and locally, the Salida Ranger District has only filled 2 of 9 recreation positions. Seasonal crews, who handle most of the maintenance backlog, are harder to field than ever. Our land managers are stretched thin, and the pressure on our trails, rivers, and forests continues to increase.

In 2025, leadership from the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), Central Colorado Conservancy (CCC), Buena Vista Singletack Coalition (BVSC), and Friends of BV River Park (BVRP) came together to try to find a solution to support organizations working on public lands in Chaffee County. These groups work tirelessly to protect the river, maintain trails, enhance wildlife habitat, keep ranchlands ranching, and create outdoor opportunities that benefit both residents and visitors. The 1% program works to fill the gap left by shrinking federal resources.

Tourism Benefits from Healthy Public Lands — and Can Help Protect Them

The outdoor experiences that attract visitors and fuel local businesses depend on healthy, well-maintained landscapes. When trails erode, campsites overflow, and riverbanks degrade, the visitor experience suffers, and so does our economy. Protecting these resources is not just an environmental priority; it’s a business
imperative.

That’s why we’ve created the 1% for the Outdoors Chaffee County program: a simple, powerful way for businesses to invest in the future of the places that sustain us. By adding a voluntary 1% donation to services like retail, dining, attractions, or lodging, businesses can help fund the work that keeps our public lands thriving. Every small contribution from visitors through this program strengthens the local economy, maintaining the outdoor experiences that keep them coming back, and the outdoor experience that makes us thankful to call the valley home.