U.S. Forest Service-Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests

06/11/2026

Join Our Blue Lakes Fee Proposal Virtual Public Meeting June 15.

Have questions about the proposed recreation fees for the Blue Lakes area? Join our virtual public meeting to learn more about the proposal, understand why it’s being considered and ask questions.

Virtual Public Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83517377262

Public comment is open through Aug. 31.

06/03/2026

Forest Service employees with Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests participated in a two-day conservation learning experience with Collbran Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center students and the Society of American Foresters.

The GMUG’s Grand Valley Ranger District supported Collbran Job Corps by hosting the event and leading hands-on field work at the district’s winter pasture, where students helped remove invasive plant species.

The learning experience gave students time in the field to build environmental literacy, explore local ecosystems and see firsthand how conservation work supports healthy forests, while also offering practical exposure to the on the ground stewardship skills that can guide future conservation focused careers.

(Forest Service photos by Kerry Lucas and Cristina Newton)

06/02/2026

Enjoy offline maps, safety alerts and the most complete collection of Forest Service recreation sites and trails ever released—all in one easy-to-use app. Download the National Forests & Grasslands app, explore your favorite trails. https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/maps/mobile-app

06/01/2026

*Protecting the Mount Sneffels Wilderness*

New forest order is now in effect to help preserve natural resources, wildlife, and the area’s unique wilderness character. These measures include limits on group size, camping, campfires, waste disposal, dog control and more to reduce impacts in this high use destination.

These new changes are the next step in a larger effort to address overcrowding and resulting impacts in the Blue Lakes area within Mount Sneffels Wilderness.

See order details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/alerts/mount-sneffels-wilderness-occupancy-and-use
See Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan updates here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/blue-lakes-visitor-use-management-plan-updates

06/01/2026

The U.S. Forest Service-Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests announce a proposed recreation fee structure for the Blue Lakes area. These fees will help fund trail maintenance, restrooms and resource protection.

Public comment period opens June 1 — your voice matters!

See full details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/blue-lakes-visitor-use-management-plan-updates

05/29/2026

The Lost Canyon Fire is contained and controlled as of May 28 at 2 p.m. Firefighters will continue mop-up operations over the coming days. This phase is an important part of our active wildfire response, ensuring the fire area is secured and conditions are safe for firefighters and the public.

05/28/2026

(See page for latest update)The Lost Canyon Fire was contained as of 6 p.m. on May 27th . Firefighters remain on scene to continue mop-up operations. This phase is an important part of our active wildfire response, ensuring the fire area is secured and conditions are safe for firefighters and the public.
Gunnison County Emergency Management West Slope Fire Info

05/26/2026

GMUG National Forests, in coordination with Gunnison County, are actively suppressing the Lost Canyon Fire, located approximately seven miles northeast of Almont near the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area.

The fire was reported at around 3 p.m. on May 25 and has been mapped at approximately 8 acres. Smoke may be visible from the Gunnison Highlands area.

Due to the fire’s remote location and limited access, two large air tankers were deployed to drop retardant and slow the fire’s progression while ground personnel worked to reach the incident. A 20-person crew, eight smokejumpers and a Type 3 helicopter are now assigned to the fire and will continue suppression efforts in the coming days.

The Forest Service and partners are engaging the Lost Canyon Fire with a full suppression strategy. The coordinated response to this remote area will require significant resources to extinguish the fire. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

Gunnison County Emergency Management

05/20/2026

U.S. Forest Service announced an additional 2026 recreation fee-free day on June 6 in celebration of , providing no cost use of all standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands.

Find a local National Trails Day event and join the nationwide movement here: https://americanhiking.org/national-trails.../find-an-event/

Today, the U.S. Forest Service announced an additional 2026 recreation fee-free day on June 6 in celebration of , providing no cost use of all standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands.

"For National Trails Day in 2025, Forest Service trail managers, partners, and volunteers hosted 80 events, including 54 stewardship projects, engaging with more than 3,100 volunteers who maintained 173 miles of trail,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “We hope those who love Forest Service trails will join us at the trailhead on June 6, whether it’s volunteering to build new trails, pick up trash near a trailhead, participating in a nature walk, or taking advantage of the fee-free day benefits.”

Find a local National Trails Day event and join the nationwide movement here: https://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/find-an-event/

04/30/2026