Montelores Coalition to Host Public Review of Outdoor Plan Tomorrow in Rico

The Montelores Coalition will invite residents, land managers and stakeholders to review a draft Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Plan at a public meeting planned for Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 6 00 to 7 30 p m at Rico Town Hall. The coalition, funded by a Colorado Parks and Wildlife grant, is developing the draft to guide recreation and conservation priorities across Montezuma and Dolores counties. Attendees will be able to ask questions and submit public comments, and meeting materials note options for remote participation for those who cannot attend in person.

The draft plan frames how public lands will be managed for recreation while protecting natural resources and reflecting community priorities. For Dolores County residents the plan could affect trail access, camping rules, signage and enforcement, and how visitor flows are directed during peak seasons. Public input could shift priorities for maintenance, trail restoration, and conservation measures that influence both local quality of life and visitor experiences.

Outdoor access has clear public health implications. Well planned recreation areas support physical activity and mental health, and provide low cost opportunities for families and older adults to use public space. At the same time increased visitation can place strain on rural services including emergency response, sanitation, and local roads. Equitable planning can reduce such strain by directing investments to underserved neighborhoods, improving transportation links to trailheads, and ensuring that conservation measures do not disproportionately restrict access for low income residents.

The coalition says the meeting is also an opportunity to balance recreation and conservation with community needs. State grant funding gives the initiative resources to create coordinated guidance across county lines, but the plan will depend on local input to shape implementation. A draft plan and a public comment survey have been posted online for people who cannot attend the meeting in person. Residents who wish to influence how public lands and recreation are governed across Dolores County are encouraged to review the materials and participate in the discussion tomorrow.