Each summer, visitors to Colorado’s public lands enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation right at their “boot tips." With the influx of tourists on top of regular visits from residents, our public lands are experiencing consistent demands from recreational visitors. Northern Colorado public land agencies are asking visitors to embody the principles of land stewardship and share them with others.  
 

To be a land steward everyone can help:

• Protect wildlife by staying on trail and leaving animals undisturbed
• Protect the land by using official trails and not causing erosion. Download the COTREX app to view official trails.
• Protect trails by walking through mud, not around it, which widens the trail
• Keep public lands for everyone by practicing Leave No Trace principles
• Protect water systems by picking up dog waste and packing it out with you (know which public lands allow dogs on trails)

View a Trail Stewardship infographic for more detailed tips.
 

How to stay safe during summer recreation:

• Always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when on the open water
• Keep safety equipment on your vessel at all times
• Boaters: take a boating safety class, have your boat inspected for nuisance species, and have enough life jackets for everyone on board
• While on trail, identify a safety route in the event of flash flooding
• Know the regulations and fire bans in the area you are visiting
• Know where campfires are allowed on public lands and how to put them dead out

View a Summer Safety infographic for tips about water, fire, and weather safety.

These messages are part of a broader effort by eight agencies collaborating on ways to address the challenges of high visitation and a growing population in northern Colorado’s foothills and mountains. Called NoCo PLACES 2050, this collaboration is committed to sustainable solutions, equitable actions, and beneficial land management practices for the long-term conservation of public lands in Colorado and the quality of the visitor experience. Learn about NoCo PLACES 2050.