Public invited to weigh in on planning effort to manage Maroon Bells visitation

Development of Comprehensive Recreation Management Plan continues with Dec. 7 workshop

PITKIN COUNTY, COLO. (November 29, 2022) – The public is invited to participate in a workshop on Wednesday, December 7 in Aspen to provide input and hear about progress made on the development of the Maroon Bells Comprehensive Recreation Management Plan.

The planning effort was launched in February 2022 to address challenges posed by increased visitation to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, located 10 miles west of Aspen. Challenges include maintaining a quality visitor experience while minimizing impacts to natural resources.

“Over the last ten years, there have been more visitors to the Maroon Bells. We saw visitation peak just before the COVID-19 pandemic and it has been rebounding since. Also, many more people are accessing the Bells with electric bikes. These additional impacts require a management plan with a robust public planning process,” said Brian Pettet, Public Works Director for Pitkin County.

Pitkin County, the City of Aspen, the White River National Forest, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Aspen Skiing Company, and the Aspen Chamber Resort Association are partnering on the development of the plan. With the public’s input, the plan aims to identify sustainable levels of access to and recreation in the Scenic Area while accounting for local economic and other community impacts. All modes of transportation and types of access are being considered as part of the planning process.

”We’re about halfway through the planning effort and we are starting to develop some alternatives for managing the area, so it’s important the public stay involved in what will become the final recreational plan,” said Kevin Warner, White River National Forest Aspen-Sopris District Ranger.

The public is invited to stop by anytime between 5 and 7 PM on Wednesday, December 7 at the Pitkin County Building at 530 E. Main St. in Aspen. Hear about progress made on the plan over the past six months and provide input on initial findings and recommendations for the future of the Maroon Bells.

Media Contacts:
Pitkin County: Brian Pettet, 970-920-5392
White River National Forest: Shelly Grail, 970-404-3155
Aspen Ski Company: Jeff Hanle, 970-300-7022
Aspen Chamber Resort Association: Maureen Poschman, 970-948-3176