News Release

Fire Management Plan for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area

Date: September 3, 2024

MONTROSE, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) invites public input in the development of a fire management plan (FMP) and its environmental assessment (EA) for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The park’s FMP was last updated in 2006. The 2006 plan can be viewed at DataStore - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area Fire Management Plan and NEPA Documents (nps.gov).

The proposed plan would provide a framework and parkwide guidelines for the management of all wildfires, regardless of cause, size, or complexity. The plan would provide guidance on the use of prescribed fire and non-fire fuels treatments to reduce hazardous fuel loading and accomplish resource objectives. The plan would provide for fire personnel and public safety, consider the ecological benefits of wildfire, and promote communication and engagement with interested parties on fire-related activities.   

The NPS is initiating a public scoping period on September 3, 2024, extending to October 2, 2024. We invite you to participate in the planning process by providing comments. Please share your comments no later than October 2, 2024, online through the PEPC website (preferred method) at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BLCACUREFMP2024 or in writing, postmarked no later than October 2, 2024, and mailed to Superintendent, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Curecanti National Recreation Area, 102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO 81230.

Learn more about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by visiting the park   website, www.nps.gov/blca and learn more about Curecanti National Recreation Area at www.nps.gov/cure.