Our Mission
Colorado Canyons Association fosters community stewardship, education, and awareness of our National Conservation Lands with a focus on McInnis Canyons, Dominguez-Escalante, and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Areas (NCAs) in western Colorado.
The NATIONAL CONSERVATION LANDS
The National Conservation Lands are 31 million acres of our most ecologically rich and culturally significant lands—open to all—managed by the Bureau of Land Management. These places, mostly large and pristine landscapes, are found throughout the West, Alaska and even extend to the East Coast. America’s newest collection of protected public lands and waterways stands alongside our national parks and wildlife refuges as guardians of America’s heritage and drivers of the nation’s $646 billion outdoor recreation economy.
Freedom, Discovery & Beauty
The National Conservation Lands include National Monuments and National Conservation Areas (NCAs), Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Scenic and Historic Trails. These nationally significant lands embody freedom, discovery and unique outdoor experiences. Colorado Canyons Association focuses on the three National Conservation Areas (NCAs) in western Colorado: McInnis Canyons, Dominguez-Escalante, and the Gunnison Gorge. These NCAs are a part of the larger system of National Conservation Lands. Of the 17 NCAs in this system, three are in western Colorado within an hour’s drive of one another!
Whether rafting through Ruby and Horsethief Canyons in the McInnis Canyons NCA, exploring the abundant rock art sites in the Dominguez-Escalante NCA, or fly-fishing the Gold Medal waters within of the Gunnison Gorge NCA, the recreational opportunities afforded by the National Conservation Lands are unmatched—and they support the tourism and recreation economies of many rural Western communities.
Threats
The lands, rivers and trails within the National Conservation Lands have been designated for protection, but they are also incredibly vulnerable. They are subject to looting, vandalism and neglect from underfunding. Together, we can reduce these threats with on-the-ground work, partnerships and advocacy. CCA is a leader in protecting National Conservation Lands nation wide. You can learn more about how to recreate responsibly here.