MetRec’s support is appreciated

Editor:

Many thanks to the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec) from the Elk Mountains Backcountry Alliance (EMBA). MetRec recently granted EMBA money to help fund Western Colorado University’s Data Collection Initiative next winter.

For the past 10 years, WCU grad students have been tracking the number and type of recreationists at trailheads in the Upper East River Valley throughout the winter. Their research has identified which valleys are used by different types of recreationists: skiers, snowmobilers, hybrid users, fat bikers, dog walkers, snowshoers, etc. This data will be invaluable when land managers, user groups and the community get together to forge a winter travel management plan. 

The grant from MetRec will allow an eleventh season of data collection, continuing this important study through the spring of 2027. EMBA appreciates MetRec’s generosity and its support of science and recreation throughout our community.

Laura Martineau

Elk Mountain Backcountry Alliance board of directors