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BLM plans to charge fees in Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area to improve recreation, protect natural resources

Colorado
Upper Colorado River DO
Grand Junction FO
Southwest DO
Uncompahgre FO
Media Contact
Heather S. Marsh
970-852-9272
Photo of campsite at Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area with picnic bench
A campsite in Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. (BLM photo)

 

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Today, the Bureau of Land Management published a Federal Register Notice announcing a plan to charge fees at campsites in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. BLM will use the profits to pay for maintenance and improvements at current and future sites. The national conservation area spans Delta, Mesa and Montrose Counties.

“We will use the fees we collect in the NCA to directly manage resources in that area,” said Zack Kelley, acting Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area Manager. “Revenues will help us maintain public facilities and services; replace aging infrastructure; protect natural resources; improve visitor health and safety; and develop new recreational opportunities.”

BLM will charge expanded amenity fees at existing and future Big Dominguez and Potholes campsites and special area fees at Gunnison River Special Recreation Management Area campsites. Day-use areas and dispersed camping areas will remain free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

BLM Colorado Northwest and Southwest Resource Advisory Councils met March 30, 2023, at a combined RAC meeting where they discussed fee proposals. The councils approved the fee proposal in a joint meeting May 02, 2024, using the Western U.S. Consumer Price Index to determine fees.

BLM will not start charging new fees until at least six months from today. Field offices will inform the public before collecting fees.

Planned Fees:

  • Expanded Amenity Fees -- $20 per night for single campsites (up to two vehicles), $20 per night for large capacity campsites plus an additional $10 for each vehicle beyond the first two
  • Special Area Fees -- $20 per night for small groups (1-5 participants), $50 per night for medium groups (6-14 participants), and $100 per night for large groups (15-25 participants)
  • Discounts: Interagency Senior Pass and Interagency Access Pass holders may receive a 50% discount on expanded amenity fees

The complete Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area Business Plan, with detailed fees, locations and maps, is available on the BLM website. 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.