Initiatives
Winter Use Data Collection Initiative
DCI
Coming upon its eighth winter season, EMBA has teamed up with the Western Colorado University, Master in Environmental Management (MEM) Program to provide funding for graduate students to collect recreational user data in the backcountry of the Gunnison Valley. We have raised $27,300 over eight years for this program via matching donations, individuals and other organizations, and generous grants from the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley (CFGV) and the Town of Crested Butte.
Outdoor Recreation Plan
ORP
Gunnison National Forest offers unlimited year-round recreational opportunities!
Learn more about the history of travel management to get up to speed on how we got to where we are, and why it may be time to revisit some policies based on current use.
NEW INITIATIVE
Backcountry Summer Use & Trailhead Access
We’re launching an initiative focused on backcountry vehicle traffic and trailhead access in the North Valley. Our goal is to gather input, understand the issues from all perspectives, and begin identifying strategies that protect the backcountry experience while supporting our local economy.
We believe it’s time to start the conversation—and lead the way toward thoughtful, community-driven solutions.
We’re kicking things off with a Backcountry Summer Survey. It’s a quick and simple way to share your experiences, ideas, and concerns. Your input will help shape the direction of this initiative and inform future advocacy efforts.
GORP
The Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act
Based on recommendations from the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative (GPLI) and grounded in an extensive multi-year community vetting process, groundbreaking public lands legislation – the Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act (the “GORP Act”) – was introduced by Senator Michael Bennet, Senator John Hickenlooper, and Representative Jeff Hurd on May 15, 2025.
Acknowledgment of Support
Our initiatives are made possible through the generous support of our grantors and community. We gratefully acknowledge the Town of Crested Butte, Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, the Town of Mt. Crested Butte’s Community Grant Program, and our individual donors.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Elk Mountains Backcountry Alliance (EMBA) relies on your support to protect, promote, and enhance human-powered recreation in the Gunnison Valley. Your contributions help us steward the backcountry for current and future generations. Thank you for being part of this important work.