Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (ARP) recreation planners are conducting an outfitter-guide needs assessment to determine the public and agency need for commercial recreation activities across the forest.
Commercial outfitters and guides on national forests and grasslands provide specialized knowledge, skills, experience and equipment that general visitors might not otherwise possess. Outfitter-guides provide opportunities for people of all experience and skill levels to have high quality, positive outdoor recreation experiences on public lands.
We are seeking public input on the types of recreational activities and locations people consider important and appropriate for potential additional outfitter-guide services. Input from forest and grassland visitors will help planners determine what needs should be addressed in which locations and their relative priority.
The needs assessment includes input from the public, permitted outfitter-guides, outdoor retailers, recreation groups and Forest Service specialists plus an analysis of local recreation trend data.
When the needs assessment is complete, the ARP will begin assessing user capacity by specific geographic areas and finally establish priority and temporary use pools by area.
ARP will begin taking comments on Sept. 19. Comments are due by close of business Monday, Oct. 31. Comments can be submitted online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/outfitterguides or hard copy to Tammy Williams, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E, Fort Collins, CO 80526.