Pitkin County approves management plan for Maroon Bells

Pitkin County commissioners have unanimously approved a special-use permit and the creation of an enterprise fund to manage the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. This move is intended to ensure effective and sustainable management of the site, which is currently overseen by the U.S. Forest Service.

The decision aims to prevent the area from being managed by a private concessionaire, an alternative the Forest Service faces due to budget and staffing shortfalls. Under the new arrangement, the county will manage day-use areas, campgrounds, trails, and roads, while the Forest Service retains land ownership.

To support operations, the federal government will allow the county to direct all permit fees—rather than paying the standard 18% to the Forest Service—into a new fund dedicated to maintenance and infrastructure. Officials stated that while the management structure is shifting, the visitor experience is expected to remain consistent, with improvements likely through the addressing of deferred maintenance projects.