Backcountry
After months of talks, negotiation, and legislation, Colorado’s nearly 50 search-and-rescue teams will officially benefit from a 400% fee increase, helping support the volunteers who work selflessly to save others. Often overlooked, search-and-rescue teams are imperative in saving lost, injured, or stranded people, helping with avalanche response, and providing medical care in remote areas. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in Colorado, 72% of the population participates in at least one outdoor recreational activity once every week. This is a significant number as it demonstrates how Colorado has one of the highest outdoor recreation participation rates in America, demonstrating its need for a strong community of backcountry search-and-rescue, or BSAR teams. For the past 35 years, a $0.25 surcharge has been added onto most wildlife licenses and registrations, like boats, snowmobiles, and other off-road vehicle permits. This small fee helped reimburse approximately 2,500 BSAR volunteers in Colorado who selflessly spend millions of dollars in total annually to help fund trainings and equipment to provide the best service possible, free of charge, in Colorado’s relentless backcountry.
The long-awaited surcharge fee increase is the first of its kind since the original $0.25 fee was introduced in 1987. After the 400% increase to $1.25 is instituted, the fee will only be adjusted to inflation, increase or decrease. While the number of rescue calls has significantly risen every year, the number of volunteers in Colorado BSAR teams has decreased over time, leading to this necessary fee uptick. The surcharge currently generates between $200,000-$500,000 annually, but has fallen behind the increase in rescue calls over the past few years. Increasing the fee allows for more rigorous training, modern equipment, better vehicles, communication systems, and more for BSAR volunteers. It is estimated that the new surcharge will deliver a much-needed $2 million annually to the Colorado BSAR teams. The volunteer teams can also be helped by donations from the public, on top of the surcharge fee.
Over the past ten years, Colorado has seen a steady population growth, with a net increase of around 500,000. This population increase has led to many more calls for help, around 3,000 calls per year, according to Colorado Search-and-Rescue themselves. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (CPW) decided on this necessary increase during its meeting in November 2025. As climate change is becoming increasingly prevalent year after year, unpredictable storms both during the summer and winter, along with significant heat waves during the summer, can lead to dangerous environments for both beginner and expert outdoor seekers alike. Every Colorado BSAR team rescue is free of charge, unless medical aid is necessary with an air or land ambulance, something truly heroic. While this fee is a landmark in respect to it being the first surcharge increase in over 35 years, all in all, it is only a one-dollar increase. The increase will be implemented in the new year on January 1, 2026, in an effort to help Colorado BSAR teams to effectively help their communities.
Ever since the creation of Colorado BSAR teams, the volunteers have pushed aside the inconveniences surrounding the job, like untimely calls, dangerous missions, and very little support, both financially and mentally. However, this monumental increase will help revolutionize rescues, and with more funding comes safer rescues and more prepared volunteers. This shows Colorado as a state’s overall commitment to protecting its citizens and tourists, something that is often overlooked in the outdoorsy state. No other state has as dedicated SAR volunteer teams that work between counties in order to ensure the safety of all individuals. The increase in surcharge fee, while small, will play a substantial role in the safety of everyone in Colorado in the years to come.
