In 2017, 1% for Open Space awarded the Crested Butte Conservation Corp $15,000 to begin their stewardship efforts in the Gunnison Valley. In 2019, after seeing their measurable metrics of impacts in the valley, 1% for Open Space decided to grant the Crested Butte Conservation Corp (CBCC) $5,000 each year for five years. This is the first time 1% for Open Space has decided to grant money over the course of multiple years but the format of this grant benefits both organizations and if more beneficial financially.
The Crested Butte Conservation Corp consists of crews working on the ground to help mitigate the impacts of increased visitation in the Gunnison Valley. While clearing trails, improving the sustainability of trails and removing trash from the backcountry is a huge part of what the CBCC does, they are also helping mitigate dispersed camping, improper traffic and parking and serving as a response team for urgent situations that leave large negative impacts on the backcountry. The CBCC has risen out of increased visitation to the area causing harmful effects to the land, ecosystems, watershed and trails. The CBCC has measurable metrics on their success, pulling over 1500 lbs of trash out of the backcountry and counting over 1400 human interactions i just their first summer alone. To find out more about the Crested Butte Conservation Corp visit their website.