DENVER — A new study from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) shows how costly it can be to conduct search and rescue operations in the backcountry, and identifies the needs of those who provide those services.
The study, which CPW was directed to conduct with the passage of legislation in 2021, found backcountry search and rescue (BSAR) teams in Colorado respond to about 3,600 calls every year-- more than any other state.
The missions rely heavily on volunteers, according to the report. The study found out about 2,800 people give a total of 500,000 hours of their time each year.
Those volunteers each spend an average of more than $1,500 out of their own pockets every year on equipment, fuel, and other expenses to respond to incidents, the report says, at a total cost of around $4.4 million dollars.
The report says the value of direct costs and donated time from volunteers is estimated at $21 million a year, and recommends seeking additional funding from the state and other sources to support BSAR teams.
It also recommends providing mental health services for team members, who are often exposed to traumatic events.
“Coloradans love our mountains and open spaces, but increasing backcountry visitation is, unfortunately, pushing the volunteer responders to their limits and outpacing available funding,” Colorado Search and Rescue Association Director Jeff Sparhawk said. “This study is incredibly valuable because it allows us to be proactive and look to the future to create a more sustainable system for all of Colorado.”
CPW said the results of the study will quote "fundamentally change" how they support backcountry search and rescue operations in the future.
"If swift and strong measures are taken to reinforce BSAR today, we can ensure that these essential services sustain and continue to be available to anyone who visits Colorado’s backcountry," the report concludes.
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