The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Program will support building relationships on public lands
By Aimee Eaton
After a few too many years watching the area backcountry being loved to death, the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival decided to take a stand—a friendly stand armed by volunteers.
The initiative, Mountain Manners, quickly turned into its own program, and today Mountain Manners is busy training a group of volunteers to act as ambassadors for the upper valley’s backcountry areas and trails.
“Mountain Manners aims to initiate friendly interactions with land users on the busiest trails in the Gunnison Valley throughout the summer,” said Gillian Rossi, campaign coordinator for the program. “[Volunteers] are trained in Leave No Trace, Authority of the Resource, and basic interpretive skills. They will have maps, sunscreen, jelly beans, kazoos, doggie bags, and additional fun ‘swag’ items to hand out while encouraging users to practice low-impact recreation.”
Like all programs, friendly or not, Mountain Manners requires money to operate, purchase all that swag, and pay its staff. That need has put program manager Sue Wallace in the position of going before potential partnering bodies to request funds. Last week, for the second time, Wallace was before the Mt. Crested Butte Town Council requesting $7,000. Her first meeting had brought a request for a more detailed budget and increased information about the program.
“I think last time I was in here and mentioned giving out water bottles—you guys thought I meant those little plastic throw-away bottles,” said Wallace as she brandished a bright yellow water bottle like those often seen in road bike cages. “No way would that happen! We’re handing out these guys: reusable, designed to cut down on trash.”
According to Wallace, the 2017 budget for the program is $40,689, of which about $36,000 would be spent on staffing and operations. She was asking for $7,000 from the council.
After hearing the budget explained, Mt. Crested Butte mayor Todd Barnes told Wallace he had some concerns over the amount allocated for staffing. Wallace responded by noting that while Mountain Manners does need money to keep the lights on and support staff, it would be possible to funnel any support to specific line-items. Barnes then asked if it was $7,000 or nothing.
“We would be happy for any amount,” said Wallace.
Town manager Joe Fitzpatrick then reminded the council that any amount given to Mountain Manners would be taken from the general fund, which would eventually come out of the capital fund.
“How about $1,500, and we see where it goes,” said Barnes to Wallace.
Wallace confirmed that $1,500 sounded great, and that she would be back before the council soon with program updates.
