U.S. Forest Service-Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests

09/05/2026

Bear activity is high across Colorado, including throughout the GMUG National Forests. Whether you’re heading out on a trail or settling in at a campsite, knowing what to do in bear country keeps everyone safe.

Hiking in Bear Country:
• Stay alert and avoid wearing headphones
• Make plenty of noise, especially near blind corners
• Hike in groups and keep children close
• Keep dogs leashed
• Carry bear spray where it’s easy to reach
• If you see a bear: do not run; face the bear and back away slowly while talking calmly; give it space and never block its travel route
• If you see a cub alone, do not approach — an adult bear may be nearby

Camping in Bear Country:
• Keep a clean campsite
• Store food, trash, coolers, and scented items in bear resistant containers or lockers
• Never store food or toiletries in tents
• Cook and clean away from sleeping areas
• Do not store garbage at camp site. Use designated bear-resistant dumpster.
• Never leave food unattended

Visit the Forest Service’s “Be Bear Aware” page for more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/bears

09/04/2026

We are now recruiting for a GS-11/12 Heritage Program Manager/Archeologist to join our team in Delta, Colorado! The vacancy announcement can be found below and is open to the public. It closes on Wednesday, September 9, so act quick and don’t miss your opportunity to apply.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/883344800?fromemail=true

09/02/2026

*Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Rescind Stage 1 Fire Restrictions*

(Delta, CO, Sept. 02, 2026) — All lands managed by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests will rescind Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning September 3 at 12:01 a.m., restoring conditions to unrestricted fire use.

Recent precipitation and improved fuel moisture levels across the forest have reduced overall fire danger, allowing fire managers to lift restrictions. While conditions have improved, fire personnel emphasize that wildfire risk is never fully eliminated.

“This has been a busy fire season. Thank you to all our visitors and local communities for respecting the restrictions during these months of elevated fire danger,” said Chad Stewart, GMUG National Forests’ Forest Supervisor. “As we rescind Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, we encourage everyone to remain attentive when recreating. Responsible fire practices protect both people and the landscape we all value.”

With restrictions lifted, campfires are once again allowed outside developed campgrounds and recreation sites. However, neighboring federal, state and local jurisdictions may still have restrictions in place. Visitors should verify current rules for the specific area they plan to visit before engaging in any activities involving fire or other ignition sources.

Fire managers remind forest visitors to continue practicing safe fire habits, especially in areas with dry vegetation or heavy dead and downed trees. Wildfire prevention practices include:
• Never leaving a campfire unattended.
• Using designated fire rings or established fire sites whenever possible.
• Clearing flammable materials around campfire areas.
• Fully extinguishing campfires using the “drown‑stir-drown‑feel” method until cool to the touch.

Even accidental ignitions can result in civil or criminal penalties. Learn more about campfire safety at www.smokeybear.com.

For updates on fire conditions, recreation information, and forest alerts, visit the official GMUG website or follow us on Facebook.

08/31/2026

High bear activity means proper food storage is more important than ever. Bears have an incredible sense of smell — and they remember where they found food. Please help us keep bears wild and visitors safe.

How You Can Help:
• Use bear-resistant lockers and dumpsters
• Store all food, trash, toiletries, coolers, and anything scented properly
• Keep a clean campsite
• Never leave food unattended or store food or toiletries in tents
• Pack out all trash if no bear-resistant dumpster is available

Your actions reduce the chances of bears becoming food-conditioned. Visit the Forest Service’s “Be Bear Aware” page for more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/bears

08/31/2026

LAST CHANCE TO COMMENT - DEADLINE TODAY, Aug. 31.
Don’t miss your chance to weigh in on the proposed Blue Lakes recreation fees.

Fee proposal details and Instructions for providing comment found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/blue-lakes-visitor-use-management-plan-updates

08/28/2026

Bear activity is high across Colorado this season, including in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests. When you’re out enjoying the forest, remember you’re in bear country.

Stay Safe:
• Do not run if you see a bear
• Remain calm and back away slowly while facing the bear
• Make yourself look large and use loud noises if the bear continues to approach
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Hike in groups and keep children and dogs close

Being prepared keeps both you and wildlife safe. Visit the Forest Service’s “Be Bear Aware” page for more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/bears

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

Fire Update – Gold Mountain Fire
Friday, August 28, 2026 – 8:00 a.m.

Crawford Incident Management Team Type 3
Incident Commanders Colby Crawford and Theo Engel (trainee)

Information Phone: 970-355-3286
Email: [email protected]

Size: 39,734 acres | Containment: 87% | Cause: Undetermined | Start Date: June 27, 2026 @ 5:33 p.m. | Location: Approx. 2 miles NE of Ouray, CO | Total Personnel: 88

Current Situation: Fire managers are continuing to utilize real-time flight imagery to actively monitor fire behavior near Cimarron Ridge to maintain situational awareness and ensure the perimeter remains secure. The flight showed increased fire activity, but it remains inside the fire perimeter and is not a concern. Because of this activity, residents in Montrose, Colorado and surrounding areas may have noticed more visible smoke yesterday.

On the ground, firefighters successfully located and extinguished hot spots in the Middle Fork of the Cimarron. Firefighters continue to monitor and patrol containment lines, watching closely for any active heat that could threaten the secure perimeter.

A Multi Mission Reconnaissance Aircraft (MMR) conducted an aerial flight over the fire area. These specialized aircraft use infrared sensors to detect heat and collect high resolution imagery that helps fire managers monitor conditions and plan operations. This real-time data is used to update operational maps and provide fire managers with the information they need to direct ground crews.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Daily thunderstorms are expected for the next several days, but they should become less widespread by Friday. The south side of the fire is most likely to get meaningful rainfall. Winds will stay mostly light and follow the terrain, but any nearby thunderstorms could produce sudden, strong, and unpredictable gusts. Toward the weekend, the weather pattern will shift toward cooler temperatures.

For More Information:
Information Phone: 970-355-3286
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldMountainFire
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/cogmf-gold-mountain-fire

Photo of smoke column from interior burning yesterday on the Middle Fork, courtesy of the Gold Mountain Fire.

08/27/2026

LAST CHANCE TO COMMENT - DEADLINE Aug. 31

Don’t miss your chance to weigh in on the proposed Blue Lakes recreation fees.

Fee proposal details and Instructions for providing comment found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/blue-lakes-visitor-use-management-plan-updates