Public lands across the West continue to face serious pressure. The places where we hike, ride, camp, and explore are being asked to do more with less. Visitation is up, staffing is down, and decisions about how these lands are used are happening every day–and a lot of those decisions are decidedly bad.
The reality in 2026 is that there is ongoing stress on the system, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways to take action, and they matter more than ever. Durango Outdoor Exchange supports public lands and their responsible stewardship.
Public lands issues can feel vague, so here’s a quick breakdown of what’s going on:
Staffing shortages are real
Funding is not growing
More pressure from natural resource extraction
Booming recreation numbers
Here in SWCO, public lands are used by many people every day. It’s where we:
Ride after work
Head to on weekends
Ski, hike, and explore year-round
1. Support National and Local Advocacy Groups
One of the most effective ways to safeguard public lands is to support groups that work to protect them. National organizations such as the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Sierra Club advocate for the preservation of national parks through lobbying efforts, educational campaigns, and direct action. Additionally, local organizations such as the San Juan Citizens Alliance focus on the protection of areas surrounding the San Juan Mountains and Mesa Verde National Park.
These organizations often rely on donations and volunteer support, so contributing time, money, or resources can make a real difference. These groups also offer a way to stay informed about upcoming legislation and calls to action, so you can lend your voice to important debates at the local and national levels.
2. Participate in Volunteer Programs
National parks and public lands frequently offer volunteer opportunities that help maintain trails, conduct environmental research, and educate the public about conservation. For example, San Juan National Forest provides a variety of volunteer programs where individuals can contribute to the preservation of ecosystems, support park staff, and engage with the community.
In addition to official park-sponsored programs, local conservation efforts often rely on volunteers for activities such as trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and litter clean-up. By donating time and energy to these efforts, you can directly improve the health of public lands and ensure that they remain accessible and enjoyable for future generations.
3. Advocate for Public Lands Legislation
While budget cuts may restrict funding for national parks and public lands, public support can still influence government decisions. Advocacy plays a key role in reversing or preventing harmful policies. Stay informed about proposed budget changes, land use decisions, and conservation laws. Contact your local elected officials, sign petitions, and join public comment periods to voice your concern about preserving public lands.
4. Practice Responsible Recreation
While advocacy and volunteering are essential, how you use public lands matters too. Responsible recreation means following Leave No Trace principles, staying on marked trails, packing out all trash, and minimizing your impact on the environment. In Durango, outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and rafting are popular, but these activities can harm delicate ecosystems. In short, keep in mind that your favorite trail or campsite may not see the maintenance and upkeep it usually does. Pitch in and help out.
5. Support Sustainable Businesses and Eco-Tourism
Our economy, like many other towns near public lands, is closely tied to tourism. Supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism can help protect public lands. Choose responsibly when you spend your money, whether it’s here in Durango or when you are road tripping.
These are scary times–let’s help each other out. Have a question about how? Looking for the latest news on spring and summer backcountry permits? Spend your allowance on supporting a local public lands non-profit but still need a light puffy for those cool mornings? Durango Outdoor Exchange is here to help.
For many hikers, summiting one of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks is a lifetime achievement. Others make it their entire personality, working for years and even decades to climb all of them. Some make a goal of climbing them all in a single season while others try to ski them all.
Summer is here, and Durango and the rest of Southwest Colorado and the greater Four Corners is your playground. Accessible just a short drive from Durango is everything from low-desert rivers to high-alpine tundra, and there’s just about everything in between. If you’re into outdoor rec, this is the spot for you, and Durango Outdoor Exchange is here to help make it happen.
This is your ultimate field guide to outdoor recreation and the gear you need for a summer in and around Durango. In it you’ll find a rundown of local recreational opportunities and the gear each sport requires, plus recommendations for staying safe and dry.
Overheating in the outdoors can be more than an annoyance—it can be dangerous.
From heat exhaustion to heatstroke, overheating can damage organs, leave you hobbled, cause disorientation, and worse. With summer here, it’s time to learn which gear can help you stay cool.
We see firsthand how proper gear helps people stay cool, comfortable, and safe in the outdoors. If you’re planning to hike, bike, paddle, camp, or explore this summer, here are some of the best types of gear to help keep things comfy.