Colorado's Unsung Heroes of Search-and-Rescue Receive a Funding Increase for the First Time in 35 Years - SnowBrains

"After months of talks, negotiation, and legislation, Colorado's nearly 50 search-and-rescue teams will officially benefit from a 400% fee increase, helping support the volunteers who work selflessly to save others. Often overlooked, search-and-rescue teams are imperative in saving lost, injured, or stranded people, helping with avalanche response, and providing medical care in remote areas. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in Colorado, 72% of the population participates in at least one outdoor recreational activity once every week."

"For the past 35 years, a $0.25 surcharge has been added onto most wildlife licenses and registrations, like boats, snowmobiles, and other off-road vehicle permits. This small fee helped reimburse approximately 2,500 BSAR volunteers in Colorado who selflessly spend millions of dollars in total annually to help fund trainings and equipment to provide the best service possible, free of charge, in Colorado's relentless backcountry."

"The long-awaited surcharge fee increase is the first of its kind since the original $0.25 fee was introduced in 1987. After the 400% increase to $1.25 is instituted, the fee will only be adjusted to inflation, increase or decrease. While the number of rescue calls has significantly risen every year, the number of volunteers in Colorado BSAR teams has decreased over time, leading to this necessary fee uptick."

Colorado implemented a 400% increase to a longstanding wildlife license surcharge, raising the fee from $0.25 to $1.25 and tying future adjustments to inflation. The surcharge supports nearly 50 backcountry search-and-rescue (BSAR) teams and roughly 2,500 volunteers who perform rescues, avalanche response, and remote medical care. Colorado’s high outdoor recreation participation—72% weekly—drives demand for rescue services even as volunteer numbers decline. The previous surcharge generated $200,000–$500,000 annually and lagged behind rising rescue calls. The increased revenue is expected to fund more rigorous training, modern equipment, vehicles, and communications for volunteer teams.

Read at SnowBrains