Over two dozen globally and statewide threatened plant and animal species can be found in Gunnison County. These species include the Colorado River cutthroat trout, Gunnison milkvetch, the willow carr, the boreal toad, and the Canada lynx. Gunnison County is also home to the Gunnison sage-grouse, which is listed as ‘Threatened’ under the Endangered Species Act. For species with small populations, the remaining individual plant and animals become increasingly important.

FROM SAGEBRUSH TO HIGH PEAKS.

Most of the protected lands in Gunnison County, like most of the protected lands in the United States, are located at high elevations. While high elevations provide breathtaking views and superb recreation, mid and lower elevations are much more ecologically diverse and important to protect for species populations.

Broadening the elevational range of protected lands ensures that a greater number of species are conserved. In Gunnison County, some of our most vulnerable species and habitats are found in the sagebrush ecosystem, an ecosystem that is very poorly protected nationally. Big game are also found at lower elevations, so protecting mid-elevation habits like sagebrush and aspen benefits not only our most threatened plants and animals, but also our hunting resources.