A volunteer group promoting quality of life, and the
environment of the Lower Blue River Valley.
The Friends of the Lower Blue River are dedicated to sustaining and protecting the traditional agricultural character, promoting the safety of the residents, livestock and wildlife, and maintaining the environmental integrity of the Lower Blue River Valley through education, collaboration and community involvement.
To sustain and protect the traditional agricultural character, promote the safety of the residents, livestock and wildlife, and maintain the environmental integrity of the Lower Blue River Valley through education, collaboration and community involvement.
Friends of the Lower Blue River is committed to preserving the rich history of the Blue River Valley. Through grant support from the Summit Foundation, we have created this interactive tool that documents and takes you to key points of interest in the Valley. You will see photographs and read about those who came before us. Those who settled this pristine area of Summit and Grand Counties in the 1800’s and the relevance those sites have today. FOLBR invites you to take this journey on our website and discover the treasure, that truly is the Lower Blue River Valley.
Click Here to see History Story MapTo manage and protect the biological integrity of the Lower Blue River, Friends of the Lower Blue River is proposing a 10-year pilot permit system to regulate and allocate float angling trips on the River. The plan is designed by locals, for locals, shaped by a community-based research framework, and best practices in watershed sciences.
Friends of the Lower Blue River (FOLBR) recognizes there has been significant public conversation surrounding the Lower Blue River Management Plan and the possibility of a future permit system. We welcome that dialogue — because everyone who loves this river shares a common goal: keeping it healthy, accessible, and sustainable for generations to come. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about the Lower Blue River Management Plan.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is FOLBR’s role?
Friends of the Lower Blue River is serving as a facilitator in this process, fostering open dialogue among community members in alignment with its mission. The organization is not a decision-making body. The proposed pilot permit system is intended to provide an opportunity for feedback and evaluation, allowing the community to determine what approaches are most effective and what adjustments may be needed before any long-term decisions are made.
Why consider a permit system?
Recreational use on the Lower Blue River has increased significantly over the past decade, especially on peak days. With that growth come challenges — erosion, litter, user conflicts, habitat strain, and pressure on private land crossings. When too many boats are on the water at once, it can also weaken fish populations and the river’s long-term health.
Similar to other Colorado rivers that have implemented thoughtful management systems, Friends of the Lower Blue River (FOLBR) is exploring a community-informed pilot permit approach to help protect both the river and the experience it provides. The goal isn’t to limit access — it’s to keep the river healthy and enjoyable for everyone, now and into the future.
At this stage, no decisions have been made. FOLBR is gathering community input and reviewing research to better understand what type of management, if any, would best serve the Lower Blue. We invite residents, recreation users, and partners to share their perspectives as we work together to preserve this shared resource.
What do we know about current river use?
Friends of the Lower Blue River (FOLBR) requested data from Blue Valley Ranch on annual river use to help inform ongoing discussions around river management and access. That information is now publicly available on our website, within the “Lower Blue River Management Plan” page under the “Relevant Documents.”
https://www.folbr.org/management-plan
What Are the Next Steps for the Stakeholder Group?
The stakeholder group includes representatives from Summit County, the Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Blue Valley Ranch, and community organizations such as Friends of the Lower Blue River (FOLBR). Together, we’re reviewing data, visitor patterns, ecological conditions, and community feedback to help guide the possibility of a pilot management phase in the coming years.
Transparency and inclusion remain central to this effort. All related materials — including the 2008 Management Plan, recreational use data, and fishery analyses — are available to the public on the FOLBR website.
Why are there security cameras?
The security systems on private ranch lands are in place to support public safety, protect property boundaries, monitor wildlife, and prevent trespassing — all concerns that have grown alongside increased recreational use. They are managed in accordance with privacy standards and are intended to balance public access with responsible land stewardship.
The Summit County Outdoor Coalition (SCOC) is part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Regional Partnership Initiative funded by CPW and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). BRWG in partnership with FOLBR and Summit County Sustainability, seek to address a range of access and environmental issues facing our community as we strive to balance the health of our natural resources with outdoor recreation through this coalition.
SCOC has completed its Charter and Organizational Guidelines and is preparing to conduct a Community Needs Assesment of partners in our community to determine the best path forward for research and outreach. Together with local organizations and alongside other coalitions, the Summit County Outdoor Coalition joins a statewide initiative working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife thrive while also providing for equitable and quality outdoor recreation experiences.
