The Journal

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is expanding the Check-Out Colorado State Parks Program from public libraries to Colorado’s publicly funded college and university libraries in 2017. Starting April 1, academic libraries across the state will offer state park passes to “check out” along with an activity backpack.

“We hope that the ability to check out a state park pass from the local library encourages people to check out Colorado state parks,” said CPW Director Bob Broscheid. “Colorado state parks offer some of the state’s best opportunities for wildlife viewing and recreation.”

After the 2016 pilot program, CPW surveys found that many visited a state park for the first time using a pass checked out from a local library.

The program allows residents to check out a free, seven-day park pass for entrance into all 42 state parks along with a backpack filled with park information, educational activities and binoculars.

All three public libraries in Montezuma County are taking part in the program.

For more information, call the Cortez Public Library at 970-565-8117, the Mancos Public Library at 970-533-7600, and the Dolores Public Library at 970-882-4127.