The State of Colorado has formalized a new partnership to strengthen backcountry search and rescue operations across the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM), and the County Sheriffs of Colorado (CSOC) have signed an Interagency Agreement to improve coordination and response to backcountry search and rescue emergencies. The agreement takes effect August 1st, 2026.
Backcountry search and rescue teams throughout Colorado are composed of dedicated professionals and volunteers affiliated with county sheriff’s offices. As demand for outdoor recreation continues to grow, so does the strain on these critical services. Teams regularly respond to avalanche victims, hypothermia cases, lost hikers, and ice rescue situations across Colorado’s rugged terrain.
Under the new agreement, DHSEM’s statutory authority is delegated to CPW to coordinate backcountry search and rescue response when local resources are exceeded. County sheriffs will retain authority over search and rescue operations within their respective counties, with CPW providing additional statewide support upon request. That support can include deploying enforcement officers, drones, trained K9 units, or aircraft to assist neighboring teams.
“Sheriffs are responsible for SAR operations in our counties, and this partnership ensures we have a reliable, accountable system to support those efforts when incidents exceed local capacity.” – Mesa County Sheriff and CSOC Board of Directors President Todd Rowell.
Since the Backcountry Search and Rescue Fund was moved to CPW in 2023, the agency has awarded $6.8 million to teams across the state for equipment, training, vehicles, mental health services, and other operational needs.
Funding for these programs comes in part through CPW’s Keep Colorado Wild Pass, which directs $2.5 million in annual sales to backcountry search and rescue programs statewide. A $1.25 fee included with CPW registrations and licenses also contributes directly to the fund.
The agreement is designed to bring greater transparency and accountability to how resources are deployed during emergencies, both within Colorado and in support of national operations when needed.
