Forest Service leaders told the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners that the White River National Forest lost dozens of positions in 2025 and will rely on temporary promotions, partners and a county-funded 2026 position to sustain visitor services at Maroon Bells and other field operations.

Inside Interior reported that about six months after a foreign visitor fee was implemented at national parks, the Department of the Interior says it has raised more than $20 million in new funding for the park system.

A presenter described how a San Juan-area National Heritage Area designation could provide technical assistance, promotional support and starter funding while preserving local control; board members discussed feasibility and next steps for a study or coordinating entity.

The Erie County Commissioners on March 30 adopted resolutions to fund the county’s lodging-tax distributions: the Visitors & Convention Bureau will receive the first two percent of net lodging-tax revenue, and EPICC will receive the third and fourth percent; both measures passed unanimously.

Mesa Verde National Park reported visitation gains, a 120th-anniversary program and three fee-free days July 3–5; park staff outlined paving and exhibit projects, delayed waterline work, and said superintendent Casey will retire at the end of August.

Public commenters told commissioners that tripling the lodging tax — roughly from 2% toward a 6% cap — risks suppressing shoulder‑season bookings and that the ballot language lacks clarity about who would administer and allocate revenues.

City Council plans to enhance tourism marketing and measure success through performance metrics.

Great Basin National Park Foundation reported SNPLMA-funded improvements at Lehman Caves and campgrounds and said the park drew roughly 160,000 visitors last year. The foundation described a staffing shortfall from permanent hires and a temporary solution it funded after probationary employees were terminated; several positions remain vacant and resource-management capacity is constrained.

A representative for the ferry operator told the Visitor Services Advisory Committee that passenger traffic is up, three refurbished freight vessels are now in service and the operator plans to launch a new reservation system and a refreshed website to improve service and data collection.

Officials review planned renovations for four municipal bathrooms including the visitor center.

Council discussed five options for the 29 Palms Visitor Center (keep current site, close it, move into a federal facility [not allowed], place a Connex/mobile unit near Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center, or relocate to Freedom Plaza gym lobby). Public commenters and TBID staff urged keeping a visible downtown presence; council tabled action,

Joanna from the Convention Bureau highlights rising hotel occupancy and entertainment tax revenue.

City Council advances visitor services with budget savings and considers dedicated trails staff role.

Commissioners approve funding for tourism and road project agreements with Navajo Nation.