Backcountry search and rescue (BSAR) teams throughout Colorado are a network of first responders who provide critical, life-saving services to the public. These teams are affiliated with county sheriff’s offices and are composed of dedicated, highly skilled professionals and volunteers.
The IAA provides for mutual cooperation, coordination, and support among DHSEM, CPW and CSOC when responding to BSAR incidents, in alignment with the Colorado State Emergency Operations Plan. It also establishes expectations through the Office of Emergency Management when the federal government, a state government, a tribe, or a county sheriff's office requests assistance. The agreement goes into effect on Aug. 1, 2026.
The purpose of this interagency agreement is to: (1) identify responsibilities of each of the state agencies pertaining to backcountry search and rescue activities within the state of Colorado, and in support of other states and the federal government; (2) Establish expectations for state backcountry search and rescue coordination of small and large scale emergency operations; and (3) acknowledge limitations of authority and delegation of responsibilities.
As outlined in the IAA, DHSEM’s statutory authority (CRS 24-33.5-705(2), (4)) is delegated to CPW to coordinate BSAR response when local resources are exceeded. County sheriff's offices will continue to have statutory authority for SAR (CRS 24-33.5-707 (10)) in their counties. CPW will provide additional statewide BSAR support upon a sheriff’s request. This could include CPW deploying enforcement officers to assist the neighboring BSAR team or providing additional resources, such as drones, trained K9 dogs or aircraft.
Colorado is known for world-class outdoor recreation. However, knowing how to navigate Colorado’s extreme weather, cold waters, wildlife and avalanche terrain with the proper gear and training is paramount to a safe outdoor experience. Those who get caught in avalanches, suffer from hypothermia, get lost on trails, or fall through ice call their local BSAR teams for help. As the demand for outdoor recreation increases in Colorado, so does the need for BSAR services.
Through this interagency agreement, Colorado is ensured of transparency and accountability for the timely fulfillment of resources to support local jurisdictional requests for BSAR support. It also streamlines potential use of CPW and other state resources for BSAR emergencies, both in Colorado and nationally.
Since the Backcountry Search and Rescue Fund (BSAR Fund) was moved to CPW in 2023, CPW has awarded $6.8 million to BSAR teams throughout the state for equipment and training. BSAR county teams have used these funds to purchase equipment, training, vehicles, small capital improvement projects, mental health services and computer software.
To help bring in more BSAR funding for the state, CPW offers a Keep Colorado Wild Pass to residents, which allocates $2.5 million of annual sales to Colorado BSAR programs and includes a $1.25 Colorado Backcountry Search and Rescue (BSAR) fee with the purchase of CPW registrations and licenses.
To learn more about CPW’s Backcountry Search and Rescue Program and county grant opportunities, visit cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program
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