Browns Canyon National Monument

What national monument status means for whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon

Since Browns Canyon was designated as a national monument on February 19, 2015, we have gotten a lot of questions about what national monument status means for whitewater rafting in the now federally protected park.

The management of the Arkansas River will remain the same, ensuring the legacy of whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon will continue for future generations. The proposed management plan will also protect other historic uses like hunting, fishing, water rights, and grazing.

What National Monument status means for Browns Canyon

• Recreational opportunities like rafting, kayaking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, climbing and hiking will be maintained
• Historic water rights and grazing rights will be protected
• New road construction will not be allowed, ensuring the area’s watershed and wildlife habitat is preserved
• Public access to existing roads and trails will be allowed
• National monument status for Browns Canyon will provide an economic boost to the region

Who manages Browns Canyon National Monument?

The United States Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will jointly manage Browns Canyon National Monument, while the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), a division of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, will continue to cooperatively manage the Arkansas River across land ownerships by the USFS, BLM, and the state of Colorado. Existing cooperative agreements and leases will not be affected.

These agencies will jointly prepare a management plan for the monument that addresses the actions necessary to protect the resources identified in the proclamation with maximum public involvement.

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