Routt County is now home to a Routt Recreation Pledge that residents and visitors are encouraged to sign on to as a shared commitment for outdoor stewardship to protect the lands, waters, wildlife and communities where they recreate.

The new pledge is a collaborative effort from the Routt Recreation & Conservation Roundtable, which includes recreation-oriented representatives from land managers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses and community volunteers who are working together to support healthy landscapes and recreation opportunities across the county.

“As the popularity of outdoor activities continues to grow, the Routt Recreation Pledge invites residents and visitors alike to recreate responsibly and help ensure that our public, natural and community resources remain healthy and accessible for future generations,” according to a media release from the roundtable. “The pledge outlines a set of guiding principles focused on stewardship, respect, safety and shared responsibility.”

Laura Soard, Steamboat Springs Chamber senior director of destination development and communications, said Routt County “thrives because of our incredible natural surroundings,” so “this pledge gives everyone — whether they’re lifelong locals or first-time visitors — a way to be part of preserving what makes this place special.”

The relatively short pledge can be found online at the Routt Recreation & Conservation Roundtable website Routtrcr.org/routt-recreation-pledge and includes such commitments as “I will love the place I’m in” through parking only in designated spots at trailheads and checking fire restrictions before recreating and extinguishing campfires.

Other parts of the pledge include: share the trail by yielding to uphill traffic, horses and livestock; look for adventure but Leave No Trace; admire wildlife from at least 75 feet away; and drive carefully and look out for wildlife.

U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Michael Woodbridge with the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears District said the proactive program developed by the roundtable group works together toward a shared vision for responsible stewardship of public resources.

“It is a great way to engage both local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts and encourage them to consider the value of a sustainable multiple-use landscape,” Woodbridge said.

Christine Zenel, senior project manager with the Keystone Policy Center that facilitates the roundtable, said residents and visitors can expect to see the pledge posted around Steamboat more as the summer progresses, and any businesses or organizations can email czenel@keystone.org to receive pledge materials. Businesses are encouraged to ask their employees and guests to sign the pledge online, and pledge posters, postcards and stickers will also be available for businesses to pick up at the Chamber Visitor Center.

Trail users can expect to see the pledge first at popular city of Steamboat Springs trailheads in July and August, followed by popular Forest Service trailheads. Zenel said the roundtable plans to develop an incentive-based process for the pledge in the future.

“This pledge is about being mindful, respectful and doing our part,” said Len Zanni, chief marketing officer at Big Agnes in Steamboat.

“The Routt Recreation Pledge is a powerful way to bring people together around a shared ethic of care for the outdoors,” Zanni said.

“We encourage everyone who enjoys this incredible place to take the pledge and to act on it every time they head outside,” said Sarah Jones, director of social responsibility at Steamboat Resort.

Multiple other locations and organizations promote outdoor recreation pledges or Leave No Trace ethics ranging from the Colorado Backcountry Winter Safety Pledge, to Care for Colorado, to pledges in Buena Vista, Salida, Aspen, Telluride and Boulder.

The Aspen Pledge focuses on preserving the natural beauty and community spirit of Aspen, encouraging responsible exploration, proper preparation for outdoor activities, staying on marked trails and respecting wildlife and the environment.

The Boulder Pledge states: “I hereby pledge to do my part in minimizing impact on Boulder’s natural lands and public spaces. I promise to explore with care, consideration and kindness, respecting Boulder as the weird and wonderful place that it is.”