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Letter to the editor: White River National Forest needs to live within its means
By Ken Wright Gypsum at Summit Daily
· June 26, 2026
· 2 min read
When families face financial strain, they cut non‑essentials and sell assets. The White River National Forest now admits it’s in the same position.
Forest officials recently told Pitkin County that the Maroon Bells Scenic Area runs a yearly deficit of nearly $300,000 and has been propped up fo...
Key takeaway Forest officials recently told Pitkin County that the Maroon Bells Scenic Area runs a yearly deficit of nearly $300,000 and has been propped up for years by draining other White River National Forest programs.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The financial struggles of the White River National Forest have significant implications for Pitkin County, where the Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a major draw for tourists. With over 300,000 visitors annually, the area's deficit of nearly $300,000 is a concern for local taxpayers who may be asked to fill the gap. The proposal to sell or lease Sweetwater Lake's 832 acres to Colorado Parks and Wildlife could generate much-needed funds to support trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers in the forest. This move would also be consistent with the Forest Service's existing practice of issuing leases and special-use authorizations. As the county seat of Pitkin County, Aspen 's economy is closely tied to the tourism industry, and the financial health of the White River National Forest is crucial to the local community. The potential sale or lease of Sweetwater Lake could have a direct impact on Aspen's economy and quality of life.
About this story
Original reporting by Summit Daily . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Summit Daily . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: Summit Daily ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When families face financial strain, they cut non‑essentials and sell assets. The White River National Forest now admits it’s in the same position.
Forest officials recently told Pitkin County that the Maroon Bells Scenic Area runs a yearly deficit of nearly $300,000 and has been propped up fo...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by Summit Daily and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ken Wright Gypsum at Summit Daily. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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