Successful season for the Portapotties on Public Lands Program

The 2025 Portapotties on Public Lands Program, funded by Chaffee Common Ground and managed by GARNA has wrapped up another successful season—helping keep Chaffee County’s most popular outdoor recreation areas clean and sustainable.

This year, 31 portable restroom units were strategically placed across 20 trailheads and dispersed camping areas throughout the Chaffee County. In its fourth year, the initiative helps mitigate human waste issues at heavily visited recreation sites, protecting both the environment and visitor experiences. The units are wrapped with “Adventure by Nature” messaging created by the Chaffee County Visitor’s Bureau to educate users on proper outdoor ethics.

Two local service providers—GPS Excavating & Septic and Mr. Pots/Apex Waste—were contracted to place, maintain, and clean the units throughout the summer season. Each weekly cleaning removed an estimated 10 gallons of waste, resulting in a total of approximately 4,440 gallons collected and properly disposed of during the program’s duration.

The program received additional financial support from Salida Mountain Trails, Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition, and the Collegiate Peaks Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Four units (Midland Trailhead, Burmac, CR 108 and 110) will remain year-round to support trail users. Salida Mountain Trails created wind screens at the year-round locations also utilizing a grant from Common Ground.

As visitation to Chaffee County’s public lands continues to grow, the Portapotties on Public Lands program remains a critical component of local stewardship efforts—balancing recreation with environmental protection.