In Colorado, and many other states, each year thousands of people get lost or injured in the backcountry. Many are rescued by dedicated, un-paid, professional search and rescue (SAR) people that operate under the direction of a given County Sheriff.

The first time I became familiar with purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreational Search and Rescue Card (CORSAR) was several years ago when I did the 24-hours of Steamboat mountain bike race. Though there was a one-year option, it seemed like a good investment to me so I purchased a 5-year card for $12.

I forgot about the card because my wallet was stolen a couple of years ago, so I didn’t notice the card was expired. A recent rescue near Frisco, Colorado where two snowboarders triggered an avalanche that required a Army chopper reminded me that I spend a lot of time in the backcountry (skiing, cycling, running and hiking) and in the (hopefully) unlikely case that I get lost or injured; I want to support the people that come looking for me.

Colorado State legislature established a Search and Rescue Fund in 1987 to help with the costs incurred in SAR activities involving people holding hunting or fishing licenses, vessel, snowmobile or off-highway vehicle registrations or a CORSAR card.

There is a 25 cent surcharge on all hunting and fishing licenses, vessel (boat), snowmobile and off-highway vehicle registrations to support the fund. For people that purchase a CORSAR card (like I just did, again), 2/3 of the costs go to the SAR Fund.

If you want to support the people that may come looking for you someday, investigate if your state has a SAR Fund.

More information on the Colorado SAR Fund