CORSAR Cards

Support Search and Rescue in Colorado

Why You Need a CORSAR Card in Colorado

Outdoor adventures in Colorado offer excitement but also come with risks. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or exploring remote areas, unexpected situations can arise. Each year, Search and Rescue (SAR) teams respond to emergencies across the state, often in rugged and hazardous conditions.

To support these life-saving efforts, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card helps fund SAR teams, including La Plata County Search and Rescue (LPCSAR). Purchasing a CORSAR Card ensures that SAR groups receive financial reimbursement for mission-related expenses. In some cases, volunteers may even need to cover rescue costs themselves.

By investing in a CORSAR Card, you directly contribute to search and rescue operations in Durango, CO, La Plata County, and beyond.

What Is a CORSAR Card?

A CORSAR Card is not insurance; however, it plays a critical role in funding Colorado’s search and rescue teams. In addition, when SAR teams incur costs during missions, the Colorado Search and Rescue Fund helps cover those expenses.

How CORSAR Cards Help SAR Teams

Funds Mission Costs – Provides funding for transportation, fuel, and specialized equipment.
Supports Training & Gear – Helps SAR teams maintain essential rescue tools and conduct advanced training.
Protects Volunteer Responders – Reduces the financial burden on SAR personnel, who often fund rescues themselves.

What CORSAR Cards Do NOT Cover

Medical Transport – Costs for ambulance or helicopter transport to a hospital are not included.
Personal Reimbursement – The card does not provide direct financial aid to individuals needing rescue.

If an aircraft is used solely for search operations, reimbursement may apply. However, if it transitions into a medical evacuation, those costs fall outside the CORSAR Card’s coverage. The La Plata County Sheriff’s Department, which oversees LPCSAR, ensures that SAR resources are used appropriately in every mission.

How to Buy a CORSAR Card

Where Can You Purchase a CORSAR Card?

Buying a CORSAR Card is easy, affordable, and essential for anyone venturing into the outdoors. Moreover, purchasing one is quick and convenient, whether online or at retail locations. CORSAR Cards are available:

Online – Available instantly through the official Colorado website.
At Retail Locations – Sold at over 300 outdoor retailers across the state.
In One-Year or Five-Year Options – $3 for one year, $12 for five years.

For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, you can support SAR teams throughout Colorado.

Why Every Outdoor Enthusiast Should Have One

Provides Peace of Mind – Knowing SAR teams are financially supported is reassuring.
Directly Supports Local Rescues – Ensures funding reaches teams like La Plata County Search and Rescue.
Promotes Responsible Outdoor Recreation – Encourages hikers, climbers, and skiers to contribute to SAR efforts.

Even if you never need rescue, purchasing a CORSAR Card helps others who do.

The Impact of CORSAR Cards in La Plata County

Search & Rescue in Durango, CO

Durango, CO, and the surrounding San Juan Mountains provide some of Colorado’s most breathtaking outdoor experiences. However, the region also presents significant risks. Each year, La Plata County Search and Rescue responds to a variety of emergencies, including:

Lost or stranded hikers navigating difficult terrain.
Avalanche rescues during peak winter conditions.
Swiftwater rescues for those caught in river currents.
Technical rope rescues for climbers in dangerous situations.

Lack of CORSAR funding makes responding to these emergencies significantly more difficult. Your support ensures LPCSAR can continue providing life-saving assistance.

The Role of the La Plata County Sheriff’s Department

Search and rescue operations in La Plata County fall under the coordination of the La Plata County Sheriff’s Department. They work closely with LPCSAR volunteers, providing logistical support and ensuring rapid response when emergencies arise.

Each mission requires careful planning, highly trained responders, and specialized equipment. With funding from CORSAR Cards, both the Sheriff’s Department and LPCSAR can maintain a state of readiness.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

Beyond CORSAR Cards – Supporting Local SAR Teams

While CORSAR Cards provide essential statewide funding, on a local level, donating directly to LPCSAR ensures that rescues in Durango, CO, and La Plata County receive even more critical support.

As a result, your contributions help cover:

Specialized Training – Avalanche response, technical rescues, and advanced medical care.
Equipment Upgrades – Radios, drones, GPS units, and essential medical supplies.
Mission Expenses – Vehicle maintenance, fuel, and other operational costs.

Every donation strengthens local SAR teams. Consider making a direct contribution today.

Join the SAR Community – Stay Connected

Staying informed and engaged is another way to support search and rescue efforts.

Follow us on Facebook for real-time updates, safety tips, and rescue stories
Donate to La Plata County Search and Rescue to directly support our operations
Learn about SAR volunteer opportunities and how you can contribute:

Your support ensures that when emergencies happen, rescue teams in Durango, CO, and throughout Colorado are ready to respond.