What does the CORSAR card do?
This voluntary purchase puts money into the Backcountry Search and Rescue (BSAR) Fund, which helps fund training and equipment for our team and other BSAR teams across the state via two grant cycles administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). A dollar and twenty-five cents of each Colorado hunting and fishing license, and boat, snowmobile and off-highway vehicle registration also goes into the BSAR Fund, along with a portion of revenues from the Keep Colorado Wild Pass Program.
Is this Insurance?
The CORSAR Card is not insurance, nor is insurance needed for search and rescue services provided by Sheriffs and BSAR Teams in the State of Colorado. So, never hesitate to call for help. Delaying a call for a BSAR team can add unnecessary danger and complexity to search and rescue incidents. Always err on the side of caution and call 911 as soon as possible. County Sheriffs and their search and rescue teams will respond to your emergency whether or not you have a CORSAR Card.
A CORSAR Card does not insure you against a bill for a medical helicopter transport. You should expect a bill for a helicopter transport, just as you would expect a bill for an ambulance transport.
How does it work?
When you purchase a CORSAR Card, which costs $5 for one year or $20 for five years, the money goes into the BSAR Fund. These funds are then used to reimburse county sheriffs and search and rescue teams for actual expenses they may have during a mission. The fund also helps to pay for equipment and training for Colorado's search and rescue teams.
Where do I purchase one?
You can purchase it on CPW’s website here. Simply enter your age and resident status and you’ll be given a CORSAR card purchase option.
Why should anyone buy one?
Buying a CORSAR Card helps ensure that a county sheriff and the SAR team are able to financially maintain their readiness to respond when your emergency call comes in.
What happens if I don't have a CORSAR card?
If someone does not have a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card (or one of the licenses or registrations), the county or its search and rescue team bears the expenses that might be incurred in a search or rescue. You will still be rescued.
How does the CORSAR card assist SAR teams and SCRG?
Through BSAR Fund grants, BSAR teams receive equipment, such as radios or ropes, and send team members to special SAR training courses. The fund will also pay for any team's or volunteer's equipment that is damaged during SAR missions.
Where does the money for a rescue come from? What does a search and rescue mission cost?
Usually there is not a great cost for a single search or rescue mission. The cost is not to respond and carry out the mission - it is in preparing for one and standing by: training, equipment, insurance, vehicles, maintenance, fuel, supplies, etc. Since the creation of the Keep Colorado Wild Pass Program in 2022 and an increase on the license and registration surcharge in 2025, SCRG and other teams in the state receive substantial funds from the BSAR Fund every year to help with these costs, but we and other teams still have to engage in fundraising activities to maintain the team. We rely on the generosity of our donors and community partners.
The Summit County Rescue Group thanks The Alpine Rescue Team for the use of their CORSAR write-up.
