Colorado Statewide Forest Resource Assessment

ACRESImp. Habitat for Econ.Imp. SpeciesChange in Impact of Human Modification - 2000 to2030Low Moderate High Very High TotalLow 18,431 1,000,094 891,036 726,035 2,635,597Moderate 15,709 403,833 442,631 491,317 1,353,490High 3,680 53,504 150,523 139,664 347,372Very High 169 3,228 25,848 14,405 43,651Total 37,990 1,460,659 1,510,039 1,371,422 4,380,110Table 26 – Threat from Human Modification to Habitat for EconomicSpecies (acres)Data Gaps• Need more consistent data on priority habitat locations for all ofColorado’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need associated withforests.• Need more complete information on forest-related threats to aquatichabitats.Protect and Enhance Forest-Based Recreation OpportunitiesOverview: According to Colorado’s 2008 Statewide Comprehensive OutdoorRecreation Plan (SCORP), many of the state’s most popular recreationdestinations are directly tied to forests. The USFS manages the majority (14.4million acres) of public lands available for outdoor recreation in Colorado.These national forests receive more visitors (27.1 million) each year than thoseof any other state in the nation (Jaffe 2009). In addition to providing benefi tsfor health and well-being, forest-based recreation contributes signifi cantly toColorado’s economy. An Outdoor Industry Foundation report for the statesuggests that Colorado receives more than $10 billion annually from activitiessolely associated with “active outdoor recreation” (Babcock and Newman2008). Skiing, in particular, is big business in the state. Twenty-two ski areas inColorado are under permit on national forests and experience more than 12million skier visits annually. Tourism revenue associated with skiing regularlytops $2 billion annually in the state (USFS 2008).The top fi ve planning issues of concern identifi ed in the 2008 SCORP includeforest health, insect infestations and wildfi re related to “EnvironmentalChange.” Among the potential adverse affects to recreation associated withany decline in Colorado’s forest health are:• diminished scenic value and elevated wildfi re risk;• a decline in hunting related to habitat loss;• a decline in overnight camping associated with campfi re bans, loss ofaccess to some public areas because of wildfi res and a decline in thenumber of areas that provide shade and privacy;• a decline in scenic touring and park visits associated with impacts fromwildfi res;• heightened concerns for public safety related to standing dead and fallentrees; and• facility closures related to wildfi res.62