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• Educate local tourism businesses /community so th at they are able to provide accurate information to <br />potential visitors. <br />2. Golf - Based on information from the Colorado Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), there are <br />concerns regarding continued drought conditions and the financial bottom line for area golf courses. <br />• Typically, golf courses coming out of winter and early spring thaw conditions, coupled with some <br />irrigation, will green up quickly. After very little if any moisture, most golf courses surveyed by the <br />PGA are in poor condition for this time of year. <br />These courses have had to rely solely on irrigation to get in "playing condition," which puts a strain <br />on the water supply. Courses surveyed get their irrigation water from various sources including <br />aquifers, ditches, reservoirs, creeks and lakes. Much of the water used for golf course irrigation is <br />effluent or reclaimed water (sewer) which could not otherwise be used for public consumption. <br />Many of these sources are very low or close to dry already which poses a real concern should <br />drought conditions continue. <br />If conditions worsen, courses could be forced to only water greens and tees, leaving fairways to be <br />irrigated only once every several days, possibly weeks. If this happens, overall course conditions <br />would worsen which could drive players away and adversely affect the number of rounds played and <br />the overall financial bottom -line of area facilities. <br />RECOMMENDED MITIGATION / RESPONSE: <br />Water Conservation The PGA has recommended overall governance and monitoring of those <br />organizations who control water rights and overall usage to ensure water is getting to where it is <br />supposed to go. The PGA is also recommending a mandatory water conservation program be <br />initiated with imposed fines, should the drought continue. <br />• Public Outreach/Education: Counteract negative publicity by reminding the public that Colorado <br />golf courses are open. Keep the public optimistic about tourism's viability during drought and <br />heightened fire danger. <br />Educate local tourism businesses /community so that they are able to provide accurate information to <br />potential visitors. <br />3. State Parks — Based on information from Colorado State Parks representatives, they could see a <br />revenue shortfall due to drought. <br />Colorado State parks are 75 percent self - sufficient, relying on user fees to sustain the parks. Drought and <br />fire have the potential to have a tremendous impact on park revenue, particularly in areas like the <br />Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area- - the world's most popular stretch of whitewater. <br />Colorado State Parks are currently monitoring parks specifically located along the Front Range, like <br />Eldorado and Golden Gate, for potential wildfires. <br />