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Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Durango, Cortez, Telluride, Montrose, and Crested <br />Butte (Figure 2).Those interviewed included three state -level officials, one statewide ski <br />industry representative, eight Chamber of Commerce and County Tourism Bureau <br />representatives, five ski resort representatives, one county emergency manager, a <br />representative of an environmental organization, and one Colorado State University <br />extension agent. The interviews were conducted in an open- ended, conversational <br />fashion. AIthough the interviews and range of questions were adjusted to interviewees' <br />specific roles and occupations, the following questions /topics served as a guiding <br />structure for the interviews: <br />• Drought perception (e.g., beginning, end) and types of impacts; <br />• Lessons learned from the drought; <br />• Local- resort -state relationships; <br />• Awareness of or involvement with the Colorado drought mitigation plan; <br />suggestions or changes to current state's actions; <br />• Next steps for preparedness for future droughts; <br />• Role of the media in drought coverage. <br />The interviews quickly revealed the vast complexity of the tourism industry across <br />Colorado based on a variety of factors such as summer versus winter activities, proximity <br />to the Denver area, regional variation in drought impacts, and the dependence of the local <br />economies on tourism. The specific drought severity, drought impacts, and lessons <br />learned at each location were related to the unique characteristics at that area. Several <br />interviews included telephone or e-mail follow -ups with specific questions. All <br />interviewees have had a chance to read the report and provide their comments. <br />Figure 2. Interview locations throughout Colorado (from Thomas et al, 2004) <br />