Laserfiche WebLink
R <br />City of Durango: Economic Impacts of Whitewater Recreation Fine] Report 2006 <br />permits (from 152 to 190) in the six year period between 1995 and 2003. Given the high <br />numbers of commercial operators (over 7 per every major River, on average) and existing water <br />resources, it is not surprising that 61% of residents in the Southwest Planning region reported <br />engaging in water based activities every year, or that securing water /water rights for recreation <br />opportunities ranked as the 7th highest priority for local governments - ahead of open space, <br />sports fields, skateboard parks, and general parkland. ' <br />Figure 4. Commercial River Outfitter Licenses 1995 -2003` <br />200 <br />190 <br />180 <br />170 <br />160 <br />150 <br />140 <br />LOCAL TRENDS <br />Perhaps, most importantly, are the use trends and demographics at the local level - that is, <br />within La Plata County generally and on the Lower Animas River specifically. <br />Figure 5. Commercial User Days Animas River (lower) 1999 -2005' <br />60 <br />v <br />m <br />50 <br />0 <br />° 40 <br />L <br />F <br />30 <br />20 <br />10 <br />0 <br />1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 <br />Although a sharp decline was experienced in the record setting drought of 2002, commercial <br />River trips are making a rapid and intense comeback. It is particularly revealing to note that <br />commercial operations on the Lower Animas have increased 339% to over 52,000 user days <br />' Source: Colorado State Parks Market Assessment Study, 2002. <br />° Source: Colorado State Parks 2002 <br />5 source: Commercial River Use In Colorado - Colorado River outfitters Association <br />ON C. �1— 970.382.9153 6 <br />1996 1998 2000 2002 <br />