WSP00520

• File Number: 8059
• Description: Section D General Studies-State Water Plan
• State: CO
• Date: 1/1/1969
• Title: Writing the Report 1969-Environmental Conditions Draft
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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prairies have the varied site conditions required for great

diversity in plant life, varying from short grass prairie in the

east, alpine tundra in the high mountains, and mountain shrubs in the

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west. Plant diversity, in turn, supports a wide variety of birds and

mammals, further contributing to the State's capacity for varied

environmental resources. About 12,000 lakes and 1,350 streams add to

the State's aesthetic features.

public use is permitted on 24,800,000 acres of land and water in

Colorado. Some of this acreage is developed for a wide variety of

activities. Other lands and waters are accessible but have received

little or no usage.

Water constitutes about 200,000 acres of public-use areas but is

surprisingly well distributed throughout the State. Large reservoirs

comprise 145,000 acres, about two-thirds of the open waters. High

mountain lakes contribute 19,200 acres and about 9,400 acres are

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included in small farm ponds. In addition, there are 27,700 acres

(14,100 miles) of flowing streams including 18,500 acres (8,800 miles)

of mountain trout streams.

About 22,500,000 acres, or 33% of the total State area, are national

forests, parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, military

reservations, Indian reservations and public domain lands.

The U. S. Forest Service administers eleven national forests and

two grasslands, including six primitive and five wilderness areas.

-The forests have 42 ski areas, many campgrounds~ and a variety of

other outdoor facilities.

The U. S. Bureau of Land }Ianagement controls 8,500,000 acres of

Federal land in the State. These lands are highly important for

hunting and fishing and include substantial big game winter range.

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