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<br /> <br />o <br />() <br />'-:1 <br />00 <br />~ <br />I-" <br /> <br />SUMMARY <br /> <br />The Upper Colorado Region is one of the last remaining areas of the <br />United States in which outstanding recreational ass€ts are relatively <br />unspoiled. Here, the opportunity still exists to assure these features <br />will be available to future generations. However, many changes in existing <br />policies, legislation, and attitude will be necessary if this goal is to <br />be achieved. <br /> <br />NaturaZ,. Historio, and <br />AroheoZogio VaZues <br /> <br />Existing Reoreation <br />Resources <br /> <br />Regional Description <br /> <br />Despite its long period of settlement, <br />the region has an average of only about 3 <br />persons per square mile. Recreational re- <br />sources are based on landforms ranging from <br />lofty, forested, snow-capped mountains to arid, <br />barren plains and plateaus. Water features <br />range from crystal clear mountain lakes and <br />streams to silt-laden rivers and large <br />reservoirs. This varied topography supports <br />a great diversity of plant and animal life. <br />The development of the region reflects the <br />history of development of the west for tim- <br />ber, grazing and minerals. The region also <br />contains remnants of an even earlier Indian <br />culture. <br /> <br />Resources and Requirements <br /> <br />There are about 49 million acres of <br />land and water in the region suitable for <br />outdoor recreation use, approximately 90 <br />percent of which is in public own€rship. <br /> <br />While large amounts of water are avail- <br />able for recreation, their concentration in <br />only a few locations leaves some local areas <br />with recreation water deficiencies. <br /> <br />