Passive outdoor recreation grows, skiing, hunting decline

New Forest Service study analyzes outdoor recreation trends.

Forest Service study takes big picture look at outdoor recreation trends

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Outdoor recreation in the U.S. is shifting toward more passive activities, with the biggest growth seen in areas like wildlife watching and photography, according to a new study published by the U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station.

Traditional activities, including hunting and fishing, were flat, while various forms of skiing, including snowboarding, declined during the 10-year study period from 2000 to 2009.

“Our research shows that, not only are more Americans participating in outdoor recreation, but the number of times they participated in many of the outdoor activities surveyed has grown,” said author and lead researcher Ken Cordell, considered an authority on recreational trends in the United States. (more…)

Colorado: April 30 is Outdoor Heritage Day in Palisade

These Summit County youngsters didn't miss their video games at all during a day of fishing last summer at Clinton Gulch Reservoir.

Day-long event aimed at getting families into the away from the TV and into the great outdoors

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Kids on the Colorado West Slope will have a chance to catch some extra-large trout this Saturday (April 30) at the fourth annual Outdoor Heritage Day, part of the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s efforts to get youngsters away from their TVs and video games and into the great outdoors.

Events are on tap all day at Riverbend Park in Palisade, including fishing, archery, rock climbing, shooting, nature hikes and a hunting simulator. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own fishing rod, or kids can participate in education activities to earn a free pole. The park lake will be freshly stocked with plenty of catchable trout, including extra large brood stock.

“We encourage families to put the TV remote and game console down every now and then and enjoy the great outdoor activates we have here in Colorado,” said District Wildlife Manager and event founder Frank McGee. “We have great sponsors for the event that are happy to show families the best way to do that.” (more…)

Colorado: Volunteers wanted for stewardship projects

Outdoors group plans 40 projects this summer

Help out with a trail project this summer!

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — If you’re starting to make some plans for summer vacation, consider giving something back to Colorado’s natural resources by volunteering to help plant trees Denver, restore the popular Hanging Lake trail in Glenwood Springs, re-forest campgrounds hit by pine beetles in Summit County, or preserve an historic cabin on National Forest land in Durango.

These are just a few of the more than 40 upcoming volunteer opportunities offered by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado in 2011. The group’s 2011 offers a variety of opportunities for thousands of volunteers of all skill levels to get involved, from late March through October, in locations throughout the State. (more…)

Take precautions for summer lightning storms

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Lightnings_sequence_2_animation.gif

An animation of cloud-to-cloud lightning. IMAGE COURTESY THE WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

10 lightning deaths reported in 2010, so far, with the heart of the season still ahead

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — With the first wave of monsoon-fueled thunderstorms hanging in the air, state and federal officials are asking people to be aware of the dangers posed by lightning, and how to take proper precautions.

By proclamation of Gov. Bill Ritter, this week has even been designated as Colorado lightning safety and wildfire awareness week, and the National Weather Service simultaneously marks lightning awareness week.

More lightning safety information after the break … (more…)

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 5,590 other followers