Wildfires Impact Outdoor Recreation in Colorado and California
• Research conducted by Kyle Manley, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder, has revealed how wildfires affect outdoor recreation in burned areas. The study analyzed visitation trends at 239 sites in Colorado and California between 2020 and
• Severe wildfires led to an average 8% drop in visits during the first year, with larger, high-intensity fires causing declines of up to 20%. In some cases, visitation did not recover even four years after the fire. Prescribed burns, however, showed a different trend, with visitation either remaining stable or increasing due to improved wildlife visibility and landscape health.
Why It's Important?
Severe wildfires can lead to long-term declines in visitation to affected areas, impacting local economies reliant on outdoor recreation. Safety risks such as falling trees and scorched landscapes often result in trail and campground closures. Even without closures, the altered appearance of burned areas may deter visitors. Prescribed burns, on the other hand, may enhance certain recreational experiences, offering opportunities for wildlife observation and healthier ecosystems.
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