Snow, related activities and concerns of the Grand Mesa Western Colorado

Melt water from accumulated snow on the Grand Mesa, plays a very important role in the agriculture pursuits of western Colorado. The recent large increase in people engaging in wintertime on-the-snow activities has resulted in the altering of snow redistribution patterns and the changing of snow density. The effects of these changes on forest and range ecosystems is largely unknown. Further studies are required to evaluate the changes that are occurring and to develop patterns of man’s use that is compatible with the ecological systems.