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Show Table 8 shows the total recreation needs by time frame separated into water-based and land-based. Recreation need is that part of projected demand not satisfied by the 19^5 resource base. Table 8 Projected Annual Recreation Needs Lower Colorado Region 1980 2000 2020 Water-Based Land-Based k3 101 106 258 193 J+78 Total ikh 36k 671 FISH AND WILDLIFE The demand for sport fishing and hunting will grow with increasing human population, leisure time, mobility, and affluence. Demand varies directly with human population, and good quality fishing and hunting opportunities vary inversely with the population. The bulk of the present and projected demand originates from the population centers of Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Gallup, and Yuma. Areas of high use include the Colorado River, the Mbgollon Rim area from Flagstaff east into New Mexico, and the Gila and San Francisco River areas in New Mexico. The projected demand for sport fishing and for sport hunting is presented in Figure 15. There are 12 species of fish and wildlife in the Region that are classified as "endangered." Endangered species are those so few in numbers or* so threatened by present circumstances as to be in danger of extinction. There are 6 species classified as "rare," 23 peripheral species, and 13 species whose status is undetermined. The preservation of habitat for these species is a critical need. Bird and animal watching, photography, and related activities are an important segment of wildlife-oriented recreation. It is estimated that the time and money spent on equipment, transportation, lodging, and related items associated with observing fish and wildlife resources eventually- may approach that expended by hunters. 82 |
