OPINION
June is Great Outdoors Month

June has many outdoor month celebrations. Outdoor activities are practiced for the purposes of enjoying scenery and nature, relieving stress, finding peace in nature, enjoying life and relaxing. They are alternatives to expensive forms of tourism.

National American Rivers Month is in June as is the National Boating and Fishing Month. Our state has all types of outdoor activities.

Currently there are 164 rivers in the National Wild and Scenic River System but over 3,400 other rivers meet the criteria for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. America’s remaining free-flowing rivers provide a genuine connection to our natural and national heritage. Communities that serve as gateways to these rivers reap bountiful economic and recreational rewards.

The Animas River in our state begins at an elevation of 9,230 feet and is one of the highest boatable rivers in America.
The Animas is popular with both fishermen and whitewater enthusiasts. Fishermen love it because the chances of landing a trophy are as good here as anywhere in western Colorado. Those who enjoy the Animas’ rapids enjoy its varied opportunities, which include class II through IV. The Upper Animas is a gorgeous, long run with plenty of challenge even for expert boaters, and the Town Run is a perfect stretch for a short afternoon run (www.americanrivers.org/).

Fishing is also one of the most popular outdoor activities in our state. Colorado is world renowned for its trout fishing. You can catch some 80 different species of both warm and cold-water fish. You can fish for the famed rainbow trout in a cool Rocky Mountain stream or troll for walleye on a sunny plains reservoir. There are 6,000 miles of streams and more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs to choose from 167 miles of Gold Medal streams. Try fishing spots at the Arkansas Headwaters State Park, Barr Lake in Denver, Eleven Mile, and Pueblo Reservoir.

Boating is also an exciting outdoor activity. You can canoe, kayak, river raft, or ski on many of our lakes and rivers. Colorado boaters have a lot to choose from when it comes to finding a place to launch their boats. Colorado’s Boatable Waters range from the 150-mile-long Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area to small mountain lakes and large reservoirs (http://parks.state.co.us/Boating/).

Whatever you choose to do outdoors, remember safety is first. Plan and prepare properly for each activity you choose. Above all, have fun!

Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have any comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net

CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET

BONNIE'S ARCHIVES
4-11-07 | 4-18-07 | 4-25-07 | 5-2-07 | 5-9-07 | 5-16-07 | 5-23-07