North Slope Recreation Area recreational impact study

In-person conversations with recreation managers and advocates, as well as commercial outfitters who have been or would like to be permitted for commercial activities in the NSRA, were conducted. This group will be consulted again during the public stakeholder process.  

Key findings included: 

• The public values of the North Slope Recreation Area for its watershed and recreational uses.  

• Public and user opinion is split about whether commercially guided activities affect the quality of the general public’s experience or should be allowed. 

• If commercially guided activities are permitted, the public calls for the process to be managed fairly and for outfitters to help with staffing costs, litter cleanup, stewardship education and other amenities.  

• The issue deserves more study within the context of a comprehensive use and policy review.

Yes, plans are underway to include users in the most current survey. 

Users/visitors to the area were surveyed in 2022 about their favorite destinations, types of recreational activities they seek, and their opinions about commercially guided activities in the North Slope Recreation Area. 

Those results will also be considered in final recommendations. 

Visitors to Pikes Peak and the North Slope Recreation Area continue to increase. It’s important that we adapt our management plan to balance community recreational opportunities with the need to protect critical infrastructure and preserve water quality for our customers. 

The current South Catamount Dam Rehabilitation Project provides generous time to craft a comprehensive recreation plan that includes watershed and infrastructure protection, security and public safety concerns, and public access.