Death of the Wild

     Since mankind has walked the land, it had found the need to expand. The need to take over and own all that it has seen and/or set foot upon. But who, or more importantly, what pays the price for manifest destiny? What is destroyed by man's insatiable need or want for more?

Driveway construction near Beulah, Colorado showing the disruption of the stream to provide convenience

     According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Colorado has increased in population by over 100,000 people between 2014 and 2015. The expansion of people living in Colorado, has become the downfall to nature. Not only is the natural landscape being destroyed so people can build their homes, but as the cities become more congested, the edges creep further towards the wild, and the rural areas become more populated.

A deer on the side of the CO 165, in Colorado City

A dumpster mars the landscape along Burnt Mill Road in Pueblo County


      As the cities become larger, and some choose to move further into the rural community, there are more interactions with the wildlife. Mankind believes that they have the right to the land, and become upset when the wildlife begins to roam what was its natural territory. For example, there has been an increase in bear deaths due to the interactions with humans. While there seems to be plenty of natural food for the bears, the abundance and availability of human food has made it more convenient for the bears versus foraging for food. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) spokesman Truitt states that, "while many Coloradans care about the wildlife, there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the number of bear interactions: lock up trash, remove bird feeders, etc." 

The landscape is scared from people wanting to explore

Ophir Creek campgrounds littered with trash

      While many individuals will respect the land that they are using for recreation, others will leave behind damage, in forms of trash, cutting down green trees, going off road where off highway vehicles are prohibited, and more. Sometimes scarring the land permanently. For example a study found that from 1992 - 2012 84% of wildfires were caused by humans, whether by accident or on purpose. Colorado has seen its share of fires, the Black Forest Fire and the Royal Gorge fire in 2013, Waldo Canyon in 2012 and the Beulah fire in 2016.


There is Hope


Where natural and non-natural erosion has occurred, nature has made its mark and continues to flourish

A doe watches has cars travel along the path in San Isabel



    While there are many that will use the land without care, there are those that will preserve and/or protect what is left. CPW conservation programs are primarily funded by hunters and anglers (an estimated 70% of fees for tags and licenses go towards conservation), other organizations have a hand in it as well. For further information on what can be done to help with Colorado conservation visit the CPW website.

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