Our Picture of Health 1998:
Focusing on Community Health to the Year 2000

CHAPTER 9: NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE

78. Livestock Census

A livestock census is a common measure of an agricultural lifestyle. There was a decrease in livestock inventory in the early 1980s during the height of the farm bust.

While the decline appears to have stopped, we do not yet see an increase except with beef cattle. The 1997 Census of Livestock will be ready in June, 1998.

Figure 9-8: Inventory of Livestock
 Source: 1992 Census of Agriculture

Inventory of Livestock

Figure 9-9: Inventory of Livestock Farms
 Source: 1992 Census of Agriculture

Inventory of Livestock Farms

79. The Number of Deer and Elk Taken by Hunters

According to Colorado State University studies, fishing and hunting contribute about $46 million annually to Mesa County's economy. The number of animals taken by hunters is used as an index reflecting a balance of natural and built environment in wildlife habitat.

Figure 9-10: Deer Taken by Hunting, 1960-1996
 Source: Division of Wildlife

Deer Taken by Hunting, 1960-1996

Figure 9-11: Elk Taken by Hunting, 1960-1996
 Source: Division of Wildlife

Elk Taken by Hunting, 1960-1996

80. Number of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) conducted a Natural Heritage Inventory of Mesa County in 1996. This thorough study provides "current, site specific information on the ecological diversity of the county" (Natural Heritage Inventory of Mesa County, Colorado, 1996).

The Natural Heritage Inventory was developed for use by land use planning and supported by the Mesa County Commissioners and other public and private partners.

Figure 9-12: Endangered or Threatened Wildlife Species
 Source: Natural Heritage Inventory

  • American Perigrine Falcon
  • Bald Eagle
  • Bonytail
  • Boreal Toad
  • Colorado Squawfish
  • Greater Sandhill Crane
  • Humpback Chub
  • Razorback Sucker
  • River Otter
  • SW Willow Flycatcher

Eliminated, may be reintroduced:

  • Black-footed Ferret

Eliminated, no plans to reintroduce:

  • Gray Wolf
  • Wolverine
  • River Otter
  • Lynx
  • Grizzly Bear

Wildlife Special Concern Species

  • Colorado River Cutthroat Trout
  • Northern Leopard Frog
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