The alpine environment of Colorado’s high mountains is extremely fragile, and the recent, dramatic increase in visitation has led to serious damage on many peaks and in many alpine basins. Above treeline, plants grow at the outer edge of life on earth. Relatively slight human disturbance can cause damage to alpine ecosystems that can take hundreds of years to heal, if at all. In badly eroded areas, the damage will not heal without intervention, and even if hikers stopped using these areas, the damage would continue to spread due to continued erosion by water and wind.
Studies conducted on the Fourteeners between 1993 and 1998 by CFI and the American Mountain Foundation (now the Rocky Mountain Field Institute) confirm that degradation of sub-alpine and alpine plant habitat, soil erosion, trail braiding, and scarring of the landscape have occurred along popular hiking routes. Botanical inventories conducted by the Colorado Natural Heritage Foundation in 1994 and 1998 identify a significant threat to several rare and sensitive plant species and communities along popular routes. Without prompt action, these damaged areas will grow in size and severity as the number of people climbing these peaks continues to increase.
These initial studies were done in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and other land management agencies. The Forest Service continues to be CFI’s primary partner in its Field Programs. All project planning is done under Forest Service supervision.
CFI Field, Education, and Volunteer programs represent a multifaceted effort to repair and restore damaged areas, prevent future impacts, and involve Coloradoans in the active stewardship of these popular, beloved, yet fragile mountain ecosystems.