The diverse landscapes of the Coronado NF offer a variety of settings for a broad range of recreatio

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Coronado National Forest
D R A F T Recreation Desired Condition
The diverse landscapes of the Coronado NF offer a
variety of settings for a broad range of
recreational opportunities and a place for
visitors to escape from busy urban life into
quiet, natural, wild places. Landscapes range
from primitive settings that provide
opportunities for solitude, to more developed,
rustic settings that provide opportunities for
social interaction and greater comfort. Although
development and population in the region continue
to grow, settings on the Coronado NF are stable,
and loss of primitive-end settings does not
occur. Recreation on the Coronado NF focuses on
four-season, mainly short duration activities.
Much use occurs along popular recreation
corridors and scenic byways. Backcountry and
wilderness provide places to explore.
Growing demand for recreation is accommodated wi
thin the capacity of the land to support it, and
areas that can accommodate additional use (such
as at Pena Blanca Lake) are fully utilized.
Local communities, partnerships, volunteers, and
permit holders help the Forest manage a
sustainable recreation program, and partners
benefit from their roles in providing
recreational opportunities. Recreation on the
Coronado NF enhances the quality of life for
residents and provides tourist destinations,
which contribute to local economies. Visitors
not only understand how to reduce their impacts
on ecosystems, but actively help support the
Coronado NFs efforts to protect natural
resources and wilderness values.
Developed recreation facilities such as campgrou
nds and picnic areas are clean, safe, and in good
repair. Most meet current accessibility
guidelines. Visitor centers are open to the
public on busy days and provide places where
visitors can find information and learn about
natural and cultural resources on the Coronado
NF. Heritage sites provide unique opportunities
for visitors to connect with the past.
Interpretive features help people learn about the
special places they visit. Facilities and
infrastructure are maintained and replaced as
needed using a sustainable mix of Federal and
other funds and partners. Developed sites blend
with the natural setting and uses at these areas
do not cause damage to ecologically sensitive
areas. Potable water is provided in high use
areas. Special use permits, including summer ho
mes, organization camps, a ski area, a lodge and
a guest ranch, and outfitter-guides, help provide
a variety of appropriate outdoor recreation
experiences that are not provided directly by the
Coronado NF. Permitted facilities blend well
into the natural landscape. (Continued on oth
er side)
October 2008
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Dispersed recreation activities on the Coronado
NF include scenic driving, birdwatching, rock
climbing, horseback riding, camping, hunting, and
more. Visitors use off-highway vehicles
properly, staying on designated roads and in
identified camping areas. Dispersed sites are
small and clean, and resource damage is not a
problem. Rock climbing is managed to balance
demand for the activity and protect wildlife and
natural resources. Forest Service employees a
nd volunteers visit campgrounds and dispersed
sites on a regular basis to make public contacts
and ensure fee compliance. A system of well-m
arked and well maintained trails provides
opportunities for visitors to explore the forest.
Trailheads accommodate adequate parking and
turnaround space. Long-term partnerships help
the Forest maintain trails. Trails into the
highest elevations of the Pinaleno Mountains are
open. Wildcat trails are rare.
Recreation settings, developed sites, and trails
are enhanced by good forest health and low fire
danger. Visitors enjoy the beautiful scenery,
though they also understand that fire and
vegetation management projects are necessary for
forest health within this ecosystem. Recreation
sites and settings along the International Border
with Mexico are clean, border security
infrastructure blends well with the landscape,
and visitors know how to stay safe.