SUMMARY OF INFLUENCES AND RESPONSES THAT SHAPE THE CHARACTER OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT-
ECOLOGICAL INFLUENCES
Hot, dry climate.
Arid landscape.
Dominance of landform over vegetation.
Sparse vegetation.
Long vistas.
Many rock outcrops.
Water and shade crucial to survival.
Southerly winds in summer; northerly
and westerly winds in winter.
Dramatic temperature ranges both
daily and throughout seasons.
Extremes of flood and
drought.
Ecosystems dependent on fire for renewal.
Strong color contrasts.
Aspect of the sun a strong influence.
Disturbances to soil and vegetation slow
to heal.
California landscape marine-influenced
in some areas with a wetter climate
and more dense vegetation.
Big sky with intense sunshine.
CULTURAL INFLUENCES
Area has a highly urban population, with few
people living outside cities.
Forest Service areas receive year-round use.
Three main cultural groups are Anglo, Native
American, and Hispanic.
People are attracted to the higher, cooler
places and to water for recreation.
Native American cultures are highly visible,
with more than 30 sovereign nations and
reservations within national forests.
Spanish culture goes back nearly 500 years
to explorers of the early 1500s.
Strong influence of contemporary Mexican
culture requires places for large groups to
meet; larger facilities may be needed.
Society is multicultural.
Ranching and mining remain prevalent.
The area has many archeological sites.
The area is experiencing rapid population
growth.
Figures of buildings representing a variety of cultures:
· Pueblo influence