ABSTRACT
Most people in North America perceive the CCE as an ultimate pristine place—a sanctuary of nature where abundant cold, fresh, and pure water, captured from Pacific winds by lofty peaks, nourishes a plethora of flora and fauna. Millions of visitors to the CCE's parks, wilderness, and recreational areas will testify to the quality of the environment and to the restorative powers that such dynamic wilderness brings to the body and soul. People travel great distances in all seasons to visit the CCE and enjoy its environmental amenities. In late spring, summer, and early fall, huge numbers of tourists descend on the major parks and wilderness areas in and near the CCE to hike, camp, and tour the region's mountains, lush forests, alpine meadows, lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls. In the winter, deep snows make backcountry and downhill skiing and other types of winter recreation popular activities.
