DENVER - For many Coloradans, the last full week of August is summer's last hurrah. It's also "Great Outdoors Week" - a time to recognize the huge economic and environmental impact public lands have in the state.



Colorado is the nation's top ski destination, and other outdoor trips accounted for nearly 3 million visitors last year, according to the state Department of Tourism.



The state also is a hub for the growing craft-beer movement, says Charlie Berger of Denver Beer Co. As a brewer, he spends most days working on his latest concoction - and says there's one reason why the region is known as the "Napa Valley of Beer."



"Colorado's the perfect place for craft beer; 95 percent of the one product that we make here is water. It comes straight out of the wilderness areas."



Berger says he's worried about pending legislation in Congress to open up more than 60 million acres in national forests and wilderness to new development. The measure is scheduled for a vote this fall. Rep,. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., says she opposes the bill, but supporters say it would allow multiple uses on lands that are now restricted.



Coloradans are fortunate to have easy access to public lands, says Ted Zukowski, an Earthjustice attorney. Most of the tracts are three miles or less from a road, he says, and preserving those lands is crucial.



"They're a huge part of not just our economy but also our quality of life. People come here to play, and then they want to stay."



Even mega-brewers such as Coors understand the value of pure Rocky Mountain water, Berger says.



"Beer is only made up of four ingredients, and water is one of them. The rest are malted barley, hops and yeast. So water is a super-important one. "



Groups statewide are sponsoring more than 50 hiking, fishing and climbing trips this week to celebrate the outdoors. Information on Great Outdoors Week activities is online at coloradodeservesmore.org/events.