Most of the state's national parks experienced visitor declines in 1995. The La Plata County economy contracts seasonally from the third to fourth quarters each year. Local economic sectors that declined seasonally during the fourth quarter included tourism, retail sales, construction, agriculture and industrial activity. On an annual basis, tourism indicators were mixed, with the tourism index posting a 1.7 percent decline from the previous year. Retailing Retail sales declined seasonally from the third to fourth quarters, but annually, after adjustment for inflation, sales increased by more than 9 percent.
Population increase is a major force driving annual retail sales increases.
Employment The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment estimates La Plata County employment, and state estimates are subject to significant revisions. According to state estimates, La Plata County employment increased 2.4 percent seasonally and 6.9 percent annually. Agriculture Calf prices decreased significantly both seasonally and annually. The prolonged decline in calf prices appears to be associated with significant oversupply in beef cattle markets. Alfalfa hay prices declined slightly on a quarterly basis and moderately on an annual basis.