Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program: Hale Ranch

Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program

The loss of habitat is one of the greatest threats to Colorado’s wildlife. And, access to quality public lands is one of the biggest challenges facing hunters and anglers. To address both of these growing concerns, Colorado Parks and Wildlife launched the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program, also referred to as the “Habitat Stamp Program.”

Widely supported by hunters, anglers and wildlife conservationists, the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program has provided millions of dollars to landowners to protect high-priority wildlife habitat and enhance public access. Funding for the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program is generated primarily by hunters and anglers who purchase the Habitat Stamp. Proceeds from Great Outdoors Colorado and, occasionally, federal dollars also support this program.

Since its inception in 2006, the program has conserved more than 250,000 acres, including critical big-game winter range and migration corridors. It has also conserved critical wetlands and riparian habitat. In addition, the program has opened more than 117,000 acres for public access, including over 300 miles of river frontage.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife thanks you for your ongoing support of this vital conservation program.

To learn more about Habitat Stamps and Colorado Wildlife Program, please visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.

Video by Jerry Neal. Jerry is the senior videographer and a media specialist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

As Willow Fire approached, a call for help launched a race to save Colorado’s native fish

By Tuesday morning, June 30, four CPW aquatics trucks were headed to Leadville. With fire conditions continuing to change and the window to move the fish uncertain, federal hatchery staff and CPW crews began moving fish by hand with dip nets.

Cyclists on a gravel ride across the working lands of Lincoln County, Colorado. Photo by Abe Medina, Colorado State Land Board.

Shrikes and Bikes: Turning Gears in Colorado’s Grasslands

On Colorado’s inaugural Prairie Day, Shrikes and Bikes brought together 75 cyclists to celebrate eastern Colorado’s shortgrass prairie, working lands, and rural communities. Along the scenic gravel cycling route, riders learned from local agricultural producers, connected with community members, observed prairie wildlife, and experienced historic preservation sites.

Novice hunter with his mentor scouting on a mentored elk hunt right after sunrise September 2024 near Lone Cone outside of Norwood.

Southwest Hunter Outreach Program

This summer, the Southwest Hunter Outreach Program is hosting various Hunter Outreach training days in Monte Vista, Gunnison and Montrose to recruit new volunteers into the program to further support existing big game mentored hunts throughout the Southwest corner of the state.

Leah McGill knows the first thing about fishing is rarely just about the fish

Cold Rain and First Casts

For anyone considering volunteering, whether they know how to fish or not, McGill is straightforward about what’s waiting on the other side.

Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program: Hale Ranch