Proposition #114 – What Comes Next?
Proposition #114 – The Restoration of Gray Wolves, a ballot initiative directing the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop a plan to introduce gray wolves onto the Western Slope of Colorado, passed on November 3, 2020.
Proposition 114 directs the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to:
- Develop a plan to reintroduce and manage gray wolves in Colorado by December 31, 2023, on designated lands west of the Continental Divide;
- Hold statewide hearings about scientific, economic, and social considerations;
- Periodically obtain public input to update the plan; and
- Use state funds to assist livestock owners in preventing conflicts with gray wolves and pay fair compensation for livestock losses.
The initial directive of Proposition #114 is for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and CPW staff to create a plan, so it should be understood that this is not a plan that is already created and available to be released immediately.
CPW’s Wolves FAQ document provides the most current information available on the species and planning status.
As hearings and public input opportunities are planned, CPW will communicate information about how to participate through their website, social media channels, and eNews newsletters.
CPW is Committed to Developing a Plan
Colorado Parks and Wildlife wildlife experts currently manage 960 wildlife species for the state and have restored several of Colorado’s most iconic species. CPW staff is fully prepared to work with stakeholders, including consultation with other state agencies with specific experience with introducing the species, to develop the plan to reintroduce gray wolves over the coming months.
“Our agency consists of some of the best and brightest in the field of wildlife management and conservation,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Dan Prenzlow. “I know our wildlife experts encompass the professionalism, expertise, and scientific focus that is essential in developing a strategic species management plan. CPW is committed to developing a comprehensive plan and in order to do that, we will need input from Coloradans across our state. We are evaluating the best path forward to ensure that all statewide interests are well represented.”
A History of Conservation
For over 120 years, the people of Colorado have looked to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for leadership and expertise to protect state lands, secure a successful wildlife legacy in Colorado, and provide quality outdoor recreation that evolves with generational trends and demographic population changes. To learn more about conservation efforts, please visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
4 Responses
Dear CPW, I read about a program in Montana in association with expansion of wolves; a range rider program where persons commit to riding { by horse} areas where wolves may get near grazing livestock. The presence of the riders discourages wolves from approaching livestock. I’d encourage CPW to look into the MT Range Rider program.
Thanks! Katie Brennan
I have lived in Montana in the mountains where wolves are present. They are dangerous animals who will kill anything to eat. This situation will be a nightmare for livestock and their owners. The process to get help for
controlling them and getting permission to kill them is rediculous and a long process. This was a mistake for colorado.
This is a mistake for Colorado
Interesting how the people on the EAST side of the continental divide voted to burden ranchers on the WEST side of the divide with these warm, fuzzy little cuddly killing canines. Say goodbye to your moose population first of all, soon to be followed by deer and elk. They certainly eliminated the moose population in the mountains of Idaho that I frequent and reduced the cervidae. Let wildlife biologists manage the wildlife, that’s what they’re trained to do.