Wolf Reintroduction: Stakeholder Advisory Group Application Period

Stakeholder Advisory Group Application
Applications for membership in the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) for wolf reintroduction and management in Colorado are being accepted and must be received no later than March 31, 2021. The application link includes instructions for applying as well as the application itself. 
The application period is closed.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission is charged with restoring and managing gray wolves in Colorado no later than December 31, 2023. Based on public feedback and Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s expertise in developing wildlife management plans, the agency is moving forward with a strategic phased approach that will facilitate robust stakeholder engagement in the early stages of the planning process.  

The Stakeholder Advisory Group will represent diverse wolf management interests that will convene to support the development of the gray wolf management plan for Colorado. 

Members selected will vary in demographics, backgrounds, geographic regions and perspectives in order to constitute a vibrant, diverse and all-inclusive stakeholder voice in the planning process. Where the Stakeholder Advisory Group is able to achieve consensus on conservation objectives and management strategies, their input will receive priority consideration by the Parks and Wildlife Commission.  

Coloradans that represent academia, conservation, advocacy, outdoor sportspersons, recreation, livestock producers, local or county government are encouraged to apply. 

The Stakeholder Advisory Group application is now available closed. on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website’s new Stay Informed page. Please email completed applications to wolfcomments@state.co.us.

To be eligible to participate in the Stakeholder Advisory Group, members must demonstrate:

• Familiarity or interest in wolf management and conservation
• Composure and respect working with those with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives
• The ability to engage productively in the Stakeholder Advisory Group’s business and provide timely input
• Willingness to participate in monthly (or weekly) meetings held on weekdays, weekends or evenings 

If public health orders allow, some meetings may be in person; otherwise, meetings will be virtual. If budgets allow, Colorado Parks and Wildlife may offer Stakeholder Advisory Group members a nominal stipend and reimburse travel expenses in accordance with the state government guidelines.

The Stakeholder Advisory Group is not a decision-making body and has no authority on wolf management policy, research or operations. A member may be removed from the Stakeholder Advisory Group at the discretion of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director based on conduct or lack of participation.

Following a review of applications, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director, in consultation with the Chair of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, may invite top candidates to participate in an interview. Additional application information may be requested to make final selections. 

“Stakeholder feedback will play an integral role in how we shape and conceptualize our statewide management plan for wolves,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Dan Prenzlow. “We look forward to collaborating with the Stakeholder Advisory Group and listening to healthy discussions where different perspectives are shared so well-rounded solutions can be considered as we work towards restoring wolves in Colorado.” 

In addition to the development of a Stakeholder Advisory Group, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is also in the process of convening a Technical Working Group. The Technical Working Group will be composed of members of governmental agencies or scientific specialists that bring expertise or unique knowledge of wolf reintroduction, wolf management, conflict minimization, depredation compensation, and other relevant topics. The role of this group is to provide objective, scientific-based information, and productive critical review to inform the Parks and Wildlife Commission on the development of a wolf reintroduction and management plan while working closely with the Stakeholder Advisory Group. If you know of individuals who would fit these qualifications and productively contribute to the process, please email their name, contact information, and a brief description of their qualifications to wolfcomments@state.co.us (The application period is closed.).

“Our commissioners have been very impressed with the public and stakeholder feedback we have received so far, and that our fellow Coloradans are taking the time to be engaged and want to participate in solution-focused conversations about wolf reintroduction in our state,” said Parks and Wildlife Commission Chair Marvin McDaniel. “It’s a testament to Colorado and our outdoor heritage, that whenever needed we can and want to work together, to share our expertise and knowledge with positive intent to preserve our vast natural resources.”   

Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff is committed to keeping the public informed and engaged about wolves in Colorado by providing news and updates on Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website, social media channels and the Gray Wolf Reintroduction eNews.

Written by Bridget Kochel. Bridget is a public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.