Our Work
Just 150 years ago, the future of Colorado’s wildlife was uncertain. Overhunting and water pollution had a harsh impact on deer, elk, pronghorn, buffalo, bear, birds and fish, and many feared that some of these species would never recover. In 1870, the Colorado Territorial Legislature passed its first wildlife protection laws, and in 1879, the first wildlife protection agency was formed. The Colorado Division of Wildlife worked to set and enforce limitations, including banning the use of nets for fishing, setting season and bag limits, and even prohibiting hunting of pronghorn and bighorn sheep for over 50 years.
Today, conservation remains a core part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s mission. Our State Wildlife Action Plan is the guiding document for the conservation teams and for Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a whole as we strive to make all decisions with conservation in mind.
Our Work
Just 150 years ago, the future of Colorado’s wildlife was uncertain. Overhunting and water pollution had a harsh impact on deer, elk, pronghorn, buffalo, bear, birds and fish, and many feared that some of these species would never recover. In 1870, the Colorado Territorial Legislature passed its first wildlife protection laws, and in 1879, the first wildlife protection agency was formed. The Colorado Division of Wildlife worked to set and enforce limitations, including banning the use of nets for fishing, setting season and bag limits, and even prohibiting hunting of pronghorn and bighorn sheep for over 50 years.
Today, conservation remains a core part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s mission. Our State Wildlife Action Plan is the guiding document for the conservation teams and for Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a whole as we strive to make all decisions with conservation in mind.
Conserving Colorado Wildlife
State Wildlife Action Plan
Our State Wildlife Action Plan is the guiding document for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and its conservation teams as we strive to make all decisions with conservation in mind. It details our greatest conservation needs.
Threatened and Endangered Wildlife
Colorado Parks and Wildlife and its partners collaborate to protect the state’s threatened and endangered species.
Wildlife Migration and Movement
Understanding migration and movement patterns contributes to sustainable hunting practices and the beauty of the state.
Wildlife Recovery Plans
Recovering plant and animal species that are in danger of extinction is a priority of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Conservation in Colorado
Model of Wildlife Conservation
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is the cornerstone of modern wildlife conservation across the U.S. This revolutionary model was formed around the turn of the 1900's when sportspeople realized that market hunting was taking an undeniable and potentially irreversible effect of North America's wildlife
Conservation in Colorado
Help Fund Conservation Work
To complete its conservation goals, Colorado Parks and Wildlife depends on funding from a variety of sources, including from outside organizations and individuals. Contributing to conservation efforts means contributing to the diverse landscapes and wildlife that make Colorado unique.
Keep Colorado Wild Pass
Residents can get a $29 pass allowing entrance into parks for 1 year when registering a vehicle.Wildlife Sporting License Plate
Unite with other hunters and anglers by purchasing a Wildlife Sporting Plate for your vehicle.Donate Your Income Tax Return
Help threatened and endangered wildlife by donating to the “Colorado Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund.”Bringing Wildlife Back to Colorado
Some wildlife species in Colorado have experienced declining populations or may have been close to extinction due to disease, loss of habitat and poaching. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) started efforts to bring back these species to Colorado, beginning with bringing 50 elk from Wyoming in 1916. CPW partners with state and federal wildlife agencies to bring wildlife to Colorado with the goal that the species being reintroduced can thrive and grow their populations.
Boreal Toad
Boreal Toad
Chukar
Columbian Sharp Tailed Grouse
Greater Sage Grouse
Gunnison Sage Grouse
Lesser Prairie Chicken
Wild Turkey
Chukar
Columbian Sharp Tailed Grouse
Greater Sage Grouse
Gunnison Sage Grouse
Lesser Prairie Chicken
Wild Turkey
Greenback Cutthroat Trout
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout
Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout
Greenback Cutthroat Trout
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout
Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout
Black Footed Ferret
Elk
Lynx
Prairie Dog
River Otter
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Shiras Moose
Black Footed Ferret
Elk
Lynx
Prairie Dog
River Otter
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Shiras Moose
Success Stories
Colorado boasts the largest elk herd in North America. But elk were near extinction in the early 1900s. Thanks to conservation programs and sportsmen, elk populations have soared in the last 50 years.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife's (CPW) dedicated team of researchers and biologists are restoring lesser prairie-chickens to the Comanche and Cimarron national grasslands. This ambitious, 4-year translocation project involved capturing birds in western Kansas and transporting them to southeast Colorado.
Conservation in Colorado
Protecting and Researching Wildlife Habitats
Colorado Parks and Wildlife understands that conserving and restoring certain species go hand in hand with improving their habitats. Colorado has various habitat communities, but they usually fall into five main types. Each of these landscapes has its own animals and challenges.