Pronghorn jumping over a fence
Habitat Partnership Program
The Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is funded by 5% of the revenue from the sale of deer, elk, pronghorn and moose licenses. The program aims to reduce wildlife conflicts related to forage and fences, assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, support private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP works through local committees to develop partnerships among agricultural operators, land managers, sportspersons, the public, and CPW to reduce conflicts caused by deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.
Join the Program
Choose a Project
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Habitat Improvement (Cutting, weed spraying, water developments, etc.)
These include seeding, fertilization, weed control, brush control, tree and shrub cutting, prescribed burns, water developments and grazing management. The intent is to improve and/or create habitat that will provide more forage in an area to be utilized by big game and livestock.
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Fence Improvement or Repair (Repairs and new construction, etc.)
The major emphasis is to reduce or eliminate constant fence repairs that landowners have to do and to make it easier for wildlife to cross. HPP may be involved in new wildlife-friendly fence construction, or may provide fencing materials for landowners to repair existing fences.
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Game Damage Issues (Stackyards, etc.)
The program may assist landowners with materials or construction of stackyards, or they may also work with landowners to leave forage in the fields after harvest or grazing where wildlife can eat and not be disturbed, preventing problems with neighboring properties.
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Research & Monitoring
The program participates in research activities for wildlife and range purposes. Typical projects include radio-collaring of deer and elk to determine movements, habitat use and success of projects.
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Conservation Easement/Archaeological Clearance Application
Working with a local land trust, HPP can pay some transaction costs to help a willing landowner establish a conservation easement on their property. Such costs include appraisals, surveys, baseline plans and legal reviews.
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Information & Education
The Habitat Partnership Program is involved with increasing learning and awareness of the problems and solutions being tried to help landowners and land managers with big game problems. Brochures, signage, seminars and field trips are often used to accomplish this.
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Minor Repair Projects
Many committees have simplified applications and processes for landowners with minor fence repair, fertilizer and weed control projects. Committees that offer these have specific requirements so please contact your local wildlife officer or the administrative assistant at your local CPW office for your committee area to discuss your situation.
Note: Projects listed are not all encompassing of the projects HPP can assist with, but the most common ones.
Brochure
Fencing with Wildlife in Mind
The Habitat Partnership Program can help fund "wildlife-friendly" fence projects.
Read more about how fencing impacts wildlife in the Fencing with Wildlife in Mind brochure.
Exerpt of Habitat Partnership Program Committee Boundaries Map
Committees
Anyone within a committee area can propose a project to their local committee. The best way to gain committee approval is to have the support of the local CPW District Wildlife Manager or another committee representative before you present your idea.
Committees are made up of local livestock growers, sportspersons and employees of the United State Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. They meet periodically in their areas to review project proposals and to discuss current issues that could affect the people they represent. All meetings are open to the public and interested people are encouraged to attend. Upcoming committee meetings and minutes of prior meetings are always posted on the website, and local committee meeting notices are posted at the local CPW office.
Lower Colorado River Committee
Committee for Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin, and Routt Counties
Find out moreSan Luis Valley Committee
Committee for Conejos, Mineral, Saguache, and Rio Grande Counties
Find out moreSubmit a Project
Prior to submitting an application, discuss your proposal with your local district wildlife manager or reach out to the specific committee contact.
Applicants will need to fill out a project proposal form and attend the committee meeting to discuss their proposal.
Applicant Letter
Please read the project application cover letter to understand the application process prior to completing your application.
Find out moreProject Application
Download Application
Contact Us
- Habitat Partnership Program Staff
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- [email protected]