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Grand Mesa​​ Habitat Partnership Program

CPW Committee

Mission & Purpose:

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​

Contact:

Kale Watson

970-200-6315
[email protected]

Grand Mesa​​ Habitat Partnership Program

Mission & Purpose:

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​

Contact:

Kale Watson

970-200-6315
[email protected]

COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES

About this Committee

The Grand Mesa Habitat Partnership Program Committee (GMHPP) was formed in 1995 to help resolve local wildlife conflicts with agriculture, and serves the western and northern slopes of the Grand Mesa. The committee area includes a mix of private, federal, and state lands; and consists of a variety of habitat types and land use patterns. Wildlife conflicts with agriculture in the committee area are attributed primarily to elk and mule deer, and occur mainly on lower elevations on pasture land, hay stacks, and fences. Agricultural operations and the loss of habitat for residential, recreational, and energy development have resulted in specific impact areas that the committee has identified as high priority zones. However, projects will be implemented wherever the committee believes they can effectively reduce or eliminate big game conflicts and assist CPW in achieving management objectives.

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A hunter walking through an open field.

Get Involved: Sportsperson Representative

The Grand Mesa Habitat Partnership Program Committee (HPP) is seeking an individual interested in serving as a Sportsperson Representative.

Meetings are usually scheduled on Thursday afternoons of every other month at various locations within the committee boundary area.  To be considered, interested parties must submit their name, contact information, and a statement of interest to Kale Watson, at [email protected].

Applicants must be able to attend the committee meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Colorado River Fire Protection District, Station 41 (1850 Railroad Ave, Rifle CO 81650) for an interview with the Committee.

The deadline for nominations to be received is April 14, 2025.

Committee Guidelines

  • District Wildlife Manager involvement - Required.
  • Agricultural Status - Not required, but preferred .
  • Hunting Access - Not required, but preferred.
  • Meeting Attendance - Not required; however, if the applicant will not be present, it is suggested that the DWM or a representative attend to present.

Meet the Committee

Travis Bybee

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Eric Bruton

  • Livestock Grower

Erin Kowalski

  • Bureau of Land Management

Forrest Towns

  • Livestock Grower

Harley Metz

  • Sportsperson

Joe Fazzi

  • Livestock Grower

Heid Plank

  • US Forest Service

Upcoming Meetings

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Past Meetings

26 results

Feb

6

Grand Mesa HPP Meeting Notice: February 6, 2025

Thursday, Feb 6

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​
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Aug

22

Grand Mesa HPP Meeting Notice: August 22, 2024

Thursday, Aug 22

Rifle Fire Station

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​
View Details

Jun

6

Grand Mesa HPP Committee Meeting: June 6, 2024

Thursday, Jun 6

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​
View Details

Apr

25

Grand Mesa HPP Committee Meeting: April 25, 2024

Thursday, Apr 25

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​
View Details

Feb

15

Grand Mesa​​ HPP Meeting: February 15, 2024

Thursday, Feb 15

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​
View Details

Oct

26

Grand Mesa​​ HPP Meeting: October 26, 2023

Thursday, Oct 26

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​
View Details

Aug

17

Grand Mesa​​ HPP Meeting: August 17, 2023

Thursday, Aug 17

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​
View Details

Jun

8

Grand Mesa​​ HPP Meeting: June 8, 2023

Thursday, Jun 8

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​
View Details

May

15

Grand Mesa​​ HPP Meeting: May 15, 2023

Monday, May 15

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.​
View Details