Habitat Partnership Program
Our purpose is to:
- Work with private land managers, public land management agencies, sports persons, and other interested parties to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fence issues related to big game ungulate species (deer, elk, moose, and pronghorn)
- Assist CPW in meeting game management objectives
- Assist with private land conservation efforts
- Enhance wildlife migration corridors
The HPP is funded by 5% of the revenue from deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose hunting licenses in areas of the state covered by a local HPP committee. Matching contributions from project applicants are required for every project.
Participate in the Program
Getting Started
Before submitting an application, contact your local District Wildlife Manager (DWM) or the appropriate HPP administrative staff to discuss your proposed project. If you are unsure who your DWM is, the HPP admin for the committee in your project area can assist. Committee members value DWM involvement in project proposals.
Fill out the HPP project application thoroughly. Most committees require supporting documentation such as maps, itemized material lists or contractor quotes, seed mixes, photos, or other materials that help clarify the scope and goals of the project.
Projects
The following is a non-exhaustive list of common projects:
- Fence projects. Fence removal and/or updating existing fences to a wildlife-friendly design. HPP is not responsible for fencing livestock in or out. Their role in fence projects is to minimize wildlife conflicts and improve grazing practices. Virtual fence projects must comply with the latest version of the HPP Virtual Fence Policy.
- Habitat Improvement. HPP may fund various habitat improvement projects, such as seeding, fertilization, weed control, vegetation thinning, prescribed burns, forage leases, and grazing management. Conflict reduction or improved wildlife herd distribution outcomes are required.
- Water development. HPP is a funding program, not a permitting program. While HPP may provide funding for projects, it is the responsibility of the applicant and/or landowner to obtain any necessary permits, approvals, licenses, surveys, water rights, etc. HPP will reimburse drilling costs for approved well projects only if enough water is found for a productive well. The State Council may require NRCS involvement.
- Conservation Easements. HPP may consider contributing to transaction costs of easements that protect the property's conservation values, particularly agricultural productivity, wildlife habitat, and hunting access.
- Emergency conflict response. HPP may participate in baiting operations and associated conflict relief efforts related to severe winter conditions.
- Research and Monitoring. HPP may participate in research activities related to wildlife and range, including those focusing on habitat conditions, populations, inventory, and movement patterns.
Funding Requirements
- HPP requires a partnership - matching funds or in-kind contributions from the applicant.
- HPP encourages multiple funding partners (neighboring land owners, state and federal land management agencies, non-governmental organizations, counties, grazing advisory boards, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), etc.)
About the Committees
Local committees are made up of local representatives, including livestock growers, sportspersons, employees of federal land management agencies, 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 anyone interested is encouraged to attend. Meeting notices and meeting minutes are available on the HPP website. Committee meeting notices are also posted at the local CPW offices.
Whenever possible, applicants should plan to attend the committee meeting where their project is located. This provides an opportunity to present the proposal and respond to any questions or concerns from committee members. Committee meeting dates and locations are listed on their respective committee pages.
Committees maintain flexibility in decision-making. They may choose not to fund a project, adjust the level of funding, or request modifications to improve project outcomes, efficiency, or long-term success.
To participate in your local HPP committee program, navigate to your local committee page and read the details on their application process and individual committee guidelines.
Excerpt of Habitat Partnership Program Committee Boundaries Map
Committee Boundaries
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.
Habitat Partnership Committees
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 moreSuccess Stories
These courses, taught on ranches and by ranchers, gave CPW employees a broader perspective. By listening to stories and watching demonstrations, employees deepened their understanding of agriculture and how to serve the ranching and farming community.
Eighteen CPW employees from the Northwest Region were invited to spend the day on Stanko Ranch with Jo Stanko, her family and several other presenters. Members of the Stanko family — Jim, Pat, and Jan — explained the history of their cattle and hay operation, provided a hands-on-demonstration of hay production equipment, and spoke about their family’s working relationship with CPW.
CDA range rider and expert sheep dog handler, Marianne Sasak, spoke about sheep production and conflict avoidance from a rancher’s perspective. She provided a demonstration of her dogs working with sheep.
John Fields, a sheep rancher from Montrose and president of the Colorado Woolgrowers Association Board of Directors, discussed the challenges the sheep industry faces and answered pertaining questions.
Todd Hagenbuch, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist and Director for Colorado State University, spoke on the importance of developing and maintaining relationships within the agricultural community.
Jackie Brown with the Colorado Water Conservation Board discussed Colorado Water Law and how it affects agriculture.
“I think this course did an excellent job. It definitely humanizes producers and helps give a reference from where people are coming from,” said Rebekah Ryan, District Wildlife Manager for Area 8. “As demonstrated by the Stankos, it is not just a ‘job’ but a family heritage and a way of life.”
14 CPW employees from the Southeast Region gathered at Hanna Ranch to learn from cattle rancher Maggie Hanna. Maggie provided a history and transparent overview of her cattle and hay production operation. She also gave a hands-on demonstration of pasture irrigation and a tour of her State Land Board grazing allotment and expanding solar energy fields.
Maggie led a candid discussion of the challenges the agricultural community faces as well as practical suggestions for developing relationships with agricultural producers.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions that were more relevant to us as we continue to navigate a shifting dynamic and partnering opportunity,” said Maggie. “This provided us with more tools in our toolbox and insight as to how to approach these situations and relationships.”
The Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) was proud to help reduce wildlife conflicts during the harsh winter conditions in the Northwest corner of the state. Early in the winter of 2023, it became apparent that conditions in Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt Counties would significantly impact wildlife and agricultural operators. Through collaboration with Financial and Capital Services Branch members, HPP made significant funding available while adhering to fiscal guidelines.
HPP helped fund a Parks and Wildlife Commissioned approved baiting operation, provided 1,350-tons of replacement hay, and used heavy equipment to clear snow from baiting locations and hay stacks. This helps staff build upon their positive working relationship with the agricultural community; impacting 99 producers and 4,820 elk. Ultimately HPP contributed $395,462 to reduce conflicts in this effort.
Contact Us
- Habitat Partnership Committees
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- [email protected]
Historic Documents
The State of Colorado is excited to offer a new service for blind and low-vision Coloradans through a partnership with Aira. This app provides live, on-demand visual interpreting through human-to-human assistance.
Arkansas River Distribution Management Plan
Grand Mesa Distribution Management Plan
Gunnison Basin Distribution Management Plan
Larimer County Distribution Management Plan
Lower Colorado River Distribution Management Plan
Middle Park Distribution Management Plan
Montelores Distribution Management Plan
Mount Blanca Distribution Management Plan
North Fork Distribution Management Plan
North Park Distribution Management Plan
Northwest Colorado Distribution Management Plan
Republican Rivers Distribution Management Plan
San Luis Valley Distribution Management Plan
San Juan Basin Distribution Management Plan
Sangre De Cristo Distribution Management Plan
South Park Distribution Management Plan
Upper Yampa River Distribution Management Plan