Habitat Partnership Program

Pronghorn jumping over a fence

Habitat Partnership Program

The Habitat Partnership Program works to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, and to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife in meeting game management objectives. The program works through local committees to develop partnerships among landowners, land managers, sportspersons, the public and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reduce conflicts caused by deer, elk, pronghorn and moose to agriculture. The program is funded by 5% of revenue from the sale of deer, elk, pronghorn and moose licenses.

Colorado Statutes

Join the Program

Step 1: Choose a Project

Choose a Project

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Step 2: Find a Committee

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.

Arkansas River Committee

Committee for Chaffee, Freemont, Lake, and Teller Counties.