Proposition 114 - now state statute 33-2-105.8 - directs the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop a plan to introduce gray wolves in Colorado west of the Continental Divide, passed on November 3, 2020. The statute directs the CPW Commission to restore and manage gray wolves in Colorado no later than December 31, 2023.
As planning and implementation move forward, CPW is providing various ways for Coloradans to stay informed about, and involved in, the reintroduction process.
Amendment to the Stakeholder Advisory Group Governance Charter
Important Update: New amendment to the Stakeholder Advisory Group Governance Charter prohibits the audio and or video recording of Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) proceedings and the livestreaming of such proceedings.
Learn more about the amendment.
Re-listing Decision - U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
On Thursday, February 10th, 2022, the United States District Court vacated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s (USFWS) 2020 rule delisting gray wolves across the lower 48 states. The ruling returns management authority of gray wolves in Colorado to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has been in communication with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding wolf management from the outset of this restoration and management planning effort. In fact, USFWS is represented on the Technical Working Group that has been assembled by CPW in planning efforts for reintroducing the species.
A recent letter from the USFWS provides parameters for the implications of this decision at this stage of Colorado’s gray wolf reintroduction process.
Public Engagement Website and Open House Schedule
CPW and Keystone Policy Center have launched
wolfengagementco.org - a public engagement website where Coloradans are able to find opportunities for public engagement in the reintroduction planning process.
The website provides dates, locations, and details about upcoming public meetings, as well as information about the advisory functions of the
Stakeholder Advisory Group and Technical Working Group, which are both providing expertise and practical feedback for the restoration and management planning process. All comments submitted to the website will require a name, email address, and state/county of residence.
Technical Working Group
The Technical Working Group (TWG) will review and contribute expertise towards the development of conservation objectives, management strategies and damage prevention and compensation planning. Learn more about the experience of the TWG members on our Technical Working Group page.
Stakeholder Advisory Group
The Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) will provide a range of viewpoints from diverse geographic areas of the state and propose considerations for the plans developed by the TWG. Get to know the members of the SAG and their interests on our Stakeholder Advisory Group page.
Wolf Resource Guide: Hands-on Resource to Reduce Depredations
This
Hands-on Resource Guide to Reduce Depredations is meant to be a useful introduction for ranchers and livestock owners to implement effective strategies to prevent wolf depredations.
To help contribute to the planning and restoration of gray wolves in Colorado please consider
donating to the effort.
School/Educator Requests
The gray wolf reintroduction process has provided a unique educational opportunity for students to learn about wildlife management and wolves.
Educators may
fill out this form to request Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff participation in school programs at least 3 weeks in advance of the requested program date. CPW Education staff will respond with our ability to support your classroom program as soon as possible.
Subscribe to the Gray Wolf Reintroduction eNews
As the agency begins the planning and implementation process for reintroducing Gray Wolves to the state, we are dedicated to keeping the public informed and engaged throughout the process.
To keep up to date, sign up for our
Gray Wolf Reintroduction eNews and follow our
social media channels.
Recent Gray Wolf Reintroduction eNews:
- June 17, 2022
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May 20, 2022
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March 18, 2022
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February 7, 2022
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January 12, 2022
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December 7, 2021
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October 5, 2021
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August 2, 2021
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July 13, 2021
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June 24, 2021
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June 4, 2021
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May 18, 2021
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April 22, 2021
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March 25, 2021
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March 8, 2021
Wolf Educational Materials
People often mistake large coyotes for gray wolves when recreating in Colorado. Learn the
key physical differences between these species.
Wolf Reintroduction Educational Sessions
Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to watch recorded educational sessions to learn more about the wolf reintroduction planning process. CPW staff and invited guest speakers presented information about wolves and the wolf management plan to help educate Coloradans about the wolf reintroduction process.
Session 3: Wolf-Livestock Damage Minimization and Compensation
A recording of Session 3 is now available on YouTube.
This educational session provided information on how states like Montana work with agricultural producers to prevent and reduce wolf depredation on livestock and how producers are compensated for losses.
Speakers: Luke Hoffman, CPW Game Damage Coordinator; Nathan Lance, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wolf Management Specialist; George Edwards, Executive Director of the Montana Livestock Loss Board
Session 2: Wolf Reintroduction Logistics and Lessons Learned
A recording of Session 2 is
available on YouTube.
Learn about what went into the considerations and the logistics for the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone and Central Idaho in the mid-1990s through real-world experiences about establishing and managing wolves in the Northern Rockies.
Speakers: Ed Bangs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (retired); Mike Jimenez
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (retired)
Session 1: Wolf Management and Wolf-Prey Interactions
A recording of Session 1 is
available on YouTube.
Learn about what it means to have wolves on the landscape, how experts from other states approach wolf management and how wildlife experts develop management plans for other species.
Speakers: Diane Boyd, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks(retired); Jon Horne, Idaho Fish and Game
