Continuing responsible recreation through spring ‘Green-up’

Rachael Gonzales
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW

Marissa Charlebois
WWCI Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]


  Continuing responsible recreation through spring ‘green-up’

Seeing green doesn't always mean it's a green light to recreate. Help protect wildlife during this crucial time for wildlife by giving them space. Photo credit: CPW/R. Gonzales

Grand Junction, Colo. - As we welcome warmer spring weather in the mountains of Colorado and shed our winter layers for sandals and shorts, we must remember that animals around us are still vulnerable to our disturbance. It is crucial to take necessary precautions to avoid causing increased stress to wildlife while enjoying the last of the Colorado snow season. With advances in outdoor gear and new technologies that have made snow-based recreation more accessible, along with population growth, recent years have brought more encounters and conflict between recreationists and wildlife.

When planning your spring adventures, it’s important to remember that green up doesn’t always mean a green light for recreation. Know before you go and check for any seasonal trail or area closures. Always have a backup option if the parking lot at your trailhead is at capacity, and keep your pets on a leash at all times.

“Right now, as we shift to summer activities, wildlife are at their lowest energy reserves of the year," said Shannon Schaller, CPW Deputy Northeast Regional Manager. "They need space and the ability to access needed energy from spring food. They also are highly visible during spring green-up because they are moving into accessible areas. Please respect wildlife by giving them space and time during this critical time.”

This winter, to increase education and accessible materials about recreation impacts on wintering wildlife, Colorado Parks and Wildlife created the Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WWCI) in partnership with several outdoor recreation and conservation organizations.

The Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative encourages recreators to educate themselves on local spring wildlife closures for migrating and calving elk, along with other animals that need additional security as they look for food in the snowy regions of the state. Increased recreation in areas with significant wildlife movement can impact the resilience of these animals and displace them into unsuitable areas. Taking small yet essential steps can help preserve Colorado’s wintering wildlife and ensure their safety. Green-up does not mean green light. Animals are at the end of their spring energy reserve and need our support in giving them space to recover and grow strong!

For more information about the WWCI and how you, your business, or your organization can become involved, please visit winteringwildlife.org or contact [email protected].