Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting recap for July 18 - 19
Joey Livingston
MEEKER, Colo – At the July 18-19, 2024 meeting, the Parks and Wildlife Commission heard proposed changes to regulations as follows. All final regulations approved at the July 18-19, 2024 meeting will go into effect on September 1, 2024 unless otherwise noted. Updated chapters include W-0, W-09, W-10, W-16, and P-01.
FINAL REGULATIONS
Agenda Item 18.d: Chapter W-10 - “Nongame Wildlife” 2 CCR 406-10 (Step 1 of 1) (PERMANENT REGULATIONS)
- The Commission finalized emergency regulations related to cleanup of regulation #1000.D.2 to align it with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ 10(j) rule, 88 FR 77014.
Agenda Item 11: Chapter P-1 - “Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands” 2CCR 405-1 (Step 1 of 2)
Open for annual review of the entire chapter including, but not limited to, generally-applicable and property-specific requirements for, or restrictions on use of, parks properties controlled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Specific regulatory changes include the following:
- Adopting a permanent timed entry reservation system at Eldorado Canyon State Park.
- Updating the property specific hunting regulations for Fishers Peak.
- Adopting regulations for a limited spring turkey hunting opportunity at Lone Mesa State Park.
The Commission is open for annual review of the entire chapter including, but not limited to, regulations pertaining to eligibility requirements and fees for individual and vehicle park passes, use permits, vessel, snowmobile and off-highway vehicle registrations and license agent requirements. Specific regulatory changes include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Removing Harmsen Ranch House from the Guest House Program at Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
- Modifying the Aspen Leaf Lifetime pass program.
- Extending the Keep Colorado Wild pass refund opportunity for accidental purchases.
- The Commission is open for consideration of changes to commercial use on state parks and state wildlife areas.
Final Regulations
Agenda Item 25.1: Chapter P-1 – “Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands” 2 CCR 405-1
- The Commission finalized changes to the hunter reservation system at Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
- Ensure hunting access continuity on indemnity lands transferred from the Bureau of Land Management to the State Land Board.
- Remove Richard State Wildlife Area from regulation after the land was purchased and the lease was not renewed. (Effective date October 1, 2024.)
- The Commission finalized increasing the fee for the Federal Waterfowl Stamp.
- The Commission finalized modifying the procedure to request a public presentation be added to a commission meeting agenda.
Agenda Item 25.5: Chapter W-14 – “Wildlife Rehabilitation” 2 CCR 406-14
- Open for consideration to modify license distribution timing for wildlife rehabilitation.
A complete agenda along with all materials for public review for this meeting can be found on the CPW website. The public is encouraged to email written comments to the Commission at [email protected]. Details on providing public comments at meetings are available on the CPW website.
The Commission meets regularly and travels to communities around the state to facilitate public participation. Anyone can view Commission meetings on Youtube. This opportunity keeps constituents informed about the development of regulations and how the Commission works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff to manage the parks, wildlife and outdoor recreation programs administered by the agency. Find out more about the Commission on the CPW website.
The next Commission meeting is scheduled to take place on August 22-23 in Colorado Springs.
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.