Our Work
Just 150 years ago, the future of Colorado’s wildlife was uncertain. Overhunting and water pollution had a harsh impact on deer, elk, pronghorn, buffalo, bear, birds and fish, and many feared that some of these species would never recover. In 1870, the Colorado Territorial Legislature passed its first wildlife protection laws, and in 1879, the first wildlife protection agency was formed. The Colorado Division of Wildlife worked to set and enforce limitations, including banning the use of nets for fishing, setting season and bag limits, and even prohibiting hunting of pronghorn and bighorn sheep for over 50 years.
Today, conservation remains a core part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s mission. Our State Wildlife Action Plan is the guiding document for the conservation teams and for Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a whole as we strive to make all decisions with conservation in mind.
Our Work
Just 150 years ago, the future of Colorado’s wildlife was uncertain. Overhunting and water pollution had a harsh impact on deer, elk, pronghorn, buffalo, bear, birds and fish, and many feared that some of these species would never recover. In 1870, the Colorado Territorial Legislature passed its first wildlife protection laws, and in 1879, the first wildlife protection agency was formed. The Colorado Division of Wildlife worked to set and enforce limitations, including banning the use of nets for fishing, setting season and bag limits, and even prohibiting hunting of pronghorn and bighorn sheep for over 50 years.
Today, conservation remains a core part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s mission. Our State Wildlife Action Plan is the guiding document for the conservation teams and for Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a whole as we strive to make all decisions with conservation in mind.
Conserving Colorado Wildlife
Bringing Wildlife Back to Colorado
Find out more about how Colorado Parks and Wildlife is helping to bring wildlife back to the state.
Threatened and Endangered Wildlife
Colorado Parks and Wildlife and its partners collaborate to protect the state’s threatened and endangered species.
Wildlife Migration and Movement
Understanding migration and movement patterns contributes to sustainable hunting practices and the beauty of the state.
Wildlife Recovery Plans
Recovering plant and animal species that are in danger of extinction is a priority of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Conservation in Colorado
Model of Wildlife Conservation
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is the cornerstone of modern wildlife conservation across the U.S. This revolutionary model was formed around the turn of the 1900's when sportspeople realized that market hunting was taking an undeniable and potentially irreversible effect of North America's wildlife
Conservation in Colorado
Help Fund Conservation Work
To complete its conservation goals, Colorado Parks and Wildlife depends on funding from a variety of sources, including from outside organizations and individuals. Contributing to conservation efforts means contributing to the diverse landscapes and wildlife that make Colorado unique.
Keep Colorado Wild Pass
Residents can get a $29 pass allowing entrance into parks for 1 year when registering a vehicle.Wildlife Sporting License Plate
Unite with other hunters and anglers by purchasing a Wildlife Sporting Plate for your vehicle.Donate Your Income Tax Return
Help threatened and endangered wildlife by donating to the “Colorado Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund.”
Conservation in Colorado
Protecting and Researching Wildlife Habitats
Colorado Parks and Wildlife understands that conserving and restoring certain species go hand in hand with improving their habitats. Colorado has various habitat communities, but they usually fall into five main types. Each of these landscapes has its own animals and challenges.
Partnerships
None of our conservation efforts would be possible without the cooperation and coordination of our partners.
Partners in Conservation
With Colorado’s abundant natural resources, we use different tools to conserve wisely. Colorado Parks and Wildlife applies conservation principles to plan ahead and work efficiently in our conservation efforts.
Find out more