Category «News»

Interior Sec. Haaland Issues Sec. Orders

On April 16. 2021, Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland issued two Secretarial Orders. Order No. 3399 addresses climate and establishes a Climate Task Force. Order No. 3398 implements a review of earlier Sec. Orders and revokes those specific Orders found to be ” inconsistent with protecting public health and the environment and restoring science …

USGS Confirms Precipitous Decline in Greater Sage Grouse since 2002

An awaited study released March 30, 2021 by the US Geological Survey (USGS) confirms a precipitous decline in greater sage grouse populations since 2002. USGS and Colorado State University researchers, assisted by state wildlife agencies, BLM and Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies compiled the data in 11 western states. In 2015 BLM adopted …

CO Congressman Neguse Releases His Plan “Restoring Our Lands and Communities”

On March 19, 2021 Colorado’s Congressman for the 2nd District and new Chair of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands released his Plan, “Restoring Our Lands and Communities.” Sections include “Strengthening our Dedication to Conservation, and Supporting Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Economy,” “Preparing and Responding to Wildfire,” “Making Historic Investments in the …

Rep. Deb Haaland Confirmed as Dept. of Interior Secretary

On March 15, 2021 Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) was confirmed as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior. National Wildlife Federation and 45 state and territorial affiliates, including CWF, had urged her confirmation since her nomination. Secretary Haaland is the first Native American to serve in this critical Cabinet position. We firmly believe Secretary Haaland …

House Passes Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act

  On Friday February 26 the House passed Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act. It combines eight earlier pieces of legislation. Title VII is the Colorado Recreation and Economy Act (CORE), the bill earlier introduced by Colorado Rep. Neguse. Title II is the Colorado Wilderness Act of 2021, the bill earlier introduced by Colorado …

2021 Conservation in the West Poll released

Colorado College’s State of the Rockies – Conservation in the West Poll was released on February 4, 2021. Very encouraging results!  They are in line with what CWF focuses upon in our work. As to Energy on Public Lands – for Colorado, “70% would prefer their member of Congress emphasize conservation and recreation on public …

Biden administration’s oil and gas pause provides necessary opportunity to scrutinize federal public lands oil and gas leasing

The Biden Administration’s pause on January 27, 2021 on oil and gas leasing on federally-managed public lands provides a necessary opportunity to scrutinize the leasing program.  CWF welcomes this pause. Many parcels that BLM has leased during the past several years have been in severe winter range, production areas and migration corridors relied upon by …

CPW Commission approves planning process for wolves reintroduction

On January 14, 2021 at its meeting, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approved Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) draft plan for a process and timeline framework for reintroducing wolves to Colorado, in accordance with voter-passed Proposition 114.   Approximately 250 viewers tuned into this portion of the virtual meeting via youtube. You can find the …