Category: News (Older posts)

Great news that on October 1, 2024 the Vail Town Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement with Vail Resorts that ended its appeal of the Town’s acquisition by eminent domain of the Booth Heights 23-acre parcel in East Vail. This parcel is the Gore Range herd’s severe winter range. Vail Resorts had sought to develop the parcel and the matter had been heard by the Town’s Planning and Environmental Commission and the Town Council prior to litigation. CWF had made public comment before the commission and the council during those earlier proceedings because this Gore Range herd’s severe winter range would have been lost. CWF also had submitted an amicus brief in the litigation. We hope the next step is for the Town to permanently protect this important land. For information about the settlement agreement see The Vail Daily articles.

On August 30 BLM issued its Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendments [Solar PEIS] which, in other words, is its proposed roadmap for solar energy development on public lands.  BLM plans to amend its resource management plans in Colorado and 10 other western states. Essentially BLM plans to open public lands within 15 miles of planned or existing transmission corridors or on previously disturbed lands that are not excluded under certain criteria such as big game migration corridors mapped as “high use” and severe winter range. The plans will not become final until BLM issues a record of decision, likely by the end of this year. CWF is studying the details of the document as we had issued extensive comments as it pertains to Colorado when it was proposed in 2023. We will post our assessment next week. Here is BLM press release.

On July 18, 2024 Colorado State Office of the Bureau of Land Management released its proposed final Big Game Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA). This is a vital management action addresses management of oil and gas potential new development on public lands it manages. CWF commented throughout the process and we appreciate the plan as it will really help safeguard mule deer, elk, pronghorn and bighorn sheep habitats on these public lands and slow the growth of habitat fragmentation. These populations inhabit a significant portion of the 8.3 million surface acres BLM manages in Colorado. (BLM also manages 4.7 million acres of mineral estate.) The plan also will align with state rules for oil and gas development by the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) to conserve High Priority Habitats. (Rules 1201 et.seq.) That includes birthing (production) areas, migration corridors, severe winter range/ winter concentration areas.  Earlier, Gov. Polis had issued an Executive Order in 2019 “Conserving Colorado’s Big Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors.”

With this plan, BLM will amend each of its 12 plans in Colorado as to oil and gas development. Until now, plans developed by each BLM field office have differed as to oil and gas federal permitting and leasing processes. The plan also imposes a density limitation – no more than 1 active oil and gas location per square mile.

The BLM’s Big Game RMPA announcement opens a 30-day protest period and a 60-day consistency review by the Governor. After those review periods close, BLM may sign a record of Decision and finalize the plan.

Of course, there are other challenges to big game habitats on public lands in Colorado from other uses if sited in appropriately. BLM is addressing siting of facility size solar energy projects in 11 western states including Colorado in its Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement process. CWF commented on the draft in the context of Colorado. The proposed final plan is expected soon.

On July 10, CPW released the draft Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.  Here is the link to the press release.  At the bottom of the release is the link to comment. Please comment on the draft. CWF has been actively involved and tried to gain a strong Priority III: Land, Water and Wildlife Conservation.  https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=4180

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Weekend is Back in Colorado!

For the first time since 2019, Colorado Wildlife Federation will host the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Weekend again.

Colorado Wildlife Federation (CWF) is proud to present the nationally recognized Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Weekend program this coming July 19-21, 2024, at the beautiful CSU Mountain Campus in Bellvue, Colorado. This program aims to help women ages 18 and older gain knowledge and confidence in various outdoor skills in a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment.

There are 4 class sessions total that participants will attend over the course of the weekend with 6-7 classes to choose from for each session. Participants will learn everything from fly fishing to medicinal and edible plants, to archery to wilderness safety — and so much more! In addition to attending outdoor skills classes, there will be a game tasting event, happy hours, campfire socials, beautiful sights, and the opportunity to meet likeminded women… all while forging a connection with nature.

The cost for the workshop is $450. This fee covers all classes, use of equipment, lodging in cabins, all meals, and additional speakers and activities. Registration is now open, and spots fill up quickly!

Register for the BOW Weekend here: Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Weekend 2024 (coloradowildlife.org)

To learn more about the BOW program, check out our website: Becoming an Outdoors-Woman – Colorado Wildlife Federation

BOW strives to be a welcoming, safe, and inclusive place for all women. If you would like to learn more about how BOW is working to increase diversity and be a more inclusive space where all women feel a sense of belonging, visit our Bridges to BOW website here Bridges to BOW

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On June 20, 2024 the Bureau of Land Management announced its final resource management plan for public lands it manages  [final Environmental Impact Statement] within its Grand Junction and Colorado River Valley field offices. The final plan will be published in the Federal Register on June 21. The areas open for new oil and gas development will change: BLM will close to leasing areas under management of these two field offices where there is low or no oil and gas development potential. BLM’s press release states that new oil and gas leasing may continue on approximately 85% of acres with high potential for oil and gas resources in those field office areas. CWF had participated in the planning process and submitted comment letters. We will add to this post as soon as we are able to access the published plan June 21 in the Federal Register.

First Gentleman Marlon Reis, Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Shalana Lew, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis spoke and cut the ribbon for the Floyd Hill wildlife I-70 highway crossing underpass on June 20, 2024. It is located between the Lookout Mountain and Genesee exits.  More vehicle collisions with wildlife occur there than any other location along I-70 east of the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel. This highway crossing underpass is the first along the I-70 mountain corridor. The width was designed to accommodate elk. An intertwined pile of twigs that extends along one side the length of the underpass was developed for small mammals to use and hide as they move across the expanse. The expectation is that collisions will be reduced by up to 90 percent as a result of this underpass and fencing. CWF applauds CDOT and CPW for their excellent cooperation in developing an effective program for wildlife crossings. Below are photos of the ribbon cutting ceremony.

 

Pictured above: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis

Pictured below: First Gentleman Marlon Reis

 

Check out the full June 2024 Newsletter here.

Here are the wildlife related bills that have been signed by Governor Polis:

SB 24-171  Signed by Governor May 20. Concerning Authorization for Restoration of the North American Wolverine in the State  – introduced on March 4. It was heard in the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 21, passed, amended, on a 5-2 vote, and was referred to Appropriations Committee. The bill passed the Senate on April 17 and introduced in the House, and passed out of the Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee on April 22 to Appropriations Committee, unamended. Passed Appropriations May 1, unamended and referred to House Committee of the Whole. and passed.  It is a bipartisan bill that is supported by the Governor, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, several wildlife conservation organizations, and the ski industry.  CWF testified in favor of the bill. The bill will authorize Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reintroduce wolverines after a non-essential experimental population rule under (10j) for wolverines is published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Endangered Species Act. The wolverine is listed as a threatened species by USFWS in November 2023. USFWS has committed to undertaking a NEPA process for a 10j rule for wolverines in Colorado on an expedited timeline, with support from the State. The requirement for a 10(j) rule resolved the concerns of some key stakeholders. The bill provides for compensation for livestock owners from wildlife cash fund except it shall not use money within the cash fund that is generated from sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Here is CPW’s press release on March 5.

HB 24-1117 Signed by Governor on May 17. Invertebrates and Rare Plants – passed the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee, moved to the Appropriations Committee and then to House Floor and has passed second reading, as amended, on March 8 and third reading on March 11. CWF had been neutral before the fiscal note was posted. The bill passed Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee April 3, referred unamended to Senate Appropriations Committee, and passed Second Reading in the Senate on April 25, unamended and passed Third Reading April 26.

SB 24-126  Signed by Governor May 20. Conservation Easement Tax Credit – CWF testified in favor of this bill at the hearing before the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. It passed out of Committee on a 6-1 vote, moved to the Finance Committee, amended and referred to Appropriations (March 5). It passed the Senate on April 17 and in the House,  passed the Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee, amended. on April 22, passed out of House Finance Committee, amended and referred to House Appropriations Committee on April 29. Passed House onMay 7.

SB24-026  Governor signed. Public Engagement Requirement – for CPW Commission. CWF testified in favor of this bill at the hearing before the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, as amended, moved to the Appropriations Committee and then passed second and third readings. Passed by House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee March 25, referred unamended to Appropriations Committee, and passed the House on April 11. On Governor’s desk.

HB 24-1379 Governor signed on May 29. Remedies US Supreme Court Sackett decision re Clean Water Act as to State Waters. It will provide protections for Colorado’s waters and wetlands that otherwise are at risk of pollution and destruction.  The prime sponsors of the bill are Speaker McCluskie, and Rep. McCormick and Senator Roberts. CWF testified in favor of this bill at the hearing on April 8 before the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. It passed from Committee on a 9-4 vote, passed House Finance Committee on April 15 and referred unamended to Appropriations Committee, passed out of Appropriations April 22 and referred to the House Committee of the Whole, and on April 25 House Second Reading Laid Over, and passed House Floor third reading, with amendments April 29. May 2 introduced in the Senate. Bill passed on May 6.  Now that Governor Polis has signed this bill, the next step will be rulemaking by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Water Quality Commission.  

SB 24-199 Governor signed May 17. Annual Species Conservation Trust Fund. Projects  CWF testified in favor before the Senate Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee and recommended an increase the amount of funding in light of the overall ballooning responsibilities of CPW. The bill passed Senate on April 22, and assigned to the House Appropriations Committee. On May 1, Appropriations referred unamended to the House Committee of the Whole. Passed House with amendments.

SB 24-212  Governor signed May 21. The renewable energy projects study bill, introduced April 22, passed the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee on April 24 on a 5-2 vote and Appropriations Committee on April 30. On May 1, passed Senate on Third Reading, no amendments, introduced in the House and assigned to Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee. Bill passed the House May 6.   CWF testified in favor before the Senate Committee but noted the bill would benefit from improvements. For example, the bill provides for a report to the general assembly by September 30, 2025 but as to wildlife it speaks of evaluation of wildlife mitigation instead of adding assessment of impacts of renewable energy projects on wildlife habitats, including measures to avoid and minimize impacts.

 

 

Check out the full April 2024 Newsletter here.