CO Energy and Carbon Mgmt Commission approves CPW high priority habitat maps

The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) approved unanimously Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) high priority habitat maps at its rulemaking hearing on October 5, 2023. The particular maps in this year’s maps rulemaking are big game in the northeast region (of CPW) and statewide grouse and raptor maps. CWF was a party to the rulemaking proceedings in conjunction with TRCP, Audubon and BackCountry Hunters and Anglers. We all were represented pro bono by Joro Walker of Western Resource Advocates. We are pleased with the ECMC Commissioners remarks as to the detailed process CPW follows in developing its maps.

Testimony for CPW was provided by Dr. Karen Voltura and Shannon Schaller. TRCP’s Jon Holst testified for our groups as to the practices followed by CPW for developing their high priority habitat maps when he had formerly served as its southwest energy liaison.

Next year’s rulemaking will address the northwest region High Priority Habitat updated maps for big game.