The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission stood by CPW staff’s recommendation to reject a request from various cattleman’s groups to halt the next gray wolf release. The commission voted 10-1 to deny the petition after Thursday’s commission meeting.
The groups representing the livestock and ranching industries wanted the Commission to adopt a definition of “chronic depredation,” test and evaluate alternative forms of non-lethal deterrents, develop a program to conduct site assessment to minimize livestock losses and address carcass removal, develop a range rider program, develop a rapid response team to address wolf depredation cases, further collaborate with livestock producers, and create more transparent communication.
The state agency has stated it has already followed through with these requests. CPW director Jeff Davis said there is still work to be done and communication with ranchers and livestock owners will have to continue.
CPW is expected to release the next round of wolves sometime this month. These next wolves will be sourced from British Columbia, Canada.
“This decision to continue with wolf releases as planned is a resounding rejection of the livestock industry’s attempt to subvert the will of Colorado’s voters,” said Alli Henderson, southern Rockies director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Our state wildlife agency has worked tirelessly to make the wolf reintroduction a success by leading with science. Now we can get back to the important business of restoring wolves to their rightful home in Colorado.”
Various conservation groups urged the commission to deny the petition. They argued a delay in releasing the wolves is inconsistent with the law’s requirement to establish a self-sustaining wolf population. More wolves added into the mix boosts genetic health and diversity.
The release of wolves was established through voter-backed Proposition 114; groups said that delaying or stopping releases violates the wolf management plan and ignores the costs to taxpayers.
“Native wolves are critical to our ecosystems and their restoration is part of an iconic effort to heal Colorado’s landscapes. The Commission did right in continuing to facilitate their return,” said Lindsay Larris, conservation director for WildEarth Guardians. “The livestock owners’ concerns have been heard and addressed by CPW. Generous compensation and coexistence resources are available to ranchers who want them.”
Over the next three to five years, up to 30 more wolves will be released. The first 10 wolves were released in Grand and Summit counties in 2023. Either Eagle, Garfield, or Pitkin counties will be the location for the next 10 to 15 wolves. CPW will announce the county, but will not release the specific release location to avoid interactions with the public.
Currently, CPW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are seeking answers and information regarding the male Copper Creek Pack member that was shot and killed in August. A necropsy revealed the wolf died from complications from a gunshot wound and federal and state agencies are offering up to $65,000 for assistance in finding those responsible.
Rob Edward of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project said, “The Commission did the right thing. Colorado is developing a world-class carnivore conservation program, and the petition to pause was a poke in the eye. It’s time to look forward and help Colorado’s ranchers adapt to the growing presence of this most important carnivore.”