Local Wildlife Conservation Strategy News Items
CPW seeks public help in catching poacher who shot a deer with an arrow in Palmer Lake and left it to die10/23/2020 8:19:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / bill.vogrin@state.co.us
CPW seeks public’s help in finding archer who poached deer in Palmer Lake
An arrow protrudes from both sides of the torso of a deer in Palmer Lake on Friday. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers determined the deer was mortally wounded and euthanized it. CPW is seeking the public's help in identifying the person who shot the deer. Rewards are available for anonymous tips through CPW's Operation Game Thief program.
Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Oct. 23, 2020
CPW seeks public’s help in finding archer who poached deer in Palmer Lake
PALMER LAKE, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking the public for help identifying the person who shot an arrow into a deer in Palmer Lake and left it to die.
CPW wildlife officers were called Friday to investigate a deer with an arrow protruding from both sides of its torso in Palmer Lake, a small community located north of Colorado Springs on the El Paso County border with Douglas County.
Officers found the deer and determined it would not survive and euthanized it on the spot.
It was located along Greeley Boulevard, a heavily wooded neighborhood along Monument Creek and south of the lake.
Upon examining the deer, officers determined it had been shot very recently.
“This is poaching and it’s illegal and we want to catch the person who did this,” said Corey Adler, a CPW district wildlife manager for the Palmer Lake region. “This deer was treated unethically and that is something we take very seriously.”
“But we need the public’s help catching whoever did this.”
Adler said anyone illegally injuring or killing wildlife could face misdemeanor charges including harassment of wildlife, hunting big game without a license, illegal taking of wildlife and reckless endangerment among other charges.
Convictions could result in fines ranging from $750 to $3,000 and up to 6 months in jail, depending on the charge, Adler said.
He encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact CPW at its Southeast Regional office at 719-227-5200.
To provide information anonymously about a wildlife violation, the public can contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648, by dialing #OGT from a Verizon cellphone, or by email at game.thief@state.co.us. Rewards are available if the information leads to an arrest or citation.
Visit the CPW website for more information about Operation Game Thief .
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/23/2020 6:16 PM
Bergen Peak, Georgetown and Mount Evans SWAs to close indefinitely10/22/2020 10:04:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jason Clay
Northeast Region Public Information Officer
303-291-7234 / jason.clay@state.co.us
@CPW_NE
Bergen Peak, Georgetown and Mount Evans SWAs to close indefinitely
DENVER - Colorado Parks and Wildlife is closing the Bergen Peak, Georgetown and Mount Evans State Wildlife Areas to all public access indefinitely due to concerns over expanding fires and extreme fire conditions, CPW announced Thursday evening.
CPW will evaluate the closures as conditions change.
Hunters holding second season rifle licenses in game management unit 39 may request a refund and reinstatement of preference points (+1) used to draw the license.
“We apologize for the short notice with the second season opening on Saturday,” said Area Wildlife Manager Mark Lamb. “This is unprecedented having this many fires burning in late October. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
For a full list of hunting licenses being offered refunds due to public land closures with the extreme fire conditions, please click here .
Refund Requirements : To receive a refund and restoration of points, hunters must turn in their request in person to any CPW location or via mail postmarked as soon as possible. To learn more about refunds and to print the refund request form, visit the CPW website.
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/22/2020 8:01 PM
UPDATED: IMAGINING FISHERS PEAK - A MONTHLY JOURNAL: Get a ‘Sneak Peek’ Friday, Oct. 30. Details to know as Gov. Polis, CPW opens Co's 42nd state park10/22/2020 3:29:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / bill.vogrin@state.co.us
EDITORS: UPDATES with NEW DATE of Oct. 30
IMAGINING FISHERS PEAK - A Monthly Journal
Get a ‘Sneak Peek’ at Fishers Peak State Park on Friday, Oct. 30
Here are important details you need to know as Gov. Polis, CPW open the park
Gov. Jared Polis will cut ribbon Friday to open Fishers Peak State Park. The public is welcome to get its first glimpse at the park beginning early afternoon on Friday, Oct. 30, and daily thereafter.
Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
EDITORS NOTE: Please note we do NOT have an exact time for the Sneak Peak public opening on Friday, Oct 30, due to the dynamic nature of the governor’s schedule. We’ll send an advisory next week as soon as we know.
####
Oct. 22, 2020
IMAGINING FISHERS PEAK - A Monthly Journal
Get a ‘Sneak Peek’ at Fishers Peak State Park on Friday, Oct. 30
Here are important details you need to know as Gov. Polis, CPW open the park
By Crystal Dreiling
Fishers Peak/Trinidad Lake Park Manager
TRINIDAD, Colo. – Everyone ready for a sneak peek at Fishers Peak State Park?
With the help of Gov. Jared Polis, we’re going to cut ribbon Friday, Oct. 30, and open Colorado’s 42nd state park.
On hand will be key public officials from Trinidad, Las Animas County, the Colorado General Assembly and partner organizations who worked with CPW to secure the former ranch so we could open it to the public: the City of Trinidad, non-profits The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO).
After an invitation-only ceremony on Friday, Oct. 30, we’ll open the gates to give everyone a “Sneak Peek,” likely in early afternoon. We'll announce the exact time next week.
Spoiler alert: Just a small piece of the 19,200-acre park – about 250 acres – will be opened for now. This small portion of the park will be open daily thereafter from sunrise to sunset.
We’ll have one parking lot with space for approximately 92 vehicles, two vault toilets, five picnic tables in a scenic spot, a gentle, 3⁄4-mile trail, the beginnings of a beautifully constructed trail, and a challenging, steep 1.5-mile trail along an old ranch road.
Our goal is to give everyone a taste of the hiking, hunting, wildlife watching and more that will be available once the park is fully developed in coming years.
While I’m thrilled to be able to invite folks to come see this historic, geologic, cultural and scenic treasure of a park, I feel I must caution everyone not to expect too much at this time.
For this initial phase, we will only be allowing pedestrian use of all trails, and no dogs are allowed on the property. There will be no access to the peak and no camping yet.
This is the phased-opening approach we’ve been talking about for Fishers Peak.
Historically, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (or CPW) has taken years to research a property and develop a master plan that is inclusive of public opinion, sensitive to the needs of wildlife and protects unique habitat before starting construction of infrastructure like roads, trails, toilets, parking lots, visitor centers, sewer and water service and interpretive signs.
At Fishers Peak, we set out from the beginning to try a new model. In order to offer some limited public access sooner, we identified a small corner of the property on which to conduct intense, rapid ecological and archaeological assessments. Once our various experts cleared this area, we set about constructing our Sneak Peek area.
Before I get into more details, I want to single out a few groups whose hard work has made it possible for us to offer the Sneak Peek.
In recent weeks, we had our first volunteer trail crews building some of the first few trails you’ll find when you visit. Each day for four days, a dedicated group of 20 or so volunteers performed back-breaking work, even on hands and knees, in the hot sun to help get the trails ready. We are so grateful and inspired by their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment.
I also offer my sincere thanks to the Trinidad City Council for providing lunches from local restaurants for all volunteers over the four work days. Mayor Phil Rico even helped deliver lunches one day along the trail. Thanks Mayor!
CPW depends heavily on volunteers to help with our campground operations, research projects, Bear Aware activities, public education, and for a variety of other tasks at our parks. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Fishers Peak or any of our state parks, please visit our website: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Volunteers/
Now, the details about our Sneak Peek beginning Friday, Oct. 30, likely in early afternoon.
This initial opening phase will highlight five different experiences visitors can expect when the park is fully planned and built. Again, this will be a small taste.
First, we couldn’t open the gates even a crack if we didn’t have at least one quality hiking trail available providing an exceptional view. So guests will find the First Look Trail – a quarter-mile professionally designed and built trail extending through the forest.
The First Look Trail offers some spectacular views of the park’s 9,633-foot namesake, Fishers Peak.
Again, a spoiler alert: There will be no trails open to the summit. We are working hard on planning that opportunity. But for now, visitors will have to be satisfied with views from afar.
Second, we’ll have a drive-in picnic area for visitors who want an easily accessible, scenic spot for a picnic lunch. It is just off the new parking lot and near the two vault restrooms.
Third, you will enjoy a short and easy Discovery Trail, which meanders to a small meadow perfect for picnics. A small loop around the meadow is lined with interpretive signs that encourage visitors to learn about the habitat around them through the five senses.
Fourth, we want to offer a glimpse of the extreme backcountry hiking challenges Fishers Peak will offer when fully developed. So that brings us to our Challenge Trail.
Our volunteers helped convert an existing ranch road route into an aggressive (a nice way of saying “steep”) 1.5-mile hiking trail.
How aggressive? Most professionally designed trails don’t exceed 8 to 10 percent grades. Our Challenge Trail will have you feeling the burn on stretches that exceed 30 percent grade.
The payoff for all the work is a spectacular view of Fishers Peak and the valley below.
Fifth and finally, the Sneak Peak includes our Wildlife Conservation program at the park that will see hunting debut this fall.
One of the pillars of the partnership at Fishers Peak State Park is planning recreation around conservation. And in recognition of the $6.35 million in Habitat Stamp funds used to help buy Fishers Peak, CPW is providing public hunting opportunities on the property beginning this month. A Habitat Stamp is required to buy or apply for a hunting or fishing license in Colorado, and many people who don’t hunt or fish also purchase a Habitat Stamp, to help protect and conserve habitat for Colorado’s wildlife.
This initial hunting season will allow access by drawing for five big game hunters. This experience is intended to showcase hunting opportunities as well as highlight the important role of hunting in wildlife conservation.
One last important detail to note: all Colorado state parks have entrance fees. All vehicles entering a state park are required to have a vehicle pass and some parks, including Fishers Peak, require an Individual Pass if you are walking or biking in.
For more information on passes, including purchasing multiple vehicle passes, large quantity discounts and specialty passes such as disability, military, etc, see the Parks Pass Information page . A pass purchased at Trinidad Lake, or any other state park, will be honored at the other.
Now it’s time for me to get back to work on your park. Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm for Colorado’s 42nd state park.
###
BOX:
What: Fishers Peak State Park Sneak Peak Opening
When: Likely in early afternoon on Friday, Oct. 30, then daily from sunrise to sunset
Where: The park entrance off County Road 69.3 (known locally as Santa Fe Trail), which runs parallel to the east side of Interstate 25. The park entrance is about 1.5 miles south of Exit 11 on I-25.
Cost: A state park pass is required, either a single-day $9 pass, or an $80 annual pass good at all 42 state parks.
###
PHOTOS are courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
The new parking lot at Fishers Peak State Park holds 92 cars.
One of two vault toilets attached to the parking lot and trailhead.
New Fishers Peak State Park logo attire will be available for purchase.
Volunteers worked long hours, even on their hands and knees, in the hot sun over four days building a steep trail in the park.
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/22/2020 1:25 PM
IMAGINING FISHERS PEAK - A MONTHLY JOURNAL: Get a ‘Sneak Peek’ starting Friday. Everything you need to know as CPW opens Colorado's 42nd state park10/21/2020 8:49:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / bill.vogrin@state.co.us
IMAGINING FISHERS PEAK - A Monthly Journal
Get a ‘Sneak Peek’ at Fishers Peak State Park on Friday, Oct. 30
Here are important details you need to know as Gov. Polis, CPW open the park
Gov. Jared Polis will cut ribbon Friday to open Fishers Peak State Park. The public is welcome to get its first glimpse at the park beginning at 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, and daily thereafter.
Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
EDITORS NOTE: Please note we do NOT have an exact time for the Sneak Peak public opening on Friday, Oct 30, due to the dynamic nature of the governor’s schedule. We’ll send an advisory next week as soon as we know. #### Oct. 22, 2020 IMAGINING FISHERS PEAK - A Monthly Journal
Get a ‘Sneak Peek’ at Fishers Peak State Park on Friday, Oct. 30
Here are important details you need to know as Gov. Polis, CPW open the park
By Crystal Dreiling
Fishers Peak/Trinidad Lake Park Manager
TRINIDAD, Colo. – Everyone ready for a sneak peek at Fishers Peak State Park?
With the help of Gov. Jared Polis, we’re going to cut ribbon Friday, Oct. 30, and open Colorado’s 42nd state park.
On hand will be key public officials from Trinidad, Las Animas County, the Colorado General Assembly and partner organizations who worked with CPW to secure the former ranch so we could open it to the public: the City of Trinidad, non-profits The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO).
After an invitation-only ceremony on Friday, Oct. 30, we’ll open the gates to give everyone a “Sneak Peek,” likely in early afternoon. We’ll announce the exact time next week. Spoiler alert: Just a small piece of the 19,200-acre park – about 250 acres – will be opened for now. After Oct. 30, this portion of the park will be open daily from sunrise to sunset. We’ll have one parking lot with space for approximately 92 vehicles, two vault toilets, five picnic tables in a scenic spot, a gentle, 3⁄4-mile trail, the beginnings of a beautifully constructed trail, and a challenging, steep 1.5-mile trail along an old ranch road.
Our goal is to give everyone a taste of the hiking, hunting, wildlife watching and more that will be available once the park is fully developed in coming years.
While I’m thrilled to be able to invite folks to come see this historic, geologic, cultural and scenic treasure of a park, I feel I must caution everyone not to expect too much at this time.
For this initial phase, we will only be allowing pedestrian use of all trails, and no dogs are allowed on the property. There will be no access to the peak and no camping yet.
This is the phased-opening approach we’ve been talking about for Fishers Peak.
Historically, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (or CPW) has taken years to research a property and develop a master plan that is inclusive of public opinion, sensitive to the needs of wildlife and protects unique habitat before starting construction of infrastructure like roads, trails, toilets, parking lots, visitor centers, sewer and water service and interpretive signs.
At Fishers Peak, we set out from the beginning to try a new model. In order to offer some limited public access sooner, we identified a small corner of the property on which to conduct intense, rapid ecological and archaeological assessments. Once our various experts cleared this area, we set about constructing our Sneak Peek area.
Before I get into more details, I want to single out a few groups whose hard work has made it possible for us to offer the Sneak Peek.
In recent weeks, we had our first volunteer trail crews building some of the first few trails you’ll find when you visit. Each day for four days, a dedicated group of 20 or so volunteers performed back-breaking work, even on hands and knees, in the hot sun to help get the trails ready. We are so grateful and inspired by their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment.
I also offer my sincere thanks to the Trinidad City Council for providing lunches from local restaurants for all volunteers over the four work days. Mayor Phil Rico even helped deliver lunches one day along the trail. Thanks Mayor!
CPW depends heavily on volunteers to help with our campground operations, research projects, Bear Aware activities, public education, and for a variety of other tasks at our parks. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Fishers Peak or any of our state parks, please visit our website: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Volunteers/
Now, the details about our Sneak Peek beginning Friday, Oct. 30, likely in early afternoon.
This initial opening phase will highlight five different experiences visitors can expect when the park is fully planned and built. Again, this will be a small taste.
First, we couldn’t open the gates even a crack if we didn’t have at least one quality hiking trail available providing an exceptional view. So guests will find the First Look Trail – a quarter-mile professionally designed and built trail extending through the forest.
The First Look Trail offers some spectacular views of the park’s 9,633-foot namesake, Fishers Peak.
Again, a spoiler alert: There will be no trails open to the summit. We are working hard on planning that opportunity. But for now, visitors will have to be satisfied with views from afar.
Second, we’ll have a drive-in picnic area for visitors who want an easily accessible, scenic spot for a picnic lunch. It is just off the new parking lot and near the two vault restrooms.
Third, you will enjoy a short and easy Discovery Trail, which meanders to a small meadow perfect for picnics. A small loop around the meadow is lined with interpretive signs that encourage visitors to learn about the habitat around them through the five senses.
Fourth, we want to offer a glimpse of the extreme backcountry hiking challenges Fishers Peak will offer when fully developed. So that brings us to our Challenge Trail.
Our volunteers helped convert an existing ranch road route into an aggressive (a nice way of saying “steep”) 1.5-mile hiking trail.
How aggressive? Most professionally designed trails don’t exceed 8 to 10 percent grades. Our Challenge Trail will have you feeling the burn on stretches that exceed 30 percent grade.
The payoff for all the work is a spectacular view of Fishers Peak and the valley below.
Fifth and finally, the Sneak Peak includes our Wildlife Conservation program at the park that will see hunting debut this fall.
One of the pillars of the partnership at Fishers Peak State Park is planning recreation around conservation. And in recognition of the $6.35 million in Habitat Stamp funds used to help buy Fishers Peak, CPW is providing public hunting opportunities on the property beginning this month. A Habitat Stamp is required to buy or apply for a hunting or fishing license in Colorado, and many people who don’t hunt or fish also purchase a Habitat Stamp, to help protect and conserve habitat for Colorado’s wildlife.
This initial hunting season will allow access by drawing for five big game hunters. This experience is intended to showcase hunting opportunities as well as highlight the important role of hunting in wildlife conservation.
One last important detail to note: all Colorado state parks have entrance fees. All vehicles entering a state park are required to have a vehicle pass and some parks, including Fishers Peak, require an Individual Pass if you are walking or biking in.
For more information on passes, including purchasing multiple vehicle passes, large quantity discounts and specialty passes such as disability, military, etc, see the Parks Pass Information page . A pass purchased at Trinidad Lake, or any other state park, will be honored at the other.
Now it’s time for me to get back to work on your park. Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm for Colorado’s 42nd state park.
###
BOX:
What: Fishers Peak State Park Sneak Peak Opening
When: Likely in early afternoon on Friday, Oct. 30, then daily from sunrise to sunset
Where: The park entrance off County Road 69.3 (known locally as Santa Fe Trail), which runs parallel to the east side of Interstate 25. The park entrance is about 1.5 miles south of Exit 11 on I-25.
Cost: A state park pass is required, either a single-day $9 pass, or an $80 annual pass good at all 42 state parks.
###
PHOTOS are courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
The new parking lot at Fishers Peak State Park holds 92 cars.
One of two vault toilets attached to the parking lot and trailhead.
New Fishers Peak State Park logo attire will be available for purchase.
Volunteers worked long hours, even on their hands and knees, in the hot sun over four days building a steep trail in the park.
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/21/2020 6:44 PM
Colorado Parks and Wildlife partners with Leave No Trace to promote responsible outdoor recreation10/21/2020 2:29:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bridget Kochel
Statewide Public Information Officer
720-219-2919 / bridget.kochel@state.co.us
Colorado Parks and Wildlife partners with Leave No Trace to promote responsible outdoor recreation
CPW and Leave No Trace share the same goal - to inspire people to connect with the great outdoors and balance outdoor recreation with mindful conservation.
Photo by: Gary Kochel
DENVER - Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently signed a partnership agreement with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to help educate people on how to recreate responsibly to conserve Colorado’s natural resources. CPW is the first state agency in the U.S. that oversees parks, fish and wildlife to partner with Leave No Trace and advocate for both public land and wildlife conservation.
CPW shares the same goal with Leave No Trace - to inspire people to connect with the great outdoors while helping them understand how to balance outdoor recreation with mindful conservation. This new partnership demonstrates the commitment of both entities to work together towards a mutually beneficial stewardship education strategy for CPW-managed properties.
Colorado is home to 22 million acres of public lands and more than 960 species of wildlife.
“Because Colorado offers so many diverse landscapes and wildlife wonders to witness; Coloradans pride themselves on their outdoor lifestyle,” said Lauren Truitt, CPW’s assistant director for information and education. “But with endless outdoor opportunities to enjoy comes a responsibility to educate ourselves about the impacts of our outdoor recreation. This partnership is a wonderful opportunity to work with an organization that shares our passion for the great outdoors, and advances our agency’s mission to motivate people to do their part to care for our public lands and conserve them for future generations.”
How to Leave No Trace
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles reveal conservation starts small, and every individual can take proactive steps to reduce their impact on natural resources.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
CPW has promoted the Leave No Trace Seven Principles for decades while teaching people that conservation is the foundation of outdoor recreation and our economy. Some examples of educational support efforts include:
CPW’s Roxborough State Park and Castlewood Canyon State Park have earned Gold Standard Site designations by The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, meaning these parks have been distinguished in their promotion of Leave No Trace ethics. There are only 12 Gold Standard Sites in the country, so being recognized is a notable achievement. Other Colorado state parks pursuing Gold Standard Site designations include Eleven Mile State Park, Barr Lake State Park and Staunton State Park.
Incorporate Leave No Trace messaging in park visitor materials.
Joined the Care for Colorado Coalition to help educate Coloradans to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.
Launched a statewide #CareForColorado educational campaign to promote Care for Colorado - Leave No Trace principles to address increased park visitation and trash.
Insert Leave No Trace materials in the Check Out State Parks Program adventure backpacks offered at more than 300 Colorado public libraries.
Although CPW has built Leave No Trace messaging into many programs, the newly formalized partner agreement will authorize Leave No Trace principles to be promoted at all CPW-managed properties- which includes 42 state parks and 350 state wildlife areas. Additional partnership opportunities will include formal staff training, signage throughout trailheads and campgrounds, and interpretative events like ranger talks and trail outings for visitors.
Why Leave No Trace
While we have long known that Coloradans live life outside, the pandemic has brought to the forefront how essential it is for people to spend time outdoors. This partnership comes at an opportune time as Colorado state parks continue to see a 30-50% increase in visitation compared to previous years. This has resulted in a corresponding increase in trash volume and irresponsible recreation by both seasoned outdoor recreationists and people new to outdoor activities.
“Through additional educational opportunities and avenues, we want to raise awareness that all Coloradans and visitors alike can make a positive contribution to the conservation of our natural resources,” said Truitt. “Whether you hunt, fish, hike, rock climb, bike, boat or watch wildlife, all outdoor activities impact the places we play. We have an obligation to our lands, waters and wildlife to recreate responsibly.”
Examples of responsible recreation include respecting seasonal trail closures, not walking on or damaging vegetation, disposing of trash and personal waste, refrain from picking flowers or stacking rocks, properly distinguishing campfires, not touching or feeding wildlife, and following trail etiquette to respect others.
“We can achieve more together than alone,” said Ben Lawhon, director of education and research at Leave No Trace. "Our goal is to encourage people to make a conscious effort to protect our outdoor spaces. This partnership is an opportunity to work with a state agency that has an extensive outdoor community. Together, we can educate people about how small acts of conservation can make a big difference in protecting our environment.”
For more information on Colorado Parks and Wildlife conservation programs, visit cpw.state.co.us . To learn more about Leave No Trace resources and research, visit lnt.org. To test your current outdoor knowledge, take the free online Leave No Trace Awareness Course .
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/21/2020 12:28 PM
Additional refund options for hunters impacted by Forest Service closures due to wildfires10/20/2020 4:19:42 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jason Clay
Northeast Region Public Information Officer
303-291-7234 / jason.clay@state.co.us
@CPW_NE
Additional refund options for hunters impacted by Forest Service closures due to wildfires
DENVER - Colorado Parks and Wildlife is providing options for hunters impacted by Tuesday's announcement from the U.S. Forest Service regarding closures in Boulder, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties. With the announcement of these new closures, hunters with tags in Game Management Units (GMUs) 29, 38 and 39 will be affected.
In response to that announcement, CPW is reaching out directly to hunters with second season rifle licenses in those units. CPW staff will lay out options for hunters and explain how to get a refund on their tag. That direct communication will come via email to the address the customer has entered on their account with CPW.
“We are working closely with the Forest Service and will continue to monitor the situation and prepare for potential impacts to other seasons,” said Kristin Cannon, CPW’s Northeast Deputy Region Manager. “These are unprecedented times and we ask that hunters do their part to observe emergency closures and other restrictions.”
See the press release from the Forest Service announcing the new closures as well as a map of the closure area (page 2 on PDF).
The Canyon Lakes Ranger District, encompassing approximately 650,000 acres mostly in Larimer County, has already been closed due to the Cameron Peak Fire. It was announced Tuesday by the Forest Service that it is closing its Boulder and Clear Creek Ranger Districts given the extreme fire danger and the CalWood and Lefthand Canyon fires sparking up within the last week.
The Boulder Ranger District encompasses over one hundred thousand acres of the Front Range in western Boulder and northern Gilpin counties. The Clear Creek Ranger District manages approximately 200,000 acres in different counties (Clear Creek, Gilpin along with small portions of Jefferson) along the I-70 corridor.
Licenses in GMUs 6, 7, 9, 19 and 20 along with S1 and S40 have already been given refund options due to the Cameron Peak Fire.
Please visit our website by clicking here for the latest information on wildfire refund options.
Meanwhile, much of the rest of the western half state is under Stage II fire restrictions, but public lands are still open at this point. It is important that hunters are aware of any restrictions before going out into the field. Stage II fire restrictions mean that no campfires or warming fires are allowed. Violations of fire restrictions can lead to federal and local charges. Law enforcement agencies are taking a zero-tolerance policy and will be citing anyone who violates fire rules.
List of new licenses being offered for refunds:
Deer:
DM029O2R
DF029O2R
DM038O2R
DF038O2R
DM039O2R
DF039O2R
Elk:
EM029O2R
EF029O2R
EF020L3R
EF038O2R
EM039O2R
EF039O2R
Previously announced licenses that have been offered for refunds due to the wildfire s.
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/20/2020 2:16 PM
Mountain biking group planning new trails in Ouray County10/20/2020 2:04:42 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joe Lewandowski
Southwest Region Public Information Officer
970-759-9590 / joe.lewandowski@state.co.us
New non-motorized trails are being planned in Ouray County.
Mountain biking group planning new trails in Ouray County
RIDGWAY, Colo. – A grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife will allow a mountain bike association to study new areas for trails in the Ouray County area of southwest Colorado.
CPW has issued similar planning grants to various organizations around the state for several years. With this $45,000 planning grant, the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) will study three areas where trails could be developed: In the Ironton area, just south of the town of Ouray; the Dallas Trail west of Ridgway; and the Stealy Mountain/Cimarron Ridge areas near Owl Creek Pass west of Ridgway. The trails, if built, will be non-motorized and open to cyclists, hikers and horseback riders.
In developing trail plans, COPMOBA will work cooperatively with CPW, the U.S. Forest Service, the BLM and other local government agencies and organizations. CPW’s trail planners work with the agency’s biologists to assure that trails do not impact wildlife habitat. The planning work should be done in about two years.
Anyone interested in learning more or commenting on this project can go to COPMOBA’s web site: www.copmoba.org/ridgway . A public meeting on the project will be scheduled for early winter. Comments or questions about the project should be submitted by Nov. 30.
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/20/2020 12:02 PM
After Black Forest woman gored by deer, CPW issues misdemeanor citations to neighbor who admitted she raised deer in her home10/19/2020 1:34:42 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / bill.vogrin@state.co.us
Woman cited with possessing, feeding young buck deer that gored neighbor
Blood stained the antlers of a young buck deer that attacked a woman walking her dog on a wooded trail near her Black Forest home on Friday. The deer was euthanized when it aggressively approached a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer investigating the attack later that morning. CPW officers issued two misdemeanor citations and a warning to a neighbor after she admitted illegally raising and feeding the deer.
Photo is courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Oct. 19, 2020
Woman cited with possessing, feeding young buck deer that gored neighbor
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A Black Forest woman who told Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers she took a days-old fawn into her home more than a year and raised it has been cited with two misdemeanors after the deer, now a young buck, gored a neighbor last week.
CPW officers cited 73-year-old Tynette Housley with illegal possession of wildlife and illegally feeding wildlife, both unclassified misdemeanors. She was also issued a warning for possessing live wildlife without a license after she described keeping it in her home, then in her garage and ultimately on her property.
The two misdemeanors carry fines and surcharges totaling $1,098.50.
Housley was cited after the deer, a buck with two-pronged antlers, attacked a neighbor as she walked her dog Friday morning.
From her hospital bed, the victim described to CPW being surprised to notice the deer following her and then shocked when it attacked, knocking her down and thrashing her with its antlers.
The terrifying attack went on several minutes as the victim tried to run to a neighbor’s house and then to her own home. Repeatedly the deer knocked her down and gored her. The deer even continued to attack as she frantically opened her garage door. It relented only when she ran between two cars in her garage.
The victim suffered serious lacerations to her head, cheek and legs and bruises and was hospitalized overnight for treatment of her injuries before being released.
The deer, fresh blood covering its antlers, even approached a CPW wildlife officer who responded to investigate the attack. The officer euthanized the deer and took it to CPW’s animal health lab in Fort Collins to test it for rabies and other diseases.
The deer’s stomach contents confirm it was being fed by humans as it contained out-of-season foods including hay, grain, corn and possibly potato.
“We can’t say it enough: Wild animals are not pets,” said Frank McGee, CPW’s area wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak region. “Feeding deer habituates them to humans. They lose their fear of humans and that leads to these outcomes that are tragic for both wildlife and people. Injured and orphaned wildlife should be taken to licensed wildlife rehabilitators.”
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/19/2020 11:31 AM
Navajo State Park makes needed repairs to boating infrastructure10/19/2020 12:44:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joe Lewandowski
Southwest Region Public Information Officer
970-759-9590 / joe.lewandowski@state.co.us
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently completed repairs to the mooring field at Navajo State Park.
Navajo State Park makes needed repairs to boating infrastructure
ARBOLES, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently made repairs on facilities to assist boaters at Navajo State Park.
The park maintains a grid of 29 mooring balls in the Mooring Cove area of Navajo Reservoir. Over the years the cables and connectors have deteriorated. On Oct.16 a CPW contractor completed a $139,000 project to replace the cables and to repair the mooring balls and shackle pins that connect the balls to the cable. The balls were also spaced properly to assure boats will not bump into each other when the wind comes up or when the reservoir’s water level fluctuates.
“The Mooring Cove is a great asset for boaters and we want to make sure it’s maintained to assure safety for all,” said Brian Sandy, park manager.
The mooring area will open again to boaters next spring.
The contractor also conducted an underwater inspection of the cables that secure the park’s breakwater structure located at the entrance to the marina area.
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/19/2020 10:42 AM
🌲 Cut your own Christmas tree at Golden Gate Canyon State Park; applications open Nov. 1 🌲10/18/2020 10:39:41 AM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rebecca Ferrell
Public Information and Website Manager
720-595-1449 / rebecca.ferrell@state.co.us
Golden Gate Canyon State Park continues holiday tradition; apply for tree-cutting permits beginning November 1.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers 250 tree-cutting permits in 2020. Applications for these randomly drawn permits open on Novermber 1. This year's tree-cutting event is Saturday, December 5.
GOLDEN, Colo. – Don’t miss your chance to visit a beautiful Colorado State Park and pick out the perfect Christmas tree to take home for the holidays. Located just 30 minutes from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is offering 250 tree-cutting permits through an online application draw event.
The entry period for the permit draw will be open from November 1 through November 15, and only one permit will be granted per household. The cost for a permit is $35. Those wishing to apply for a permit can find the application and entry information by following the link on the Golden Gate Canyon State Park page or at cpwshop.com . Applications are not available or accepted by phone or in person.
Applicants whose names are randomly drawn will be notified by email the week of November 16. On Saturday, December 5, applicants chosen for a permit can visit the park between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to choose and cut their tree.
Areas for both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles will be available, and some hiking will be required. Permit holders with high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles can use the pre-selected backcountry area and, in the case of bad weather, must have chains available for use. Access to the backcountry area will be open from 9:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. All other vehicles will be required to stay in the designated parking areas along the main park roadway. Access to these areas will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All vehicles must display a daily or annual parks pass .
Trees must be cut with hand tools, such as a handsaw or an axe. Chainsaws and power saws are strictly prohibited. Tree selections include Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Lodge Pole Pine and Rocky Mountain Juniper.
By cutting trees, permit holders will assist Golden Gate Canyon State Park in thinning overcrowded and dense vegetation. This selective thinning will improve the overall health of the forest and reduce the impacts of future wildfires.
For additional information on Golden Gate Canyon State Park, visit cpw.state.co.us .
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/18/2020 8:39 AM
Woman seriously injured after being gored by deer; neighbor under investigation for suspicion of illegally possessing, feeding deer10/16/2020 7:34:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / bill.vogrin@state.co.us
Black Forest woman attacked by deer CPW believes was illegally raised by neighbor
Blood stained the antlers of a young buck deer believed to have attacked a woman walking her dog on a wooded trail near her Black Forest home on Friday. The deer was euthanized when it aggressively approached a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer who was investigating the attack later Friday morning. CPW officers believe a neighbor illegally raised and fed the deer and it lost its fear of humans.
Photo is courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Oct. 16, 2020
Black Forest woman attacked by deer CPW believes was illegally raised by neighbor
BLACK FOREST, Colo. – A young buck deer attacked and seriously injured a woman Friday morning as she was walking her dog along a wooded path near her home, requiring Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers to track and euthanize the animal.
The attack comes after CPW wildlife officers received tips that a neighbor of the victim was feeding the 1 ½-year-old buck – and even raised it after it was orphaned – in violation of state law.
CPW had been investigating the tips, but officers had been unable to verify the claims, or catch the neighbor in the act of feeding the deer, before Friday’s attack.
The victim suffered serious lacerations to the top of her head, her left cheek and her legs. She was taken by ambulance to a Colorado Springs hospital for treatment of her injuries. She remained hospitalized Friday night but was expected to recover.
Later Friday morning, a CPW wildlife officer was approached outside the victim’s home by a young buck with obvious blood on its antlers. Given the aggressive nature of the buck and the visible blood on its antlers, the officer euthanized the deer.
CPW officers conducted interviews in the neighborhood including with the person accused of feeding and raising the orphaned deer. Based on information gathered during the interviews, CPW officers will be issuing a citation once the investigation has concluded.
“This is another sad example of what happens when people feed wildlife,” said Frank McGee, area wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak region. “They become habituated to people, lose their fear and become aggressive and dangerous.
“This buck showed no fear of the woman and her dog. And when our officer responded to the scene, it approached within a few feet. This tells me the deer was very comfortable around people. Dangerously comfortable. It viewed humans as a source of food.”
Human conflict with wildlife is increasing throughout Colorado and especially in Front Range communities where human populations are expanding. McGee fears similar conflicts will continue until people take seriously state laws forbidding the feeding of wildlife.
“This is why it is illegal to feed deer and why we urge people to make them feel uncomfortable in neighborhoods,” McGee said. “The issue is far more serious than ruined landscaping or even the car wrecks they cause on a daily basis on our roads.
“We had a young boy attacked in Colorado Springs in June. And we had a 72-year-old woman attacked and seriously injured in Black Forest in 2017. All three are lucky the results weren’t much worse.”
According to neighbors, the deer in Friday's attack was frequently seen in the area approaching people and seeking human attention.
Indeed, the victim told CPW she the deer started following her as she walked her dog Friday morning. She turned to face the deer and it lowered its antlers and began jabbing her abdomen.
When she realized she was under attack, the victim said she dropped her dog, grabbed the deer’s antlers and she and the animal fell to the ground. It gored her until she was able to regain her feet and run. After trying to get help at a neighbor's house, she ran back to her own home. She punched in the security code to open her garage door only to come under attack by the deer a second time.
She ran between two cars in the garage to get away from the deer and end the attack.
The deer was taken to a lab for a rabies test and necropsy. The incident remains under investigation.
To learn more about living with wildlife, please visit the CPW website.
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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
Copyright © 2020 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, All rights reserved.
ReleaseDate: 10/16/2020 5:32 PM
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