Local Wildlife Conservation Strategy News Items
Rescue teams recover drowning victim at Chatfield State Park8/5/2020 1:09:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Connor Christian, Public Information Officer for South Metro Fire Rescue - 720-656-5242
Jason Clay, Public Information Officer for CPW’s Northeast Region - 303-291-7234
Rescue teams recover drowning victim at Chatfield State Park
Photo is from Friday, Aug. 31 as rescue crews began the search for the missing person in the reservoir
LITTLETON, Colo. - Wednesday morning rescue crews recovered the body of an 18-year-old male victim that drowned Friday, July 31, while swimming at Chatfield State Park.
The victim was located at 8:19 a.m. by sonar and then confirmed by optical video equipment on the ROV (remote-operated vehicle) from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Marine Evidence Recovery Team vessel. Dive teams from South Metro Fire Rescue and the Denver Fire Department assisted with the recovery of the body from the water and turned the investigation over to the Jefferson County coroner's office.
The body was discovered roughly 50 yards off the shoreline in 17 feet of water.
Rescue crews involved in the search included Colorado Parks and Wildlife Park Rangers, CPW’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team as well as dive teams and emergency personnel from both South Metro and West Metro Fire Rescue, Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Denver Fire and Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family,” said Kris Wahlers, Chatfield State Park Manager. “We are thankful to all the rescue crews who aided in this extensive search and we hope that the recovery of the body will bring a little comfort to the family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.”
The Jefferson County coroner will determine a cause of death and make identification of the victim. The family of the victim was at the state park when the body was removed from the water and has been notified.
"South Metro Fire Rescue's Dive Team utilized a number of resources during the water recovery operation,” said Connor Christian, Public Information Officer with SMFR. “Station 31's Dive Boat is equipped with sonar and electronic searching capabilities for crews to track the areas they have searched using GPS coordinates, to locate targets in the reservoir, and to send divers underwater to get a closer look at the objects recorded on sonar. Weather conditions and water visibility have made this technology extremely useful for South Metro's dive team during this multi-day operation. The SMFR UAV Team and West Metro Fire Rescue used drones over the water recovery to do grid searches, scan the shoreline and to search the shallow water to look for objects out of place creating targets for the divers to focus on. South Metro is appreciative of the coordination and support during the recovery between multiple agencies.”
The victim went underwater around 3:25 p.m. Friday in the Catfish Flats area that is located south of the swim beach on the west side of the state park. The victim was one of two individuals seen struggling swimming in the water - a nearby boat had rescued one of the swimmers, but was unable to recover the other.
The victim was reported to be last seen roughly 60 yards offshore in an area between 18-20 feet of water.
“What was making the area so difficult to search is we go from one-foot, one-and-a-half feet of water, to four to five feet and then it drops off to 18 feet and then it comes up rapidly to one-and-a-half feet,” said Jim Hawkins, CPW’s team leader of the Marine Evidence Recovery Team. “So it is very difficult for us to run our sonar and we are also running into five to six foot tall milfoil… Visibility was pretty poor, between two to three feet.”
CPW’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team utilized underwater ROV’s (remote-operated vehicles), which uses sonar, lights, video camera and a manipulator in searches.
The drowning was the 23rd in the state this year (20 lake-related, three swift water), as we approach the deadliest year on Colorado’s waters in history. The highest number of drownings in a year is 24, recorded in 2019.
“It’s racking up to be a tough year for water fatalities,” said Grant Brown, CPW’s Boating Safety Program Manager. “We’ve seen a lot of people swimming from shore, smaller craft paddling and the biggest thing we are seeing is no life jackets. Either one on board not wearing it or just don’t have one and that is one of the things we are really trying to push is have a life jacket with you and make sure you are wearing it.”
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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: 8/5/2020 11:07 AM
3 Meeker Residents Guilty In Moffat County Trophy Elk Poaching8/3/2020 2:34:42 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Randy Hampton
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-640-1647 / randy.hampton@state.co.us
3 MEEKER RESIDENTS PLEAD GUILTY IN MOFFAT COUNTY ELK POACHING CASE
Two trophy elk racks forfeited at sentencing in Moffat County poaching case
CRAIG, Colo. - Three Meeker residents have been sentenced for the poaching of two trophy bull elk last fall. The case began on Sept. 25, 2019, when a witness in the Sand Wash Basin area reported a wounded bull elk and a suspicious truck to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer Jeff Goncalves.
Goncalves responded and found evidence that eventually led to a truck owned by 18-year-old Henry Musser of Meeker. Questioning of Henry Musser and further evidence gathered from his vehicle and home led officers to the involvement of his father, John Allen Musser, also of Meeker, as well as a juvenile offender. Information was gathered about a second bull elk that was poached by the three suspects. Officers also determined that John Musser had taken efforts to hide evidence in the case. Citations related to the case were issued on March 19, 2020 and all three individuals entered guilty pleas last week in Moffat County courtrooms.
The poaching incident on Sept. 25, 2019 occurred in an area along Moffat County Road 67 in Sand Wash Basin. The area is part of Game Management Unit (GMU) 2, which is a highly valued trophy unit where hunters may wait more than 20 years to draw a license. The second elk was poached a few days prior to Sept. 25th. Both elk that were killed are large trophy elk, meaning fines in the case were enhanced under the state’s “Samson law.” The “Samson law” is named for a popular and quite visible, 1,000 pound bull elk that was killed illegally in Estes Park in 1995, leading to public desire for higher penalties in egregious poaching cases.
“The Sand Wash case shows the importance of witnesses in helping be the eyes of wildlife across the vast and remote parts of the state,” Goncalves said. “We can’t be everywhere but there are many people recreating and traveling the back roads who can report to us anything they see that is suspicious.”
People who witness a wildlife crime or hear about them after the fact are integral in solving many cases. The Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline allows for anonymous information and cash rewards. A program called TIPS, or Turn In Poachers , is also available and can provide opportunities to hunt trophy units for people who provide information that leads to a conviction in trophy poaching cases.
In court in Craig, on July 27, Henry Musser, 18, pleaded guilty to hunting without a license, illegal possession of wildlife, and aggravated illegal possession of wildlife. He was ordered by the court to 18 months of supervised probation, 48 hours of community service, and $15,341.50 in fines and court costs.
John Allen Musser, 44, pleaded guilty and received a deferred felony sentence for tampering with evidence. In addition, John Musser pleaded guilty to hunting without a license, illegal possession of wildlife, and aggravated illegal possession of wildlife. John was ordered by the court to perform 48 hours of community service and pay $15,483.50 in fines and court costs.
The juvenile in the case entered a plea of guilty to hunting without a license, hunting with an illegal method of take and hunting big game without an adult present. The juvenile will serve unsupervised probation, must perform 48 hours of community service, and pay fines and court costs of $1,962.50.
In addition, all three were ordered to forfeit hunting equipment. They will also face a separate administrative hearing process where they will be subject to the loss of hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado and 48 other states.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and investigators deal with an average of 4,000 wildlife violations each year ranging from fishing without a license to large wildlife poaching cases.
“Coloradans value their wildlife and we’re proud of the law enforcement officers at CPW who work hard to conserve those populations for everyone’s benefit,” explained Bill deVergie, Area Wildlife Manager for the northwest corner of the state. “Cases like these come down to citizens watching and reporting when they see or hear something. We thank the citizens who knew what to do when they noticed the poaching activity in this case.”
###
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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: 8/3/2020 12:30 PM
MEDIA ADVISORY: 2020 Big Game Hunting Stories Media Package8/3/2020 10:09:41 AM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joe Lewandowski
Southwest Region Public Information Officer
970-759-9590 / joe.lewandowski@state.co.us
MEDIA ADVISORY:
2020 Big Game Hunting Stories Media Package
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is again providing its annual story package and photos for the 2020 Big Game Hunting season. All media outlets are invited to use these for specials sections, on Web sites or in regular newscasts, web posts or publications. Organizations and individuals are also invited to share these with friends, family and others who might benefit.
These are general stories that provide basic information and tips to big game hunters.
To access and download these stories and photos, click:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DerZ-Rnu7AeJbnJ2yM0Sm7ZyVNbCLlAw
If you have difficulty accessing these stories, please call Joe Lewandowski, Southwest Region PIO at 970-759-9590.
Following is the list of the stories available this year. Download the stories by clicking on the URLs below each.
Be sure to know where you're hunting
Becoming a real straight shooter
Caring for your campsite
Cell phones in the backcountry
Colorado Hunting Atlas provides on-line scouting tools
Common hunting violations can be costly
Hunting with horses
High-altitude survival
How not to get lost in the woods
How to hunt elk
How to hunt mule deer
How to hunt safely
Hunting ethically?
Hunting gear checklist
Internet resources for hunters
Know the rules and know your limits
CPW history: Long-term efforts saved Colorado wildlife
Moose or elk? Be sure of your target
Other big game hunting in Colorado
Poaching a constant problem
Preference points – understanding the system
Pronghorns provide unique hunting challenge
Some private ranches open to hunting
Taking care of big game meat
Use OHVs properly; know the rules
What to do if you make a mistake while hunting
If you have questions for hunting in general in Colorado, you can contact one of the agency's public information officers located in your region:
Northeast region: Jason Clay - jason.clay@state.co.us
Southwest region: Joe Lewandowski - joe.lewandowski@state.co.us
Northwest region: Randy Hampton - randy.hampton@state.co.us
Southeast Region: Bill Vogrin - bill.vogrin@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: 7/31/2020 4:22 PM
CPW Officers confiscate wild fox from Colorado Springs woman; remind public it is illegal and potentially dangerous to possess wild animals8/1/2020 6:19:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / bill.vogrin@state.co.us
PRESS RELEASE TITLE HERE
File photo of a Red fox / Courtesy Colorado Parks and Widlife
Aug. 1, 2020
CPW Officers confiscate wild fox from Colorado Springs resident
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers confiscated a wild Red fox from a woman in Colorado Springs on Friday.
Wildlife officers discovered the woman had the fox after she created an Instagram page for the animal where she posted dozens of photos and videos dating to May 4, 2018, when the animal was a small kit.
It is a crime to possess wild animals in Colorado. Illegal possession of live wildlife is a misdemeanor punished by a $100 fine.
And it’s potentially dangerous. Red fox are known to carry diseases such as canine distemper and rabies.
In her initial Instagram post, the woman claimed she had “rescued” the fox. Photos and videos show it in a dog collar, on a leash, eating human snacks and inside a chainlink fenced cage.
But Frank McGee, CPW’s Area Wildlife Manager for the Pikes Peak region, described the act of taking an animal from the wild and raising it in a human home as “kidnapping.”
“Wild animals belong in the wild. Period,” McGee said. “People cannot take care of wildlife better than their parents. It is selfish and irresponsible to take these animals from the wild.”
McGee said there’s a reason CPW requires rehabilitation facilities to be certified and their operators trained and licensed.
“It takes specialized education and training to handle wild animals, whether it’s deer, raccoons, birds or whatever,” McGee said. “People often think they are helping when they pick up wildlife.
“They are not. These are wild animals. They are not meant to live in captivity.”
Because the fox had lived more than two years in captivity, wildlife officers determined it could not survive if released back into the wild forcing them to euthanize the animal.
“This was so unnecessary and sad for the fox and our officers,” McGee said. “If you see a wild animal, especially a baby animal, leave it alone. Call us if you believe it’s orphaned or abandoned and needs to be rescued. We’ll assess the situation and get it to a licensed rehab facility, if necessary.”
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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: 8/1/2020 4:16 PM
Swim area at Cherry Creek State Park to close again due to a natural algae bloom7/31/2020 10:14:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jason Clay
Northeast Region Public Information Officer
303-291-7234 / jason.clay@state.co.us
@CPW_NE
Swim area at Cherry Creek State Park to close again due to a natural algae bloom
Cherry Creek State Park
AURORA, Colo. - Cherry Creek State Park is experiencing natural algae blooms that may be harmful to dogs and humans as a result of a number of things including warmer temperatures, stagnant waters, and nutrient loading from fertilized lawns.
The park has closed the swim area due to elevated levels of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) growth. This is the second time the swim area has closed this summer due to an algae bloom. The first time was back on July 10.
The swim area will remain closed until tests provide acceptable conditions to re-open. Blue-green algae has been detected in other areas of the park and caution signs have been placed in visible areas throughout the lake. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recommends the following:
Keep kids out
No pets in water
Do not drink water
Avoid contact with algae
For more information on blue-green algae, please click here .
The Dog-Off-Leash-Area stream has been tested and no visible signs of the algae have been observed.
For more information on conditions at Cherry Creek State Park, please click here .
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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: 7/31/2020 8:13 PM
Responding to a call for help, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers, working with the Teller County Sheriff's office, find a body in Skaguay Reservoir7/31/2020 6:39:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / bill.vogrin@state.co.us
CPW officers find body in Skaguay Reservoir after call for help
Skaguay Reservoir
July 31, 2020
CPW officers find body in Skaguay Reservoir after call for help
VICTOR, Colo. – Responding to a call for help, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers found a body Friday in Skaguay Reservoir, a remote, 114-acre mountain reservoir about 20 miles southwest of Colorado Springs.
CPW officers responded to the Friday morning call and immediately alerted the Teller County Sheriff’s office, which also responded to the scene.
The agencies brought in boats and after searching for several hours recovered a body.
The Teller County Coroner’s office was notified and took control of the body and the scene and county officials began an investigation.
The coroner will determine a cause of death and make identification of the victim as well as notifying the next of kin.
Skaguay is an isolated reservoir about 8 miles east of Victor along rugged gravel roads at an elevation of about 8,900 feet.
It is popular for coldwater fishing and known especially for rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout as well as Northern pike.
The reservoir is part of the 715-acre Skaguay Reservoir State Wildlife 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: 7/31/2020 4:37 PM
Roxborough State Park’s naturalist guided Activities in August7/31/2020 3:54:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jason Clay
Northeast Region Public Information Officer
303-291-7234 / jason.clay@state.co.us
@CPW_NE
Roxborough State Park’s naturalist guided Activities in August
Roxborough State Park
ROXBOROUGH, Colo. - Come join the fun, learn about nature and watch Roxborough State Park change with the seasons. Park naturalists will lead you on a journey of discovery through our guided hikes and activities.
Programs, sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, are free; however, please remember that all vehicles entering the park must purchase a $9 daily pass or display a valid annual pass. Please note: all programs require reservations. For information and to register for programs call the park at 303-973-3959.
Please sign up for all programs (except Moonlight Hikes) through Eventbrite . A link to Eventbrite can also be found on our website and on our events Facebook page . We will no longer be taking phone reservations, but please do call if you need assistance. As always, our program dates and events can be found on our website, in our Rambles Newsletter and on our Facebook page.
Park Hours: 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Visitor Center Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Daily
Due to COVID-19, we have precautions in place for hikes and programs. We are limiting group size to 10, there must be six-feet distance between people, but you can stand together if you live in the same household. You must wear a mask. If you do not want or can’t wear a mask, please consider not signing up for any events and wait until restrictions are lifted.
Aug. 1: Rox Ride | 10 a.m.
Take a naturalist guided tour in this five passenger electric golf cart around the Fountain Valley Trail. Reservations on Eventbrite are required for all rides. All children must be accompanied by an adult and small children must be in a car seat (not provided). Reservations via Eventbrite are required. All children must be accompanied by an adult and small children must be in a car seat (not provided).
Aug. 1: Roxborough Revealed – Wildflower Hike | 9 a.m.
Join Naturalist Ann Sarg on a hike through Roxborough State Park. See the large diversity of wildflowers that grow in Roxborough, learn about what makes wildflowers unique, while enjoying a beautiful hike through Roxborough. Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 2: Historic Persse Place Open House | Noon – 3 p.m.
Hike the Fountain Valley Trail to this nationally registered historic home. Naturalists on-site will show you around and share stories of days past.
Aug. 2: Moonlight Hike | 6:30 p.m.
Join Naturalists for an evening hike. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are restructuring to small groups and limited reservations.
A fee of $8.00 per hiker is required. Call the park at 303-973-3959 to confirm availability. Your spot is reserved at payment. You can send a check payable to the Friends of Roxborough to 4751 E. Roxborough Drive, Roxborough, Co 80125 until one week prior to the event, or pay by credit card in person or by phone. No payments are taken the evening of the event.
There is a $9.00 gate entrance fee per vehicle entering the park. Children under eight-years-old are not recommended and all others must be accompanied by an adult. We will send non-refundable tickets for confirmed hikes.
Aug. 2: Rox Ride | 10 a.m.
Take a naturalist guided tour in this five passenger electric golf cart around the Fountain Valley Trail. Reservations on Eventbrite are required for all rides. All children must be accompanied by an adult and small children must be in a car seat (not provided). Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 7: Rox Ride | 10 a.m.
Take a naturalist guided tour in this five passenger electric golf cart around the Fountain Valley Trail. Reservations on Eventbrite are required for all rides. All children must be accompanied by an adult and small children must be in a car seat (not provided). Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 8: Roxborough Revealed – Lyons Overlook/Fountain Valley Hike | 9 a.m.
Join Naturalist Juli Brant to hike up to Lyons Overlook on the Fountain Valley Trail. Enjoy the amazing hike, seeing the different plants and animals that can be found in the park. At the Lyon Overlook, view the amazing Red Rock Formations while listening to the sounds of nature. Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 8: Rox Ride | 10 a.m.
Take a naturalist guided tour in this five passenger electric golf cart around the Fountain Valley Trail. Reservations on Eventbrite are required for all rides. All children must be accompanied by an adult and small children must be in a car seat (not provided). Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 9: Photographing Roxborough’s Landscapes and Flowers | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join Naturalist Bob Rabito for a day of photographic adventures. Bob is an award winning, professional photographer of 42 years. Start with a presentation in the auditorium to learn how to visualize your subjects as a photographer would and discuss various techniques such as cropping, composition, lighting, and background in order to get the final image you want. A hike will follow to photograph the beautiful flowers and landscapes of Roxborough using the approach and techniques you just learned. Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 14: Rox Ride | 10 a.m.
Take a naturalist guided tour in this five passenger electric golf cart around the Fountain Valley Trail. Reservations on Eventbrite are required for all rides. All children must be accompanied by an adult and small children must be in a car seat (not provided). Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 15: Roxborough Revealed – Walk and Talk Through History | 9 a.m.
Join Naturalist Roger White on a hike through Roxborough State Park to learn about the history of Roxborough. Learn about historical figures that made Roxborough their home, learn about what makes Roxborough a significant historical site, and learn other interesting facts about Roxborough’s history. Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 15: Junior Ranger – Where Eagles Fly | 1 – 2 p.m.
Join Naturalist, author, and illustrator, Paula Scirati as she reads her children’s picture book, Where Eagles Fly . This story about Golden Eagles is set in beautiful Roxborough State Park. Learn about what makes birds of prey so special and different from other birds. End with a hands-on activity. Ages 3-6. Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Junior Ranger & Naturalist Program
Become a Junior Ranger and Junior Naturalist! Families can spend time together as they discover the many wonders of Roxborough State Park. Gain knowledge of nature in this outdoor wonderland.
Kids can earn a Certificate of Completion in one visit or continue on for their Junior Ranger Badge (ages 3-6) or official Junior Naturalist Patch (ages 7-12) which will require multiple visits! One Naturalist led hike required for badge and two Naturalist led hikes are required for patch. Ask for booklet for more details. Reservations via Eventbrite required for all programs.
Aug. 15: Rox Ride | 10 a.m.
Take a naturalist guided tour in this five passenger electric golf cart around the Fountain Valley Trail. Reservations on Eventbrite are required for all rides. All children must be accompanied by an adult and small children must be in a car seat (not provided). Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 16: Guided Bird Walk | 7:30 a.m.
Join Naturalist Jill Holden, grab your bird book and binoculars and join us for bird watching adventures. These hikes are for all ability levels. Dress for changing weather. Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 21: Rox Ride | 10 a.m.
Take a naturalist guided tour in this five passenger electric golf cart around the Fountain Valley Trail. Reservations on Eventbrite are required for all rides. All children must be accompanied by an adult and small children must be in a car seat (not provided). Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 22: Roxborough Revealed – Lyons Overlook/Fountain Valley Trail Hike | 9 a.m.
Join Naturalist Juli Brant to hike up to Lyons Overlook on the Fountain Valley Trail. Enjoy the amazing hike, seeing the different plants and animals that can be found in the park. At the Lyon Overlook, view the amazing Red Rock Formations while listening to the sounds of nature. Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 28: Rox Ride | 10 a.m.
Take a naturalist guided tour in this five passenger electric golf cart around the Fountain Valley Trail. Reservations on Eventbrite are required for all rides. All children must be accompanied by an adult and small children must be in a car seat (not provided). Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 29: Roxborough Revealed – Pleistocene Mega Fauna | 9 a.m.
Join Naturalist Betsy Healey to learn about the Pleistocene Mega Fauna that used to roam around Roxborough State Park 2.58 million years ago. Learn how these interesting animals lived and what Roxborough looked like then. This event will be held in the auditorium. Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 29: Rox Ride | 10 a.m.
Take a naturalist guided tour in this five passenger electric golf cart around the Fountain Valley Trail. Reservations on Eventbrite are required for all rides. All children must be accompanied by an adult and small children must be in a car seat (not provided). Reservations via Eventbrite are required. To attend this event, meet at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 31: Moonlight Hike | 6 p.m.
Join Naturalists for an evening hike. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are restructuring to small groups and limited reservations.
A fee of $8.00 per hiker is required. Call the park at (303)973-3959 to confirm availability. Your spot is reserved at payment. You can send a check payable to the Friends of Roxborough to 4751 E. Roxborough Drive, Roxborough, CO 80125 until one week prior to the event, or pay by credit card in person or by phone. No payments are taken the evening of the event.
There is a $9 entrance gate fee per vehicle entering the park. Children under 8 years old are not recommended and all others must be accompanied by an adult. We will send non-refundable tickets for confirmed hikes.
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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: 7/31/2020 1:49 PM
Annual drawing for Trinchera Ranch hunting licenses set for Aug. 12 in San Luis Valley7/31/2020 3:29:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joe Lewandowski
Southwest Region Public Information Officer
970-759-9590 / joe.lewandowski@state.co.us
Annual drawing for Trinchera Ranch hunting licenses set for Aug. 12
Special drawing set for deer, elk hunting on private ranch.
Annual drawing for Trinchera Ranch hunting licenses set for Aug. 12
MONTE VISTA, Colo. – The annual drawing by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the opportunity to hunt big game on the Trinchera Ranch in the San Luis Valley will take place at 1 p.m., Aug. 12 at the Fort Garland-Blanca Community Center.
The drawing, open only to Colorado residents, is for those who would like to hunt doe deer or cow elk on the 170,000-acre private ranch. A total of 15 doe licenses and 15 cow licenses will be drawn; there are usually about 300 people who apply for these licenses. To enter the drawing you must fill out an application in person that morning at the community center between 9 a.m. and noon. Applicants do not have to be present for the drawing but are asked to stay if possible.
A drive-thru will be set up to assure Covid-19 safety for applicants and CPW staff. Everyone must remain in their vehicles and should wear masks when picking up and dropping off their applications. While waiting for the drawing, applicants should remain in or near their vehicles and maintain a physical distance of six feet or more from others.
The community center is located at 17591 U.S. Highway 160 in the town of Blanca.
The drawing will be shown on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/CPWMonteVista . Log in at 12:55 p.m. Names of the winners will be posted on the community center’s electronic message board. Those unable to stay for the drawing can call CPW’s Monte Vista wildlife office for results, 719-587-6900.
The event will also be broadcast live on local radio station KSLV, 96.5, starting at noon.
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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: 7/31/2020 1:26 PM
Active military and veterans get in free to Colorado state parks in August7/30/2020 2:54:40 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bridget Kochel
Statewide Public Information Officer
720-219-2919 / bridget.kochel@state.co.us
Active military and veterans get in free to Colorado state parks in August
The free August Military Passes become available on August 1, 2020.
DENVER – As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers active duty military, veterans and the National Guard free admission to all state parks for the month of August.
Military members and veterans, resident and nonresident, can pick up a free August Military Pass at any Colorado state park or CPW office by showing proof of service . Passes become available on August 1, 2020.
“We want to honor the brave men and women who currently serve or have served our country by hosting them at our state parks,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Dan Prenzlow. “This is an opportunity for our military and veterans to spend some quality time in nature and connect with the beautiful landscapes and natural wonders they protect.”
The free park pass provides a chance to experience Colorado’s state parks and the diverse wildlife and terrain they showcase. All other park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, and hunting and fishing licenses.
To begin planning a unique Colorado adventure, visit the CPW park finder . State park outdoor recreation activities include:
Water sports- boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming
Wildlife and wildflower viewing, birdwatching and tours with naturalists
Hiking, horseback riding, biking and rock climbing
Stargazing and geocaching
Accessibility programs are available to people with disabilities
CPW also offers military benefits for outdoor activities to active duty military, veterans, and disabled veterans. Programs include free admission to state parks on Veterans Day, year-round free entry to all state parks to residents with Colorado Disabled Veterans license plates and free small game and fishing combination licenses for qualified disabled veterans. CPW also offers a Columbine Pass which offers reduced park entrance fees to disabled Colorado residents.
“Our agency appreciates the sacrifices our military members make to secure our freedoms to enjoy an outdoor heritage,” said U.S Marine Corps Veteran and Southwest Region Manager Cory Chick. “This is a small token of our appreciation to thank our military and veterans for helping us protect our state lands for Coloradans to enjoy and cherish.”
For more information about Colorado’s state parks, visit the CPW website . Learn more about Care for Colorado - Leave No Trace principles on how to recreate responsibly.
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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: 7/30/2020 12:52 PM
Hunters have a chance to grab a big game license at annual Leftover Day at Colorado Parks and Wildlife7/29/2020 4:54:41 PM
Body:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Travis Duncan
Statewide Public Information Officer
720-595-8294 / travis.duncan @state.co.us
Hunters have a chance to grab a big game license on annual Leftover Day at Colorado Parks and Wildlife
DENVER - Leftover Day is almost here! Hunters mark their calendars for the first Tuesday in August each year to take a shot at any big game hunting licenses remaining after the primary and secondary draws. These remaining licenses are placed on the leftover list, now available on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website , and become available for purchase on August 4 at 9 a.m., Mountain Time.
Many of the licenses that would have been available in previous years were issued this year through the new secondary draw - which gave all interested hunters a chance to skip the wait on Leftover Day to get their license.
CPW highly suggests hunters purchase their leftover licenses online this year. If you must go into a CPW office or a sales agent location to purchase a license, remember to bring a mask, respect public health orders and all staff requests.
Additionally, hunters who are used to going into a CPW office location should be aware that the licenses now go on sale online, in our offices and at our sales agents all at once. If you’re on a computer or mobile device at home, you have the same shot as someone standing in a CPW office. And during this year’s pandemic, it’s an even better idea to purchase these licenses from the comfort of your own home.
Just head to cpwshop.com and get logged in to your account a little before 9 a.m. on August 4 so you’re ready to purchase when the licenses go on sale. You can also call 1-800-244-5613, but know that there may be long wait times.
Over-the-counter unlimited licenses will be available for purchase starting Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. Mountain Time.
More information on the leftover list and over-the-counter licenses is available on 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: 7/29/2020 2:52 PM
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