Elk NetworkColorado Parks and Wildlife to Plan Restoration Efforts for Gray Wolves in Colorado

General | November 6, 2020

Below is a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation strongly opposes the forced introduction of wolves into Colorado.

On November 3, 2020, Coloradans voted to pass Proposition #114 – The Restoration of Gray Wolves, a measure directing the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop a plan to reintroduce gray wolves west of the Continental Divide. With this decision, the planning process for reintroduction will begin.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife wildlife experts currently manage 960 wildlife species for the state and have restored several of Colorado’s most iconic species. CPW staff is fully prepared to work with stakeholders, including consultation with other state agencies with specific experience with introducing the species, to develop the plan to reintroduce gray wolves over the coming months.

“Our agency consists of some of the best and brightest in the field of wildlife management and conservation,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Dan Prenzlow. “I know our wildlife experts encompass the professionalism, expertise, and scientific focus that is essential in developing a strategic species management plan. CPW is committed to developing a comprehensive plan and in order to do that, we will need input from Coloradans across our state. We are evaluating the best path forward to ensure that all statewide interests are well represented.”

For over 120 years, the people of Colorado have looked to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for leadership and expertise to protect state lands, secure a successful wildlife legacy in Colorado, and provide quality outdoor recreation that evolves with generational trends and demographic population changes.

Please see CPW’s Wolf Management webpage to read Frequently Asked Questions and find living with wolves resources.

(Photo source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)