Gray Wolf Restoration and Management: Public, Stakeholder, and Technical Engagement
Gray Wolf Reintroduction
Photo credit Gary Kramer/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
In November 2020, Colorado voters passed Proposition 114 directing the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission to restore and manage gray wolves in Colorado no later than December 31, 2023, on designated lands west of the Continental Divide; hold statewide hearings about scientific, economic, and social considerations; periodically obtain public input to update the plan; and use state funds to assist livestock owners in preventing conflicts with gray wolves and pay fair compensation for livestock losses.
Keystone Policy Center is a trusted, independent facilitator that for more than 45 years has given communities an active voice in policy discussions that have the most direct impact on them. This history gives us an intimate and extensive understanding of Colorado’s social, political, and economic dynamics. In Spring 2021, Keystone was selected by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement a robust public involvement effort that provides a variety of opportunities for Coloradans to engage, learn, and provide substantive input and feedback on the wolf restoration and management planning process.
In addition to robust public engagement, Keystone and CPW will work with a Technical Working Group and a Stakeholder Advisory Group to facilitate insights and feedback throughout the entire planning process. The Technical Working Group includes state and federal agency scientist and experts. The Stakeholder Advisory Group was selected by CPW for diversity in demographics, geographic regions, and perspectives.
Public Involvement
The most effective community engagement meets people where they are and provides a variety of ways for different interests to engage in sharing their perspectives. All Coloradans will be able to provide input via multiple methods, both in person and online.
In July and August 2021, CPW and Keystone Policy Center will convene a total of approximately 40 public input meetings, including large in-person open houses, virtual public listening sessions, and geographically- and interest-based focus groups. An online public comment form will also be available. The public involvement process will be conducted across the entire state. Additional outreach will be given to those regions that will be most impacted by the reintroduction of the wolf with particular attention given to Western Slope communities.
All public comments and questions about the Gray Wolf restoration and management process should be submitted via the public engagement website. Other inquiries can be submitted to Keystone Policy Center through this email. You can also sign up for Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s newsletter to receive email updates about wolf reintroduction and other issues.
Media inquiries should be sent to Julie Shapiro, director of the Natural Resources Program at Keystone Policy Center.
