Login
Gray Wolf Restoration and Management Public Engagement
Overview/Background
The Issue: Implement a robust public involvement effort that provided a variety of opportunities for Coloradans to engage, learn, and provide substantive input and feedback on a wolf restoration and management plan.
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 was selected by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement a robust public involvement effort that would provide 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 facilitated a Technical Working Group and a Stakeholder Advisory Group to facilitate insights and feedback throughout the entire planning process. The Technical Working Group included state and federal agency scientist and experts. The Stakeholder Advisory Group was selected by CPW for diversity in demographics, geographic regions, and perspectives.
Approach
Keystone’s approach emphasized inclusivity and accessibility through in-person meetings, public town halls, and focus groups. Keystone conducted public open houses and geographic focus groups, led in-person and virtual interest-based focus groups and Tribal consultations, and facilitated monthly gatherings of the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) for more than a year.
The process involved regional meetings to gather local input, synthesizing feedback into recommendations, and facilitating expert and community stakeholder meetings. During the project, Keystone conducted 47 public meetings engaging more than 3,400 participants with thousands more participating via online methods, such as submitting comments. Keystone also worked closely with CPW, TWG, SAG, and Tribal communities, maintaining transparent communication and regular updates to all stakeholders as well as the Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Results
The project resulted in the development and approval of a comprehensive gray wolf restoration and management plan, which included the majority of recommendations developed and synthesized through the collaborative process led by Keystone. On May 3, 2023, the Parks and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved the final Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. A timeline of the project is below.
May 3, 2023: CPW approved the final plan.
November 2020: Proposition 114 passed.
Spring 2021: Keystone selected to lead public engagement.
Summer 2021: Statewide public engagement meetings conducted.
Summer 2021-Summer 2022: Keystone convened monthly meetings with SAG and TWG
August 2022: TWG released its final recommendations.
September 2022: SAG released its final recommendations.
Winter 2023: Keystone hosts in-person public comment meetings in addition to gathering online comments.
Effective March 1, 2025, Thomas J. Vilsack, former United States Secretary of Agriculture and Governor of Iowa, became the first Chief Executive Officer for the World Food Prize Foundation. In this new role, Governor Vilsack is focusing on expanding the Foundation’s global network, and will further position the Foundation as a leader in addressing global food and nutrition insecurity, continuing his lifetime of public service.
Shelby Coffey III is a distinguished journalist, media executive, and thought leader whose career has helped shape the landscape of American news and public discourse. Over several decades, Coffey has held some of the most influential roles in journalism, including serving as editor of the Los Angeles Times, executive vice president of ABC News, and deputy managing editor of The Washington Post. His editorial leadership extended to key roles as president of CNN Financial News, editor of the Dallas Times Herald, and U.S. News & World Report.
Jerry Steiner has spent 40 years involved in agriculture following growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm. He began his career with Monsanto, in multiple business leadership roles. From 2003-2013 he served as a member of the Executive team, as the company’s Executive Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs. He led the company’s global Government, Public and Industry Affairs teams across the 70 countries where Monsanto conducts business. This experience got Jerry connected to the Keystones centers work in agriculture. Key among his responsibilities were shaping the company’s public policy and building partnerships aimed at helping farmers around the world produce more food, while conserving valuable resources like water and energy. Two unique partnership that developed under his leadership were drought tolerant corn with 5 African countries, CIMMYT and the Gates foundation, and a building a sustainable business model in Brazil with the value chain leading to significant multi-company investment and soybean varieties that can protected themselves.
Jennifer Morris is the Chief Executive Officer of The Nature Conservancy, leading a team of nearly 6,000 staff working in more than 80 countries and territories tackling the dual crises of the 
Congressman Joe Neguse represents Colorado’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to his first term in November 2018, becoming the first Black Member of Congress in Colorado history. In December 2022, Rep. Neguse was elected by his colleagues to serve as Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC), becoming the first Coloradan to serve in a senior elected leadership role in the House in over 85 years. He serves on the Natural Resources and Judiciary Committees, and was also appointed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to serve as one of four Democrats on the prestigious Rules Committee. Rep. Neguse serves as Ranking Member on the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands, which he previously Chaired in the 117th Congress.
Llewellyn King was born in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. He went into journalism as soon as he turned 16, stringing for Time magazine and United Press in Africa.
Steven Williams is the Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo North America, overseeing a more than $48 billion business that spans PepsiCo’s Foods and Beverage operating units. His leadership encompasses more than 125,000 associates and over 900 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Steven joined PepsiCo in 2001 as part of PepsiCo’s acquisition of the Quaker Oats Company, which he joined in 1997, and has held leadership positions of increased responsibility since.