Bi-Monthly Newsletter

December, 2023

Greetings from Colorado Wildlife Federation!

President's Message

The year of 2023 is drawing to a close and as we enjoyed some spectacular Fall colors, and now some beautiful winter weather, Colorado Wildlife Federation (CWF) continues to fulfill our mission “to advocate and educate for the conservation of Colorado’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats for all”.

Over the course of the past year, our Executive Director, Suzanne O'Neill, was busy presenting the CWF perspectives on many wildlife policy matters. This includes federal land use planning processes, public comment at Parks and Wildlife Commission meetings and legislation. CWF also interacts with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, state agencies, and conservation organizations, to aid in the development of land use, management or development plans to ensure that fish and wildlife – and their habitats are recognized as important components that need to be safeguarded in plans and implementation. We also focus on ensuring that Coloradans have ample opportunities to enjoy Colorado’s wildlife through the many types and styles of outdoor recreation that make this state a premier location for such activities.

In 2023, CWF has implemented grants from the National Wildlife Federation and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Partners in the Outdoors program ($47,000) to expand our educational and social outreach programs such as Colorado Becoming and Outdoors Woman and Hispanic “Vamos a Pescar” fishing events by hiring a new full-time staff assistant.

As a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, we are extremely reliant on our citizen based monetary donations and in order to continue growing our statewide presence.

Thank you to our many contributors for Colorado GivesDay as well as the other numerous year-end donations we have been receiving from supporters who are passionate about Colorado’s wildlife and their habitats.

In addition to your donation, please invite friends and colleagues to make a contribution to support CWF!

You can donate throughout the year any time you wish by going to:

www.coloradowildlife.org

Colorado Wildlife Federation wishes you and yours’ a Happy, Safe, and Peaceful Holiday Season!

Robin Knox

President, CWF

KnoxR@coloradowildlife.org

Conservation Focus

CWF is busy at work to safeguard wildlife habitats on public lands in Colorado. Here are some highlights from the past few months:

Wolves Reintroduction Update

As you know, Proposition 114 requires that the state begin to reintroduce wolves on the ground in Colorado by December 31. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) staff will head to Oregon this month to capture wolves for release. Under CPW’s agreement with Oregon the limit of source population of wolves CPW may capture from that state is 10. CPW will not necessarily capture and release all 10 this month. Some might be captured later this winter. Upon capture, CPW intends to release on the following day somewhere west of the Continental Divide in a rural area of west-central Colorado where prey is available. They will not be released onto public lands managed by US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, or into the “severe winter zone” where elk, deer and pronghorn were hit very hard during last winter. Upon release, CPW will issue social media and a press release.

BLM Draft Big Game Habitat Resource Management Plan Amendment

On November 9, 2023, the BLM published its Colorado Draft Big Game Habitat Resource Management Plan. The draft plan addresses alternative approaches that the agency will apply on its administered public lands and federal mineral estate in Colorado to manage oil and gas development in order to maintain, conserve and protect big game habitats and corridors. More information.

Bull elk standing on a mountainside in Colorado.

Photo By: Matt Dirksen

Greenland Wildlife Overpass on I-25

The Greenland Wildlife Overpass project in Douglas County is funded! CDOT has been awarded a grant for $22 million from US Department of Transportation via the competitive grant process under the Infrastructure Act's s Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program. CDOT added $8 million of its own funds to fully cover the $30 million cost. This overpass will serve two essential purposes: reduce collisions between vehicles and wildlife and connect deer and elk habitat that is wisely protected by Douglas County. The overpass will be constructed south of the Greenland Road interchange on I-25 at Larkspur, a very busy highway indeed. Construction is expected to begin this coming spring.

Rendering By: Colorado Department of Transportation

Statewide Habitat Conservation and Connectivity planning process advances

CPW’s second stakeholder meeting was convened on November 29 to discuss progress to identify priority wildlife species, priority wildlife landscapes and movement corridors that connect these landscapes. The final plan, due in June 2024, will provide strategic guidance to conserve, enhance and connect these landscapes. The plan will assess habitat connectivity related to animal movement, vegetative conditions, land development pressures and climate change resiliency. It addresses big game and species of greatest conservation need (identified in the Colorado State Wildlife Action Plan which will be updated). CWF participates as an active stakeholder in this process.

Suzanne O’Neill

Executive Director, CWF

Executive Director's Message

CWF has been very busy as usual, even during this holiday season. I thank again the many supporters who made contributions to CWF for Colorado GivesDay and during this entire year. We are only as strong and effective as the depth and diversity of our membership and supporter base and so today, I celebrate your interest and approval of our work to safeguard Colorado’s wildlife and habitats. Please contact me anytime you wish to discuss or bring to our attention your wildlife related interests and issues.

Suzanne O’Neill

Executive Director, CWF

cwfed@coloradowildlife.org

Colorado Wildlife Spotlight

A female and male pronghorn standing facing each other in a snowy field.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, there are approximately 85,000 pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in Colorado. They can reach a speed of 60 mph – and they are related to the giraffe! The only faster land wildlife in the world is the cheetah.

The relatively small pronghorn herd in South Park inhabits the grassland steppe ecosystem and is the highest elevation herd in Colorado [Data Analysis Unit PH-30]!

As you know, CWF has worked effectively for the past several years to safeguard the largely unfragmented habitat on BLM-managed public lands in South Park. A significant challenge to the pronghorn population is the shrinking grasslands habitat as development continues. Pronghorn need fencing with space at the bottom by raising the bottom rung without barbed wire in habitat areas where pronghorn are present it enables them to crawl underneath rather than jump over. Predators of pronghorn include coyotes as well as golden eagles.

Two pronghorn running through a field with mountains in the background.

Gardening for Wildlife

Here are a few winter gardening tips: Late fall through early spring is the best time to sow the seeds of many of the native wildflowers that support birds, bees and other wildlife.

By growing your plants from seed, you promote local genetic diversity and boost the genetic variation of local plant populations which improves their capacity to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions.

Per National Wildlife Federation, "good seed sources include native plant societies, garden clubs, nature centers, NWF community habitat groups, fall and winter seed swaps organized to promote genetic diversity and many public gardens. The latter often provide not only the seeds themselves but also written information or workshops on how to cultivate the seeds."

Tips on growing your seeds and more information.

CWF is pleased to continue as NWF’s partner for certifications of wildlife garden habitats in Colorado. The requirements for certification simply are these: native plants and feeders (although not in bear country) for food; water sources such as a well-maintained birdbath; shelter and places to raise young – such as trees; and sustainable practices to maintain the garden or yard.

Your garden habitat will help to form a network of habitats for pollinators across the state and country. Author and professor Douglas Tallamy refers to this network as a "homegrown national park" (system) in his excellent book, “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Backyard.”

Upcoming Events

8 women lined up before their archery targets with instructors watching on.

About BOW

Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) - Indoor Archery Clin ics

Becoming an Outdoors Woman - Indoor Archery Clinic

Date: Saturday, December 16th, 2023

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm | Lunch provided at 12

Location: Colorado Adventure Point in Denver, CO

Becoming an Outdoors Woman - Indoor Archery Clinic

Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm | Lunch provided at 12

Location: Colorado Adventure Point in Denver, CO

BOW - 3-day event coming July 19-21, 2024, at CSU's Mountain Campus!

Keep your eyes on our website and social media channels for more details to come.

Support Colorado Wildlife Federation

Side view of a woman sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon as the sun sets.

Outside view of the sky dome at night with a view of the milk way in the sky.

Enter our sweepstakes for a chance to Win the Ultimate Grand Canyon Glamping Getaway + Yeti Cooler!

You've heard by now that we are giving away an incredible Grand Canyon Glamping experience, but hold on, there's now a cool twist! All entries through December 17th of $50 or more, are also entered to win a Yeti Tundra 35 cooler! Use promo code YETI for 30% more tickets for free!

Remember, your entry is not just a chance to win but is also a meaningful donation to Colorado Wildlife Federation, supporting the future of Colorado wildlife and habitats as well as funding educational programs to deepen everyone's connection to nature.

Escape the ordinary, make a difference, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience at the Grand Canyon.

This Experience for 2 Includes:

- 3-hour Grand Canyon Sunset Tour

- 3-night stay at Clear Sky Resorts in a Sky Dome

- Winspire booking & concierge service

Membership & Supporter Voice: Your Stories, Your Impact!

Share your wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, and snapshots of Colorado's beauty with fellow members. Email us (cwfed@coloradowildlife.org) your stories and photos to inspire us all and remind us of the profound connection we share with nature. We will choose one submission to highlight in our next newsletter!

Thank you so much for your continued support, and let's work together to ensure a vibrant future for Colorado's wildlife and natural landscapes.

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