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Be “Bear Aware”

May 24, 2009

While this will apply mostly to Colorado the information is both timely and appropriate all across America, if not the world. Keeping yourself, family, and loved ones safe starts with you, it is your responsibility, not the governments. They all act “after the fact,” and you “the people” voted in measures that have resulted in little or no fear of humans by dangerous wildlife species.

BE ‘BEAR AWARE’ WHEN CAMPING


WESTCLIFFE, Colo. – Memorial Day Weekend marks the traditional start to the camping season, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife reminds campers to be “bear aware” when enjoying the outdoors.  Campers should keep their campsites clean to avoid attracting bears, or other wildlife.

Bears go into campgrounds because food is often available around tents, camp trailers, and dumpsters.  The potential for conflicts increases when food brings bears and humans come into close contact.

“Bears are built to eat and their sense of smell is incredible,” explained Justin Krall, a district wildlife manager in the Westcliffe area. “They can smell food from miles away and they’ll travel to find it.”

In a natural setting, bears would just as soon avoid people, but bears that learn to associate humans with food begin to lose their natural fear of people.  “Food Conditioned” bears are the most dangerous kind.  They usually end up being euthanized.

“It is unfortunate, but bears get into trouble because humans leave food around,” Krall said.

“Bears are not naturally aggressive toward humans, they are actually very shy creatures,” Krall said. “However, bears are on a mission to find food. Campers need to take precautions to avoid problems for you and your family, but also for the campers who use the site after you.  Do not leave food or garbage behind.  Always pack out your trash.”

Here are a few tips for campers in bear country:
*   Keep a clean site and clean up thoroughly after every meal;
*   After grilling, allow the fire to continue until food scraps and grease are burned completely off the grill.
*   Do not eat in your tent or keep food in your tent;
*   Do not leave pet food outside for a long period of time.  Any uneaten pet food should also be stored in a secure container.
*   Store unused food and garbage in secure containers out of the reach of bears and away from your sleeping area;
*   If you see a bear in a campground, report it to the local DOW office as soon as possible.
*   If you come in close contact with a bear, talk to it firmly and make yourself look as large as possible. Back away slowly, but do not run.
*   Teach children and others who might be unfamiliar with bears about bear safety.

For additional information on how the public can do their part to keep Colorado’s bears wild please visit the Division of Wildlife’s Living With Wildlife web page at http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/ and click on the “Living with Bears in Colorado” link.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, Local Politics Colorado, Men's Issues, News, Non Compos Mentis, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | Comments Off on Be “Bear Aware”

2009 Waterfowl Stamp: Colorado Winner

May 24, 2009

COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE ANNOUNCES 2009 WATERFOWL STAMP ART CONTEST WINNER

DENVER, Colo.–The Colorado Division of Wildlife today named Wisconsin artist Craig Fairbert winner of the 2009 Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest.  Fairbert’s painting entitled “Golden Colorado” was selected as the best representation of this year’s featured duck species, the Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica).

“Craig’s depiction of the Barrow’s Goldeneye was outstanding and captured the essence of the species,” said Brian Sullivan, DOW wetlands coordinator.  “We want to congratulate Craig on winning this year’s contest and look forward to seeing his artwork on this year’s stamp.”

Each year, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Program holds a contest for original waterfowl artwork to be depicted on the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp.  Thirty-seven artists participated in this year’s competition.  Fairbert said he was honored to compete with so many talented and well-known wildlife artists.

“Based on some of the other entries I’ve seen, this year’s contest could have easily gone to someone else,” said Fairbert.  “I’m relatively new to stamp contests, so it is a real privilege to be mentioned along with the other artists in the competition who have won numerous awards around the country.”

Fairbert began competing in Wisconsin wildlife stamp contests in 2004 and achieved great success, winning the 2005 Wisconsin Great Lakes Trout Stamp, 2007 Wisconsin Inland Trout Stamp, 2008 Wisconsin Pheasant Stamp and the 2009 Wisconsin Turkey Stamp contests.   In spite of all his success in his home state, Fairbert said winning the Colorado contest was particularly satisfying.

“This was a big win for several reasons,” Fairbert said.  “This was my first national-level stamp win and it was also my first waterfowl stamp win. Most importantly, I’ve enjoyed bow hunting for elk in the great state of Colorado on several occasions, and also hope to make Colorado my home someday.”
Fairbert, who began his art career painting murals on 40-feet wide billboards, said there are some unique techniques and considerations when creating art for something as small as a postage stamp.

“You definitely have to consider that the piece is going to be significantly smaller than the original art,” Fairbert said.  “When nearing completion, I usually scan the art, and then reduce it to stamp size and make necessary changes before sending it off for competition.  It is difficult but necessary to leave out subtle details that would most likely never be seen when the artwork is reduced to stamp size.”

Fairbert is currently employed as a designer and artist for a company that produces outdoor apparel for Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Ducks Unlimited and resort areas throughout the country.   In addition to his passion for art, Fairbert is an avid angler and bow hunter.  Craig and his wife Maria, hope to move to Colorado once their children begin college.

The 2009 Colorado Waterfowl Stamp and collector’s prints will be available for purchase August 1, 2009.  All hunters are required to purchase a stamp to hunt waterfowl in Colorado.  Hunters receive an electronic stamp validating their license and may also request the traditional stamp, featuring the artist’s rendition, at the time of purchase.

The Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Program is designed to conserve wetlands for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife.  All revenue generated from the program is used to fund wetlands projects throughout the state.  Participation in the Waterfowl Stamp Program by hunters and non-hunters alike is an effective way to contribute to the conservation of this precious resource. Wetlands conservation efforts improve habitat for ducks, geese and many other species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and mammals.

Since its inception in 1990, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp has raised $6.7 million to help preserve more than 19,500 acres of waterfowl habitat from development.

Waterfowl stamps and prints from previous years are available through the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation.  They can be purchased online (www.cwhf.info/ShopOnline/index.asp) or by contacting Terrie DeLoria (Terrie.DeLoria@state.co.us).

For more information about artist Craig Fairbert and the Waterfowl Stamp Program, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/Waterfowl/WaterfowlStampProgram/ColoradoWaterfowlStampWinners.htm
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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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People Advised To Think Twice About Picking Up Young Animals‏

April 23, 2009

It seems that every year this message needs to be repeated. Not just for youngsters though. It simply amazes me how many adults think Boo Boo Bear, Coyotes, Cougars and so on are just misunderstood fellow occupiers of the Earth. Animals that pose somewhat less danger to humans need to be left alone as well though.

PEOPLE ADVISED TO THINK TWICE ABOUT PICKING UP YOUNG ANIMALS

DENVER, Colo. – Spring is the season of re-birth when many wildlife species come into the world. As people venture outside in the warm weather, they may find newborn wildlife in their yards, along trails, or in open space areas.  As tempting as it may be to “help” a young animal by picking it up, or by trying to give it food or water, for wildlife babies, there is no substitute for their natural parents.

It seems counter intuitive, but according to wildlife experts, it is normal to find young wild animals without an adult animal nearby.   Well-meaning people sometimes scoop up baby wildlife and bring them to wildlife rehabilitation facilities, veterinary clinics, or Colorado Division of Wildlife offices, but experts say that is the wrong thing to do.

If you find young wildlife, enjoy a quick glimpse, leave the animal where it is, and keep pets out of the area.  “The best thing to do if you are concerned is to quietly observe the animal from a distance using binoculars.  Don’t hover so close that the wild parents are afraid to return to the area,” advises Colorado Division of Wildlife Officer Jeromy Huntington.

“If several hours go by and the parent does not return, it is possible the newborn was abandoned or the parent is dead (hit by a car, for example) then report it to the Division of Wildlife.  Do not move the animal yourself,” he said.

Donna Ralph of the non-profit Ellicott Wildlife Rehabilitation Center agrees.  “Many of the animals we get should have never been picked up in the first place,” said Ralph.  “They would have had a better chance for survival if left in the care of the parent animal.”

“The sooner the animal can be released back to where it came from the better,” she explained.   “Make sure you provide your contact information so we can let it go in the same place you found it.”

Ralph said her center has already taken in many small mammals this year including several fox kits.  “Baby foxes don’t look like most people would expect them to look like. They are very small, very dark (almost black) and appear to be very kitten like.  People who find them think they might be baby raccoons, skunks, or something else.”

Ralph’s advice: Don’t try to feed them. Don’t put anything into their mouths. Contact the DOW, a veterinarian, or licensed wildlife rehabilitator to give these babies the care they need.

“Whatever you do, don’t try to keep the animal as a pet,” she said. “It is illegal to keep wild animals in captivity unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. ”

Right now, wildlife centers are taking in small mammals, but as the season progresses, people will bring in newly hatched birds that have fallen from their nest.  Experts recommend returning them to the nest if you can do so safely, or placing them on a high branch to keep them away from pets.  It is an old wives tale that birds will reject their young if people touch them.  Birds have little sense of smell.

“If you are not able to reach the nest, put the bird in a small box and attach it as to close to the nest as you can.  It is a lot easier, and more successful, when the parent birds feed and care for their babies than when humans try to do so,” Ralph said.

Picking up wildlife is not only detrimental for the animal; it can be risky for people, too.   According to Huntington, most people have good intentions when they pickup wildlife, but are unaware of the risks associated with handling wild animals.  Wild animals can carry rabies, distemper or other illnesses.  It is also possible for the animals to carry fleas that might subsequently spread disease to humans or pets.

Cute baby raccoons and skunks will grow up to be big problems if you illegally “adopt” a foundling. “You are putting yourself and your family at risk.  You can be ticketed and the animal will be taken away,” he cautioned.

Human-raised and hand-fed animals rarely can be returned to the wild because they have imprinted on humans or because they lack survival skills.  Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to use methods that will give a wild animal the best chance of surviving upon release.

Despite the fact that wildlife is usually best left alone, there are instances in which people find injured or orphaned wildlife that needs help.  If this happens, call the DOW for assistance.

For more information, visit the DOW web site at www.colorado.gov/wildlife or call your local Colorado Division of Wildlife Office.

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP

March 8, 2009

DOW VIDEO: ‘ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP’ THE NEXT BEST THING TO BEING THERE

DENVER, Colo.– Few animals epitomize Colorado’s rugged and unforgiving mountains like the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Yet the vertical terrain that keeps sheep safe from predators also limits opportunities for Coloradans to view and appreciate this majestic animal.

That’s why the Colorado Division of Wildlife dispatched their video production team to scale the steep ledges and rock cliffs along I-70 near Georgetown and capture the drama of bighorn sheep during the “rut” or mating season.  Filmed in high-definition video and recorded in digital audio, “Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep” takes viewers on an intimate journey into the world of Colorado’s state mammal. It’s now available online as part of the Division’s “a.m. Colorado” video library.

Bighorn rams are famous for their aggressive mating jousts; violent collisions that reverberate across the mountains and determine dominance within the herd.  Although the head-to-head combat is an annual rite, capturing this spectacle in high-definition format proved to be a challenge for Division of Wildlife videographers.

“We put in some really long hours on this project,” said Dennis McKinney, DOW video producer and videographer.  “Filming was physically more difficult than we had anticipated and it seemed like we were always in the wrong location or our view was impeded.  We spent nearly two months in the field before we were finally able to get the footage we wanted of two rams butting heads.”

“Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep” is the latest instalment of the Division’s “a.m. Colorado,” an ongoing series of short, online documentaries that capture the early-morning sights and sounds of some of Colorado’s most unique landscapes and wildlife species.  Filmed in high-definition video and recorded in digital audio, these mini-documentaries provide stunning visuals and sound, and incorporate informative captions that both educate and entertain.  In addition to bighorn sheep, current episodes feature the intricate mating dance of the greater prairie chicken, the spectacular breeding displays of the sage-grouse, the springtime gobble of the Rio Grande turkey and unique underwater footage of spawning whitefish, brown trout and kokanee salmon.

“The project was certainly time- and labor- intensive, but it was definitely worth all the hard work,” said Nick Clement, DOW video editor.  “The bighorn sheep are amazing and a great addition to the ‘a.m. Colorado’ series.  We are really happy with the final result.”

Since debuting last year, the “a.m. Colorado” videos have been viewed nearly 15,000 times, and continue to receive rave reviews.  Denver Westword said, “. . . the videos look fantastic and capture some of this state’s most unique early-morning wildlife displays. . . here’s hoping DOW keeps ’em coming.”

The high-definition videos are linked to the Division’s Web site from an outside provider, resulting in faster loading times and outstanding picture quality. To play the videos, viewers need a high-speed Internet connection and the latest version of Adobe Flash installed on their computer.

“‘a.m. Colorado’ is the next best thing to being there,” said McKinney. “We view the series as the ideal format to showcase Colorado’s amazing wildlife on computer screens around the world.”

In addition to the “a.m. Colorado” series, the Division’s video department produces a wide variety of wildlife educational DVDs and Web-based videos, which are distributed to hunters, anglers and wildlife viewing enthusiasts.  This department is also responsible for producing internal training and public-service content for the Division’s constituents and employees.

The “a.m. Colorado” series and other DOW online videos may be accessed directly by visiting the following link: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos/

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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LAND PROTECTION AGREEMENT OPENS ACCESS IN LAKE COUNTY

March 8, 2009

This is just awesome news! This area has been “out of bounds” for nearly all people for as long as I can remember. It’s diverse attractions for outdoor recreation are hard to list. Or imagine as far as that goes. Great work Division of Wildlife!

LEADVILLE, Colo. – A four-way partnership between the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW), Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas, and private landowners has resulted in a perpetual conservation easement on 3,200 acres of important wildlife habitat and scenic open space in Lake County.

Owners of the Moyer Ranch entered the agreement to keep the land as a working ranch and preserve its vital wildlife habitat.  In addition, about a third of the ranch will be open to seasonal access to hunters and anglers.

A conservation easement is a legal property interest that compensates a landowner for relinquishing certain development rights as a way to ensure the long-term protection of the land.  The Moyer family received approximately $4.8 million in return for conceding future development rights on the property.  The Division of Wildlife and GOCO each contributed $2.4 million.  The Moyer family donated additional considerations including previous conservation considerations reached with the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas in 2007.

“We are very pleased we were able to be a part of the cooperative effort to protect this important wildlife habitat,” said DOW Area Manager Jim Aragon.  “The Moyer family’s desire to protect the land, the wildlife resource, and to continue with their land stewardship and ranching heritage was key to getting this project done.”

“This has been such a great project,” said Bruce Goforth of the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas.  “It will preserve the agriculture, wildlife habitat and water resources on the last, large, working ranch in Lake County.  And the water preserved will continue to flow down the Arkansas River, ensuring water quantity, quality, and good fish habitat for many miles.”

The Moyer Ranch has diverse wildlife populations including bighorn sheep, deer, elk, mountain lions, black bears, and an abundant variety of birds, small mammals, and other non-game wildlife.  The property also features several pristine feeder streams that connect to the Arkansas River.

According to Tom Martin, the local wildlife officer, the DOW’s conservation easement consists of multiple parcels. Most of the tracts are contiguous but some overlap others, and many are irregular shapes located on the steep hillsides.

Approximately 1,350 acres will be open for hunting and fishing. Hunting access will be limited to rifle season deer, elk, and bear; and limited archery and rifle hunting for bighorn sheep.  Public fishing access will be allowed on portions of Iowa and Empire Gulches.

In addition, the Moyer Family and Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas have agreed to allow fishing access on a stretch of Arkansas River upstream from the Hwy. 24 overpass at Hayden Meadows for nine-tenths of a mile to the Crystal Lake State Trust property.  Access points, parking areas, and signs still need to be posted, but the DOW hopes to have that done in the next few months. The result will be that the public will have fishing access to a contiguous stretch of the Upper Arkansas River that is over seven miles long.

COLORADO’S WILDLIFE HABITAT PROTECTION PROGRAM

Habitat loss is a primary cause for the decline of many wildlife species in Colorado.  As highly desirable lands are altered or converted to other uses, wildlife habitat can become degraded, destroyed, and fragmented. Habitat conversion and loss can also reduce opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation.

The primary use of funds from the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program is to address the loss of critical big game winter range and migration corridors, but also to preserve other wildlife habitat as well.  Wetlands and riparian corridors along with important habitat for threatened and endangered species, and species of special concern are also a priority for acquisition.

By combining funding sources, including Habitat Stamp funds, GOCO funds, Game Cash funds, Wetlands Program funds, Federal funds and others, the DOW is able to bring together an array of species protection and land conservation tools and incentives not otherwise available. The preferred strategy uses perpetual conservation easements that provide incentives to private landowners that protects wildlife habitat and for beneficial wildlife management practices.

Conservation easements are used to guarantee that landscapes remain intact and to provide fundamental wildlife benefits on a long-term basis. All conservation easements must have an accompanying management plan that is approved by the landowner and the DOW.

Since 2006, sales of Habitat Stamps have been instrumental in protecting more than 60,000 acres of wildlife habitat in the state.  The DOW used some funds to purchase land, but most land is preserved through permanent conservation easements held by the DOW and various non-profit partnerships.

The primary focus is protecting important winter range and migration corridors for deer and elk, but acquisitions and easements have also protected critical habitats for sage grouse, opened up fishing access for anglers, and provided hunting access.

A nine-member citizen’s committee appointed by the Governor oversees the habitat stamp program.  The committee has reviewed dozens of proposals to protect critical wildlife habitat.  Proposals are reviewed and ranked according to wildlife benefits, public access, and cost.  Final approval comes from the Colorado Wildlife Commission.

Public access is not required, but projects that provide hunting and fishing access and those with matching funds from partners get additional consideration.

For more information, call (303) 291-7217.  Additional information on the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program timeline for the 2009 enrollment period and a copy of the application is available at http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/PrivateLandProgram/WildlifeHabitatProtectionProgram/

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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 1 Comment »

DOW VOLUNTEER PROGRAM GOING STRONG AFTER 15 YEARS

January 12, 2009

Two articles from DOW on this subject. Stop talking, and start walking! Get out there and give them a hand. Heck! It’s fun too!

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Since 1993 people have cleared trails, planted seedlings, banded wild turkeys, spawned trout, mended fences, answered phones, entered data, and counted Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.  What they all have in common is they are volunteers with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).

Over the past 15 years, more than 4,700 individuals and families have donated their free time, muscle, and brain power to help the DOW accomplish its mission to perpetuate wildlife resources and provide people with the opportunity to enjoy wildlife.

“Rapid development and habitat loss have increased the challenges to Colorado’s wildlife and the DOW is fortunate to have a dedicated group of people willing to get up early on cold mornings or work late nights to help the DOW in multiple ways,” said Jena Sanchez, a Volunteer Coordinator from Colorado Springs.  “Volunteer efforts make a huge impact on helping wildlife.  The value of their donated time is over a million dollars a year.  Volunteers help accomplish important work that might not get done otherwise,” she said.

Sanchez conceded that not all of the jobs volunteers assist with are glamorous, but they all have a positive impact for wildlife.  “Counting bighorn sheep and mountain goats sounds neat.  But it means getting up before dawn to climb mountains in sometimes less than ideal weather.  It can be a grueling experience, but by in large every volunteer who does it comes away with a sense of personal gratification that they are making a difference.”

Sanchez said the agency tries to match people with tasks they are comfortable with.  Not everyone wants to get wet spawning fish, get dirty planting trees, or work with youngsters teaching hunting safety and outdoor ethics.  Some volunteers do light office duty, work in customer service centers, serve as campground hosts, or staff information booths at wildlife festivals and trade shows.

The net effect, she said, is that game wardens and biologists get valuable assistance; and hunters, anglers, bird watchers, and other wildlife enthusiasts see the direct benefits in healthier wildlife populations.

Two of the most popular volunteer programs are the “wildlife transport,” and “bear aware” teams.    Every year, hundreds of orphaned or injured animals are transported by volunteers to licensed rehabilitation centers where, whenever possible, they are nursed back to health and released back into the wild.  Some of those same volunteers serve as liaisons in neighborhoods where bears and people share the same environment.  The bear aware volunteers distribute educational materials and instruct homeowners in ways they can minimize conflicts with bears.

All DOW volunteers are required to complete an application form and participate in an orientation session prior to being assigned to project teams.  Additional training may be required in the event the project involves specialized skills.  For more information about the DOW volunteer program, visit the DOW website at: http://www.wildlifestate.co.us/Volunteer.  Or contact one of the four regional Volunteer Coordinators listed below.

In southeastern Colorado including Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Lamar, contact Jena Sanchez (719) 227-5204, jena.sanchez@state.co.us.

In southwest Colorado including Montrose, Gunnison, Durango, and the San Luis Valley contact Jennifer Kleffner at (970) 375-6704, Jennifer.kleffner@state.co.us.

In northwest Colorado including Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Craig, and Steamboat Springs, contact Linda Edwards at (970) 255-6145, linda.edwards@state.co.us.

In northeast Colorado including Denver, Castle Rock, Sterling, and Fort Collins, contact Mary McCormac at (303) 291-7369, mary.mccormac@state.co.us.

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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERS

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado is home to some of the most diverse wildlife populations in North America.  Since 1993, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) Volunteer Program has provided people the opportunity to contribute their time and talents to help wildlife.

Over the past 15 years, more than 4,750 volunteers have supported the DOW in unique ways, such as counting bighorn sheep and mountain goats, searching for bats near entrances to inactive mines, teaching children and adults to hunt and fish,  doing light office duty, and much more.

This winter, the DOW is holding new volunteer orientation programs across the state to recruit and prepare people for spring and summer projects.

Typical activities include transporting sick and injured wildlife to rehabilitation centers, helping spawn fish, monitoring nest sites for ospreys and eagles, being tour guides at fish hatcheries, State Wildlife Area clean-ups, and a variety of other hands-on projects.  Projects are seasonal and vary by region of the state.

For people interested in public outreach and education opportunities, the projects include teaching people about black bears in neighborhoods where bears are active, and staffing information booths at festivals and trade shows.

New volunteer orientation meetings will be held on the following dates and locations:
Denver, Jan. 21
Pueblo, Jan.  21.
Colorado Springs, Jan. 22.
Fort Collins, Jan. 28
Grand Junction, Feb. 17

To learn more about these or other opportunities to get involved, contact one of the following DOW volunteer coordinators:

In southeastern Colorado including Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Lamar, contact Jena Sanchez (719) 227-5204, jena.sanchez@state.co.us.

In southwest Colorado including Montrose, Gunnison, Durango, and the San Luis Valley contact Jennifer Kleffner at (970) 375-6704, Jennifer.kleffner@state.co.us.

In northwest Colorado including Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Craig, and Steamboat Springs, contact Linda Edwards at (970) 255-6145, linda.edwards@state.co.us.

In northeast Colorado including Denver, Castle Rock, Sterling, and Fort Collins, contact Mary McCormac at (303) 291-7369, mary.mccormac@state.co.us.

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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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TWO NEW PARCELS ADDED TO SOUTH REPUBLICAN SWA

January 12, 2009

AWESOME!

TWO NEW PARCELS ADDED TO SOUTH REPUBLICAN SWA

Burlington, Colo. – Two more parcels of land have been set aside for wildlife recreation and added to the South Republican State Wildlife Area in eastern Colorado.  The Colorado Division of Wildlife and landowner Rodney Kleweno established a joint land protection agreement on 1,760 acres in Kit Carson and Yuma Counties. The agreement includes public access for sportsmen.

The north parcel, in Yuma Co., is about 660 acres of cottonwood, river bottom, and agricultural crop land.  The South Fork of the South Republican River flows through this parcel and provides excellent waterfowl, turkey, small game, and deer hunting opportunities, as well as wildlife habitat for nongame species.  The south parcel, in Kit Carson Co., is about 1,100 acres.  It is a mixture of shortgrass rangeland and CRP land.  This property will provide pheasant, small game, and deer hunting opportunities.

“The funding for these easements came from money provided by sportsmen who bought Habitat Stamps as part of their hunting and fishing license purchases,” said Shaun Deeney of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.  “These are excellent properties that benefit many wildlife species including deer, turkey, upland game birds, waterfowl, raptors, song birds, and a variety of small game species.”

“This project gave me the opportunity to protect my property from future development.  Knowing this land will be kept in agriculture for my family to continue to farm and ranch is important to me,” said Kleweno.

Since the parcels are in the immediate vicinity of the South Republican State Wildlife Area near Bonny Reservoir, they will be managed under the same regulations as the South Republican SWA.  The parcels will be open to year-round walk-in access to hunters, anglers, or anyone who purchases a Habitat Stamp, but the properties will remain in private ownership.

For directions or more information about hunting or fishing opportunities, call the South Republican SWA at 970-354-7317.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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Colorado DOW adds new easement

December 25, 2008

The Colorado Division of Wildlife secured one really great present for everyone a few days ago. I cannot think of anything that has been acquired on a scale like this since the acquisition of the Forrest of the Bear, Bosque del Oso SWA.

NEW DOW EASEMENT PROVIDES HUNTER, ANGLER ACCESS


GUNNISON – Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers will soon have access to an additional 4,800 acres of terrain in Saguache County in south central Colorado thanks to a new conservation easement. The easement, which includes public access, was purchased by the Colorado Division of Wildlife with money from the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp program and in cooperation with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO).

Combined with a previous easement at this site, the public will have access to 7,100 acres, including 8 miles of cold-water stream that provides excellent fishing.

After two years of negotiations, the DOW closed Dec. 18 on the deal which will provide permanent protection from development for significant big game winter range habitat, Gunnison Sage-grouse habitat, more than 4 miles of cold-water stream and riparian habitat along Cochetopa Creek, and public access. The land is located about 35 miles south of Gunnison, with easy access from Colorado Highway 114.

“This is a tremendous addition to the conservation of overall wildlife resources for the people of Colorado,” said J Wenum, area wildlife manager for the DOW in Gunnison. “This property provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, and includes a great trout stream and riparian areas. The easement also provides public access for hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.”

On three sides, the property adjoins BLM and U.S. Forest Service lands, and the Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area. The proximity guarantees that migration corridors for wildlife will remain in perpetuity. The newly acquired property also adjoins the existing Cochetopa State Wildlife area, a pre-existing easement that totals 2,300 acres and includes 4 miles of cold-water stream. The two easements are now combined and total 7,100 acres and 8 miles of stream. The original easement, set up in the 1970s on what was the Coleman Ranch, was the first of its kind acquired by the DOW. That ranch was later purchased by Terry and Joanne Snyder of Norwood who have owned the entire Snyder Ranch for more than twenty years.

“The Snyder Ranch acquisitions will insure that important big game, small game, Gunnison Sage-grouse and fishery habitats are protected in perpetuity,” said Tom Spezze, southwest regional manager for the DOW. “It will also provide the public with some very significant and quality hunting and fishing opportunities for future generations to enjoy. This important acquisition exemplifies what the intent of the Habitat Stamp set out to accomplish for wildlife, hunters and anglers. I have known and worked with the Snyders since the 1980s. I am very proud and appreciative that we have established this long-term ranching and wildlife partnership between the DOW and the Snyder family.”

Much of the property is irrigated hay meadows and riparian areas which provide excellent winter range and migration corridors for elk, year-around range for pronghorn and habitat for numerous other wildlife species. The livestock operation will continue. The Snyder family will continue to manage grazing activities so that pastures remain in good shape. Because of the large pasture configurations on the property, wildlife can move easily through the ranch.

“The property has been well taken care of and the family understands the value of wildlife,” Wenum said.

Public access areas will be established and the DOW plans to have the area ready for the public by the summer of 2009.

“This was a complicated transaction but it was well worth the extra effort. We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the Snyder Family,” Wenum said.

The Colorado Habitat Stamp Program was started by the DOW in 2006 after approval by the Colorado State Legislature. Since then the DOW has collected more than $10 million, leveraged that money for an additional $38 million in grants and partnerships, and has protected more than 40,000 acres of land in Colorado.

Great Outdoors Colorado continues to provide critical matching dollars for Habitat Stamp projects. GOCO receives approximately $53 million annually from the Colorado Lottery. The GOCO program was enacted by Colorado voters in 1992 to help local governments, land trusts, DOW and Colorado State Parks protect and enhance the state’s park, wildlife, trails and open space heritage.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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MICHIGAN MAN FINED $15,000 FOR POACHING MOUNTAIN GOAT

December 22, 2008

Thieves at the public trough again.

SALIDA, Colo. – A Michigan man was fined $15,000 after being convicted of three charges related to killing a Colorado mountain goat without a license.

Burt Vincent, 60, of Jackson, Mich., also faces a potential lifetime suspension of his hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado, Michigan and 28 other states.

Vincent pleaded “no contest” in Chaffee County Court on Dec. 10 to illegal possession of a mountain goat, illegally killing a trophy animal in Colorado and hunting a mountain goat without a license.

Two others, Jack and Susan Derr of Florissant, Colo., also pleaded guilty to multiple misdemeanor charges related to Vincent’s case and other wildlife crimes discovered during the investigation. The Derrs were ordered to pay $10,000 to the Colorado Operation Game Thief Fund.

The convictions marked an end to a two-year investigation into multiple poaching incidents.

“This case demonstrates how effectively law enforcement professionals from multiple agencies work together,” said Shaun Deeney, an area manager with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) in Colorado Springs

Investigators in Colorado and Michigan began working on the case in 2006 after an informant said that Vincent was in possession of a mountain goat from Colorado. However, there was no record in Colorado showing that Vincent was ever issued a mountain goat hunting license.

Based on the original tip, an undercover officer contacted Vincent at his place of work in Michigan. Vincent told the undercover agent that he had killed a mountain goat, adding that he had also killed a bighorn ram and a bighorn ewe in Colorado over the past several years.

The undercover officer had hoped Vincent would talk about the mountain goat, but didn’t expect to hear about the two bighorn sheep.

“Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are majestic symbols of Colorado’s high country,” said Deeney. “Sheep and goat tags are among the most highly prized hunting licenses in Colorado. Every year, thousands of applicants vie for a just a handful of tags. Vincent and his codefendants literally cheated law-abiding hunters out of a chance for the hunt of a lifetime.”

MOUNTING EVIDENCE

Wildlife investigators followed a trail that led them Vincent’s hunting partner Jack Derr.  DOW records showed that Derr bought a mountain goat license in 2006.  The DOW license database also showed that Jack’s wife, Susan Derr, bought bighorn sheep licenses in 2000 and 2003.  This matched Vincent’s claim that he killed a bighorn ram and ewe.

Armed with several key pieces of information, two DOW officers interviewed the Derrs at their home in Florissant, Colo., and executed a search warrant on the residence. Meanwhile, Vincent was questioned by Conservation Officers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and special investigators with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Michigan.

In tape-recorded interviews, Susan Derr admitted that she let Vincent use her bighorn ram license in 2003 and her bighorn ewe license in 2000.  She stated that she did not kill those animals but that Vincent did.  Jack Derr also admitted that he gave Vincent his 2006 license to tag a mountain goat that Vincent killed.

During the investigation, Vincent admitted that his rifle was used to kill the mountain goat, but claimed Jack Derr did the shooting.  He further claimed that Derr gave him the mountain goat to take back to Michigan because Derr didn’t want it.

“The officers who conducted this investigation should be complimented on their thoroughness,” said Deeney.  “All of the officers involved acted professionally and courteously throughout the entire investigation despite accusations of impropriety by the defendants.”

In addition to the mountain goat violation, investigators also discovered a case involving an illegal elk killed by Vincent in 2005 in Archuleta County.  Vincent was found guilty in that case last August.  He was fined $2,800 for that crime.

Deeney expressed his gratitude to the investigators with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and prosecutors from the district attorneys’ offices in Chaffee, Fremont, Teller, Archuleta, and Larimer counties for their help getting the convictions.

Colorado and Michigan are members of an Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which includes 30 states that offer some of the very best hunting and fishing hunting and fishing opportunities in the country. The compact includes provisions that establish reciprocal license privilege suspension by member states.  Anyone who loses hunting and fishing privileges in one state is also suspended in the others. Colorado was a charter state in 1991 along with Nevada and Oregon.

Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact Member States:  Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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DOW USING SOLAR POWER FOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

December 22, 2008

HINSDALE COUNTY, Colo. – Small-scale electric solar power is providing the Colorado Division of Wildlife a unique tool for a variety of wildlife management tasks.

In southwest Colorado, two water aeration systems powered by photovoltaic panels are helping to keep trout alive at a reservoir. At other isolated locations, solar facilities are being used to operate well pumps to provide water for species of concern. By using photovoltaic solar panels the DOW can deliver power to remote areas where electricity is unavailable or very expensive.

At Road Canyon Reservoir in eastern Hinsdale County, two aeration systems powered by photovoltaic panels were installed in mid-November. The reservoir is quite shallow and can become stagnant after water stops flowing into the impoundment in the fall. When oxygen runs low, the fish in the reservoir die.

Since the 1960s the DOW has used an aeration machine powered from an electric line to stir up the water in the reservoir that’s located off U.S. Forest Service Road 520. But recently electricity costs spiked to $8,000 per year, so the DOW cast about for a less expensive solution.

Mineral County officials wanted to keep the aerator running because the reservoir is a popular spot for tourists. At the encouragement of the DOW, county officials applied for a “Fishing is Fun” grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The DOW contacted a North Dakota company, SolarBee International, which builds specialized solar pump equipment.

The equipment and installation cost $80,800. The grant from the federal government totaled $57,000, and Mineral County matched it with $23,800.

The two floating solar-powered machines can move 10,000 gallons of water per minute, explained Brent Woodward, district wildlife manager in the Creede area.

“Theses pumps do a much better job of aeration than the old pump and they don’t need power from the electric grid,” Woodward said.

The floating pumps, each powered by three photovoltaic panels, pull low-oxygen water from the bottom of the reservoir to mix with water at the surface that is high in oxygen. Each pump impacts an area of about 35 surface acres on the 160-acre reservoir. Because the water is pulled from the bottom there is no surface disturbance. The machines also are equipped with batteries that enable operations to continue for 72 hours without sunshine.

During winter, ice could form near the machines but it will be thin. Ice fishers are warned to stay well away from the floats. During the summer, boaters also are asked to stay at least 50 yards from the machines.

In three other remote areas in southwest Colorado where electricity is unavailable, solar-powered water pumps are pulling water from wells and helping with the effort to bolster the populations of Gunnison Sage-grouse. DOW biologists in Gunnison, San Miguel and Dolores counties developed these small well projects where natural sources of surface water are lacking. By putting water on the ground in sage grouse habitat, small wet meadows are formed.

For the hardy sage grouse, a little water goes a long way. While grouse spend much of their time in sagebrush, they need access to moist meadows that provide rich sources of fresh vegetation and insects. These meadows, even those small in size, are especially important to young birds because they must start eating within 18 hours of hatching.

The wet meadows also are utilized by a wide variety of other wildlife species, from big game to song birds to amphibians.

On Bureau of Land Management property in western San Miguel County, the DOW is working in cooperation with a local rancher to provide water to desert bighorn sheep. After a windmill pump fell into disrepair, the DOW shared costs with the rancher to install a solar-powered pump at the location.

“These photovoltaic systems are very helpful and low cost,” said Jim Garner, a wildlife conservation biologist from Montrose. “There’s no way we could afford to get regular sources of electricity to these sites.”

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Photographs of the solar installations can be downloaded from these links. Cutline information is below each link.

http://wildlife.state.co.us/apps/ImageDB/ImageDownload.aspx?ImageId=24372&ImageSize=Print&ImageType=jpg

This floating, solar-power aerator is located at Road Canyon Reservoir in Hinsdale County. The photovoltaic panels provide electricity to the aerators which stir up the water, keeping it oxygenated for fish. These types of solar-power panels allow electricity to be delivered to remote locations. The Division of Wildlife uses solar power at remote locations throughout the state to provide water to wildlife. This photo was taken in December 2008.

http://wildlife.state.co.us/apps/ImageDB/ImageDownload.aspx?ImageId=24373&ImageSize=Print&ImageType=jpg
This photovoltaic solar panel is located at the Dry Creek Basin State Wildlife Area in western Colorado. The panel supplies electricity to a well pump that enables Colorado Division of Wildlife to provide water in this remote area to help sustain the Gunnison Sage-grouse. This photo was taken in December 2008.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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