Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said it is preparing for the upcoming wolf capture and release season in the state by expanding a conflict minimization program for Colorado livestock producers.
Free site assessments will identify the most appropriate non-lethal tools tailored to each operation. The agency has also added conflict reduction specialist staff to help producers with resources, assessments and compensation claim submissions. CPW also developed criteria for different levels of response for conflict and depredations, which will be site specific.
The agency is partnering with the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) to create the Colorado Range Rider program, which will launch early next year and is intended to train riders to work alongside livestock producers to mitigate conflict. In addition, CPW and CDA developed a grant program to help implement non-lethal conflict reduction measures, offering up to $20,000 to entities and organizations. The agency plans to translocate up to 15 wolves from British Columbia, Canada, between January and March of next year.
