Sorry, it looks like I accidentally shared the wrong draft. Let me provide the correct news article for the “Furbearer” Stakeholder Process:
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‘Furbearer’ Stakeholder Process Fails Colorado Wildlife
The Center for Biological Diversity issued a stark warning this December, criticizing Colorado Parks and Wildlife for insufficient policy changes concerning the management of “furbearer” species. The Center’s concerns are primarily aimed at the lack of substantial revisions in the newly published Furbearer Stakeholder Process Management & Policy Recommendations report, which the organization claims fails to safeguard Colorado’s wildlife effectively.
Stagnant Policy and Wildlife Concerns
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has faced backlash for maintaining the status quo, allowing unlimited hunting and trapping of 14 furbearing species, including beavers, bobcats, and red foxes. There are mounting criticisms that the policy changes embedded in the report do not reflect modern conservation needs. Samantha Miller, a senior carnivore campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity, emphasized the urgency for comprehensive policy overhauls. “Stakeholder conversations are no substitute for the real policy changes that Colorado sorely needs to truly conserve wildlife in the 21st century,” she stated, pointing to the necessity of ending for-profit fur trading which includes swift foxes.
The report’s limited proposals — such as introducing mandatory carcass checks for only four species — ignore broader conservation needs. As CPW delays addressing rulemaking petitions related to furbearers until March 2026, wildlife advocates worry that the current hunting season, starting November 2025, will proceed without necessary protective measures.
Community and Ecology at Stake
Colorado’s ecosystem, particularly its biodiversity, faces increasing threats due to expanding development and climate change. Delia Malone, president of ColoradoWild, stressed the essential ecological and intrinsic value of all native carnivores, urging the adoption of compassionate conservation principles. “Contemporary ecological science provides us with the understanding that all native carnivores are ecologically essential and intrinsically valuable,” Malone explained. “Ethical science requires that their management reject the scientifically unsupported notion that killing is conservation.”
Jen Clanahan of the Colorado Nature League echoed these sentiments, underscoring the crucial role small mammals play in maintaining ecological balance. “The species that are part of this group of small mammals have important ecological roles to play. We must protect all our native species to safeguard biodiversity in Colorado,” Clanahan urged, advocating for tangible climate and habitat protection measures instead of mere data collection.
Calls for Science-Based Policies
Amid criticisms, Mark Surls of Project Coyote called for aligning coyote hunting seasons with other species and developing community-oriented programs. “We urge Colorado Parks and Wildlife to move swiftly towards adopting sound, science-based furbearer management policies,” Surls stated, highlighting the need for science to lead policy implementation.
CPW has responded by scheduling a review of furbearer regulations for March 2026, where they will accept public input at Commission meetings and via email. This plan, while delayed, presents an opportunity for community voices to influence future decision-making.
Local Impact and Future Implications
For Colorado residents and wildlife enthusiasts, these developments raise questions about the future of local conservation efforts. The ongoing delays and critiques highlight a pressing need to address the balance between wildlife conservation and recreational hunting interests. With more robust policies, Colorado can reaffirm its commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity and fostering sustainable wildlife management practices.
For now, local wildlife stakeholders, conservationists, and concerned residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming discussions and meetings to ensure their concerns sculpt effective policy outcomes. Engaging in these public forums presents a critical avenue for community interest in shaping the future of Colorado’s wildlife management.
Contact Information for Concerned Residents
Residents looking to engage with or learn more about these issues can reach out directly to key stakeholders:
– Samantha Miller, Center for Biological Diversity: (970) 531-6720, samiller@biologicaldiversity.org
– Jen Clanahan, Colorado Nature League: (303) 775-3539, jenclanahan@coloradonature.org
– Mark Surls, Project Coyote: (303) 886-2141, marksurls@projectcoyote.org
– Delia Malone, ColoradoWild: (970) 319-9498, deliamalone@coloradowild.org
For ongoing updates, the Center for Biological Diversity and other local conservation organizations will continue to monitor and rally for necessary policy revisions, ensuring Colorado’s furbearers receive the protection indispensable to their survival.
