Colorado P&W TO HOLD MULE DEER STRATEGY MEETINGS

CPW TO HOLD MULE DEER STRATEGY MEETINGS

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in coordination with The Keystone Center, an independent facilitator, is holding a series of seven public meetings across the state, including three in the northwest region during May. The goal is to receive the public’s input for the development of the Colorado West Slope Mule Deer Strategy. The Strategy will guide agency efforts to work towards increasing mule deer populations.

For more information about the mule deer strategy, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/CO-WestSlopeMuleDeerStrategySummit.aspx

Across the West, state wildlife agencies are seeing declines in mule deer populations. In recent years, mule deer populations in Colorado have decreased below the target objectives set by wildlife managers in concert with the public. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is embarking on a process to bring together sportsmen, landowners, outfitters, biologists, wildlife managers, other state agencies, federal agencies, local elected officials and any other interested members of the public to discuss the issues facing mule deer and discuss solutions. While many ideas exist, a focused effort by all groups can make a difference.

“The declining mule deer population is concerning to our agency and many stakeholders across the state,” said Chad Bishop, Assistant Director, Wildlife and Natural Resources for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Due to the variety of factors that influence deer populations, we are looking for public feedback on an approach that brings together everyone’s limited resources in an impactful way.”

Public meetings are an opportunity for people to meet with agency staff, learn more about the history of mule deer in Colorado, and provide input to be considered in developing a mule deer strategy.

“We truly want to hear from sportsmen, landowners, industry, conservationists and other constituents about their current experiences with mule deer and their ideas moving forward to increase the population,” added Ron Velarde, Northwest Region Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Additional information about the strategy and times and locations of meetings across the state can be found by visiting The Keystone Center website at: http://keystone.org/muledeer

West Slope Mule Deer Strategy Public Meetings in Northwest Colorado:

Eagle
Tuesday, May 6, 6 – 9 p.m.
Eagle County Fairgrounds, 426 Fairgrounds Road

Grand Junction
Tuesday, May 13, 6 – 9 p.m.
Country Inns of America, 718 Horizon Drive

Craig
Tuesday, May 20, 6 – 9 p.m.
Moffat County Fairgrounds, 640 E Victory Way

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 42 state parks, more than 300 state wildlife areas, all of Colorado’s wildlife, and a variety of outdoor recreation.

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For more news about Colorado Parks and Wildlife go to: http://cpw.state.co.us

For more information about Colorado Parks and Wildlife go to: http://cpw.state.co.us.