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MONTE VISTA, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has released a draft of its long-term strategic plan and the public is invited to learn more about the project and discuss aspects of the plan at an open-house, 6-8 p.m., Sept. 3, at the Rodeway Inn, 333 Sante Fe Ave. (U.S. Highway 160) in Alamosa.
CPW operates 42 states parks that receive more than 12 million visitors annually. The agency also keeps tabs on the state’s wildlife species and sells about 850,000 hunting and fishing licenses every year. The draft plan was developed using input provided by stakeholders, public, staff, and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. The goals, objectives, and strategies in the plan are intended to guide the creation and execution of CPW’s future operations.
The plan can be reviewed on CPW’s home page at www.cpw.state.co.us. There is also a comment form that can be submitted on-line. The deadline for comments is Sept. 14.
CPW’s mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. The development of this strategic plan serves as a guide to help CPW achieve its mission.
The agency is facing many management challenges and the public’s insights are needed to help CPW as it moves into the future. Many parks facilities are aging, the public continually asks for more recreational access, and people expect more recreational opportunities. The agency also faces many wildlife challenges, including how to maintain big game, fisheries and watchable wildlife opportunities, and how to address issues regarding wildlife habitat and species-of-concern. Long-term funding for the agency is also a major issue.
