Special to the HT
RBC | The Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners thanks the 20+ RBC citizens who traveled to Denver to join approximately 400 people in opposition to the proposed fur ban discussed during the March 4 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting. Your willingness to show up on behalf of rural Colorado is needed and deeply appreciated.
Despite significant public opposition- and against the recommendation of the CPW Director- the Commission pushed the fur ban petition to rulemaking. It was a frustrating, disgraceful, and dysfunctional process.
On the heels of this hearing, House Bill 26-1323, “Concerning wildfire resiliency through a prohibition on the taking of beavers on public land in the state” was introduced. This bill would directly impact the Beaver Management Strategy CPW developed over the last year, and mandate management that undermines hundreds of stakeholders.
The petition and proposed bill are about more than ‘fur;’ they threaten our hunting and fishing traditions and disrupt CPW research and management actions in progress.
Public land managers and wildlife professionals understand the nuance and balance required to manage species and habitat. The Commission should allow these professionals to make decisions guided by science and avoid restricting them through legislation, ballot initiatives, and petitions that dictate management actions.
As this rulemaking effort proceeds, we will continue to engage in these and other proposals that may impact rural Colorado water, wildlife management, lifestyles and livelihoods.
Please stay engaged, mark your calendars and plan to attend the next CPW Commission meeting May 6-7 in Grand Junction to ensure Rio Blanco County citizens’ concerns are heard.
Some of the people attending the March Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting (there were around 20 total, including Commissioners Scritchfield and Overton) from left to right: Stu Massey, Reece Melton, Shelly Massey, Lieutenant Jeremy Muxlow, Marie Haskett, Deputy Ryan Huitt, Kelly Osborn, Marc Etchart, Commissioner Callie Scritchfield, Frank Huitt, Brian Collins, Becca Nielsen, Ann Marie Scritchfield, Eva Scritchfield.