RBC | The undersigned organizations wish to provide some important perspectives regarding the proposed “Smart Wolf Policy” ballot initiative to stop wolf reintroductions. We encourage you to carefully consider the following points before offering your support through signatures or funding.
Unfortunately, the proponents of this initiative failed to gather stakeholder input and work with those that are most impacted by wolves. This initiative is misaligned with both the current reality on the ground and the practical timeline of wolf reintroduction in Colorado. While the initiative seeks to end the state’s reintroduction of gray wolves in December 2026, it will effectively be a moot point. Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are determined to carry out additional releases well before voters ever cast a ballot. Two additional releases and denning seasons are likely to take place between now and the November 2026 election.
We also have reservations about the campaign’s viability and the lasting consequences if it fails. A failed effort at the ballot box could permanently damage future administrative and legislative progress and weaken growing public support for impacted landowners.
If the “Smart Wolf Policy” ballot initiative was to succeed and the State could not bring additional wolves to the state, we will still have a growing wolf population with those that are already here. Some are artificially introduced and some are migrating naturally. We believe there is much more value in staying focused (time, money, & effort) on efforts that will support landowners, sportsmen, and wildlife now and in the future.
We are engaged and support ongoing efforts to stop more reintroductions on a timelier basis, ensure the State compensates ranchers for non-lethal efforts and depredation losses, stopping the importation of wolves from Canada, and delisting of wolves at the federal level. All actions must be informed by the experience and insight of engaged groups carefully weighing benefits and unintended consequences to those most impacted here at home.
As many of you are aware, a broad coalition sent a petition to the CPW Commission in advance of its January meeting requesting a pause on releases until fundamental conditions are met. These conditions include the establishment of effective programming, improved community engagement, funding for on-the-ground mitigation and compensation, and adherence to the agency’s own Wolf Management Plan. Although the Commission denied this group’s efforts, we fully intend to keep pushing for these requests, whether that’s again at the Commission level, through the legislature, or by ballot.
Based on the above petition, this coalition was successful in getting a footnote in the State’s budget stating, “It is the General Assembly’s intent that the portion of these funds that are intended to be appropriated for the implementation of Proposition 114 not be spent on any future wolf reintroduction unless and until full and complete implementation of all state funded preventative measures discussed by the Parks and Wildlife Commission as part of its denial of a citizen petition to halt wolf reintroduction during its January 8, 2025, meeting.” Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee Chair, Dylan Roberts, stated on the Senate fl oor that the legislature is watching and will hold Colorado Parks and Wildlife accountable. We will watch closely to see what the next year brings.
RBC Commissioners and the below listed entities will continue to work with the broader coalition and advocate for:
• A suspension of future releases until established programming is in place and functioning.
• A realistic evaluation of the efficacy and cost of carcass removal and the impacts on other predator and scavenger species that in turn impact livestock production.
• State funding and staffing for real-time, on-the-ground support.
• Broad ability to respond to wolves similarly to other apex predators.
• Strong, proactive management of wolves to be consistent with state practices for other predators.
Genuine Collaboration between the state and impacted communities, characterized by clear and timely on-the-ground communication, rather than top-down directives by Governor Polis.
The Rio Blanco County Commissioners and our local organizations continue to engage in discussions with a statewide coalition including Colorado Cattlemen’s Assn. (CCA), Colorado Woolgrowers, Club 20, Associated Governments of Northwest CO (AGNC), multiple wildlife organizations, and western slope counties. This coalition sent a letter to the “Smart Wolf Policy” group asking them to withdraw their petition for the above mentioned reasons.
We believe working with this coalition is the best path forward and will keep pushing for real solutions that protect your livelihoods, lands, and wildlife. Please feel free to reach out to any of the County Commissioners at 970-878-9430 to discuss this issue in more detail if you are interested.
Rio Blanco County Commissioners, White River Conservation District, Douglas Creek Conservation District, Rio Blanco Stockgrowers, Rio Blanco Woolgrowers, Rio Blanco Farm Bureau
