Cattlemen’s statement on Polis veto of SB23-256
Dear Editor,
As a livestock producer in Jackson County, I am beyond frustrated with the Governor’s decision to deny the will of the legislature and veto SB23-256, Management of Gray Wolves Reintroduction. This decision has disregarded the needs of our industry and the voices of producers, like myself.
This bill would have provided much-needed flexibility in wolf management practices to protect the livestock industry. SB23-256, with broad bipartisan support, was carefully crafted with input from various stakeholders, including livestock producers and Western slope community members.
We did not ask for wolves to be introduced into our rural communities. We did not vote for Proposition 114, which narrowly passed. Throughout the wolf introduction process, we have cooperated to ensure the introduction is successful while ensuring we have all the tools in the toolbox to protect our livelihoods. The governor’s veto shows a lack of understanding of the needs of our industry and discounts the critical role that livestock producers play in our state’s economy and food supply. We have attempted to mend relationships and work with our state’s leadership, and in return, these choices show a lack of respect and care for our industry and communities. As our rural communities are struggling, it is disappointing to see the governor continue prioritizing political interests over the interest of Colorado’s hardworking farmers and ranchers and the viability of western slope communities.
Thank you to the bill sponsors for representing and standing steadfast with the constituents and representing the voices of the Western Slope. We applaud their ability to gather overwhelming bipartisan support for this bill. It is frustrating to see how this decision outright ignores the hard work of Colorado’s elected officials throughout the legislative session to represent their constituents.
Colorado’s agriculture community faces challenges daily, including the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and uncertainty in markets; they don’t need to also worry about how state government officials may affect their abilities to operate. Even with this decision to veto this bill, livestock producers will continue to provide for our state, even with the impending wolf introduction. How can we work together to ensure agriculture production and producers will not be harmed through the wolf introduction process? Prop 114 specifically stated the need to “prevent and resolve conflicts between gray wolves and livestock” and livestock producers need certainty for management flexibility before wolves are introduced.
Our ask of the Governor is simple: we must work together and support the industry that feeds, clothes and fuels our state. Let’s recognize the benefits that livestock producers bring to the environment, wildlife, and rural communities and work together to ensure the futures of our western slope communities.
Philip Anderson
President
Colorado Cattlemen’s Association
Lukens statement on veto of SB23-256
Dear Editor,
I am extremely disappointed that the Governor has vetoed SB23-256. I have heard from ranchers and farmers consistently that it is absolutely imperative we have the 10(j) rule in place prior to state-orchestrated wolf reintroduction, and this bill was a direct request from Western Slope constituents who will be impacted most by wolf reintroduction. (Soundbite attached.)
This legislation would have provided the time necessary to ensure that the reintroduction of wolves into Colorado happens under a 10(j) rule, which is essential for the state to have co-management authority of the reintroduced population to protect our agricultural producers across the state.
Developed in coordination with an expansive coalition of stakeholders, including every Western Slope lawmaker, SB23-256 had broad bipartisan support. I call on our colleagues in the federal government and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to ensure that we are granted the 10(j) rule prior to wolf reintroduction. As a member of the Agriculture, Natural Resources & Water Committee, I will continue to support our agricultural communities, which are central to our culture, community, and economy on the Western Slope.
Meghan Lukens
State Representative
House District 26
Eagle, Routt, Moffat, and Rio Blanco Counties
Roberts statement on veto of SB23-256
Dear Editor,
I am deeply disappointed to see that SB23-256 – a bipartisan bill that sought to provide essential protections for Colorado’s livestock owners – was vetoed today. It is discouraging to see a bill that passed the legislature with such large bipartisan margins (29-6 in the Senate and 44-21 in the House) not become law.
Senator Perry Will and I wrote, introduced, and passed SB23-256 to do one simple thing: ensure that a 10(j) rule is in place before wolves are reintroduced in Western Colorado. A 10(j) designation from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows states to treat wolves as ‘experimental’ rather than ‘endangered,’ which offers the state and livestock owners greater flexibility in managing the species. Without a 10(j) designation, any farmer or rancher who interacts with a wolf (even for purposes of legitimate mitigation) could be charged with a federal felony and face prison time. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Stakeholder Advisory Group – which was tasked with developing a management plan through Prop. 114 – has already determined that a 10(j) statute is a best management practice and has requested its designation. SB23-256 would have simply and narrowly formalized that intention into statute.
SB23-256 was not a delay tactic nor an attempt to alter the public’s wishes but, instead, a safeguard to ensure we introduce wolves responsibly. As a legislator, I have rarely witnessed as broad grassroots support from a variety of communities and groups as we did with SB23-256. The constituents that I, my co-sponsors, and the Governor represent deserve leadership that hears and responds to their legitimate concerns. That is why this bill had the co-sponsorship of every legislator from Western Colorado, where the wolves will soon be introduced.
I am grateful that Colorado Parks and Wildlife is aggressively pursuing a 10(j) rule and stand ready to help secure that as soon as possible. While I sincerely hope that the 10(j) rule is issued to Colorado before wolves are reintroduced, I fear for the consequences my community may face if this does not happen. Should the rule not be issued by Dec. 31, 2023, I urge the Governor and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to consider alternative measures that ensure we implement wolf reintroduction correctly and with deep consideration for the impacts on our agriculture community.
Dylan Roberts
State Senator – Colorado Senate District 8
Thanks for support during recent loss
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank all our friends and neighbors for all their support during the recent loss of our fellow employee, Keith Koutz, in a tragic auto accident on May 4. He was taken way too soon and will be greatly missed. Thank you for all your prayers, support and friendship. It is greatly appreciated.
Gratefully,
White’s Construction and Excavation
Meeker
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