Meeker HPP members recognized

MEEKER I After announcing they are retiring from their positions this year, two long-serving members of the White River Habitat Partnership Program were recognized for their volunteer service and dedication to the program at a brief ceremony in Meeker last week.
Nineteen-year member Greg Glasgow, 62, of Meeker, and 10-year member Joe Collins, 74, also of Meeker, were both presented with bronze wildlife statues as they were lauded for their service by district wildlife officer Bailey Franklin, and current White River HPP chairman Michael Grady.
“Everyone here is sincerely thankful to these men,” said Franklin. “Their dedication is greatly appreciated, and they will be missed.”
Glasgow served on the White River HPP Committee for 19 years, beginning his tenure in 1993. He was a U.S. Forest Service biologist with the Blanco Ranger District in Meeker before retiring this year and represented the USFS on the committee.
“I am especially proud of the long-term and pro-active landscape scale habitat improvement approach that we as a committee were able to implement in the White River Valley,” said Glasgow.
Collins represented landowners and livestock producers on the committee. He began his tenure with HPP in 2002.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the committee and it has been a pleasure to serve for the past 10 years,” said Collins.
To fill the position vacated by Collins, the White River HPP committee will be interviewing livestock growers to represent those interests to the program. Once the interview process is complete, the committee will present a potential replacement to the Parks and Wildlife Commission for final approval.
The position vacated by Glasgow has been filled by a representative of the USFS.
Any livestock grower in Rio Blanco County interested in serving on the White River HPP Committee should contact DWM Bailey Franklin at 970-942-5111.
The Habitat Partnership Program was launched in 1990 by the Colorado Wildlife Commission and the State Legislature. Over the years, it has proven to be an effective partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife, landowners, land managers and sportsmen.
“The program leverages big game license fees with other partner funds to implement solutions as determined by the local committees, including habitat improvement projects and fencing upgrades to help address and minimize damage caused by big game,” said Pat Tucker, HPP Coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildife. “Because of the hard work of our partners and committee members, it has proven to be an exceptionally successful program.”
There are HPP committees throughout most Colorado’s western slope, and anyone interested in serving should contact their local Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer, or visit the HPP website for more information at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/PrivateLandProgram/HPP/Pages/HPP.aspx