New Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioner Peter Maguire faced pointed criticism from ranchers, outfitters and residents during an informal discussion in Meeker on Oct. 9.
Maguire, a Grand Junction veterinarian appointed to represent sportsmen and the Western Slope, kicked off the meeting by emphasizing that his comments reflected his personal views, not official positions of CPW.
Much of the discussion centered on two citizen petitions concerning compensation for livestock losses caused by wolves and lethal removal of chronic depredators. Maguire said the proposed changes could impose additional documentation and mitigation requirements on livestock producers.
Lenny Klinglesmith, who participated in developing Colorado’s original wolf management plan, expressed frustration that the petitions could undermine carefully-designed agreements reached through the stakeholder process.
Former CPW Commissioner Marie Haskett echoed those concerns, saying the original wolf plan received unanimous approval with the understanding it would remain unchanged for five years. She questioned revisiting livestock compensation provisions, among the most difficult to negotiate, less than three years after the plan’s adoption.
Throughout the discussion, attendees questioned whether the commission gives sufficient weight to people who live and work alongside wildlife and bear the financial consequences of management decisions. Several criticized what they perceived as a shift away from science-based management toward political agendas.
Justin Ewing, who has worked in wildlife management for 37 years, pointed to Colorado’s bear hunting restrictions as an example. He argued that limiting management tools doesn’t eliminate wildlife conflicts but instead shifts the burden to CPW, landowners and communities. Ewing questioned how many bears have died from conflicts this year, including orphaned cubs, suggesting the total exceeds the annual hunting harvest by an order of magnitude. He argued restrictions intended to protect wildlife can ultimately lead to more animals being killed.
Rio Blanco County Natural Resources Manager Reece Melton criticized commission procedures, citing a July decision limiting furbearer harvests to two animals per species per day, despite CPW staff recommendations of four or eight. Melton said commissioners failed to meaningfully discuss staff recommendations before voting.
“We need to slow down and actually discuss what was presented by staff before we just drive the truck off the cliff,” Melton said.
Maguire acknowledged frustrations with commission procedures and said he weighs five factors when making decisions: the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, CPW’s mission, stakeholder input, scientific evidence and staff recommendations.
Attendees unanimously agreed the people directly affected by wildlife management should carry greater weight than those advocating for policies from a distance. Maguire emphasized that his responsibility extends to all Coloradans, including those with differing views.
Several attendees thanked Maguire for coming to Meeker and giving them an opportunity to speak directly with him. Maguire encouraged continued communication, acknowledging that competing groups across Colorado feel their concerns are being ignored.
“Both groups don’t feel heard,” Maguire said.