A group of Western Slope county commissioners and agricultural organizations are urging advocates of a ballot measure to repeal Proposition 114, which allowed the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado, to reconsider their approach. In a letter sent on March 17 to Patrick Davis, who supports the repeal measure, they expressed a willingness to address the problems caused by wolves through the state’s management plan rather than pursuing another ballot measure.
The proposed repeal measure, now known as Initiative #35, was filed in January by Davis and former El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf. While changes were made to protect wolf compensation funds, concerns were raised about the lack of consultation with primary stakeholders impacted by the wolf reintroduction.
Davis, a political advocate with a history of activism, has met with various groups, including ranchers and hunters. The rift between the advocates of the repeal measure and agricultural stakeholders was also acknowledged in the letter. Despite efforts to unite, the fundraising for the Initiative is moving forward, with an initial hearing scheduled for April 2.
Since the passing of Proposition 114 in 2020, wolves have killed livestock in multiple counties, causing financial strain on the state’s wolf compensation fund. The ballot measure requires compensation for losses beyond dead livestock, putting additional pressure on CPW funds. The concerns about the impact on policy efforts and public support for the landowner community were highlighted, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to address wolf management in Colorado.
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