Governor Signs $43.9 Billion Budget, Halts Further Wolf Reintroductions
Governor Jared Polis has officially signed Colorado’s $43.9 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes a notable provision directing Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to pause any additional wolf reintroductions until non-lethal management techniques are fully implemented. This follows increased concerns over the impact of the reintroduced wolves on local agriculture.
The budget features two significant footnotes addressing the reintroduction program. While footnotes lack the force of law, state agencies typically align with their directives. The first footnote reiterates that the annual $2.1 million funding for the wolf program is designated for the implementation of Proposition 114, a ballot measure which successfully introduced 25 wolves into the state. However, these reintroduced wolves have started preying on livestock, raising alarm among farmers.
The second footnote responds to a petition from 22 agricultural groups requesting a halt to further wolf releases until a comprehensive management strategy is established. It emphasizes that funds allocated for Proposition 114 should not be spent on future reintroductions until preventive measures are fully in place.
Senator Dylan Roberts, who represents regions impacted by the wolf program, expressed concerns during the budget debate about potential overspending and the challenges ranchers face due to livestock losses. He thanked the governor for recognizing the need for these provisions, suggesting that costs related to compensating farmers for livestock predation could rise significantly.
As of now, 26 wolves have been collared, with reports of their expanding presence across multiple counties in Colorado. The program has incurred costs nearly three times higher than the initial $800,000 estimate from Proposition 114. Governor Polis’ decision to maintain these budgetary constraints marks a critical step in balancing wildlife conservation with agricultural interests.
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Photo credit denvergazette.com
