1 proposed Colorado bill would delay wolf reintroduction until decision on 10(j) rule

Miles Blumhardt, Fort Collins Coloradoan
·2 min read
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Three bipartisan bills have been introduced in the Colorado legislature to address ranchers' concerns regarding the narrowly passed Proposition 114 to reintroduce wolves into the state.

The bills, introduced mostly by lawmakers representing the Western Slope, address lethal means on depredating wolves, funding compensation for livestock killed by wolves and license plate funding for nonlethal means to defend livestock from wolves.

Here's a look at the bills and what they seek to accomplish:

Senate Bill 23-256 would deny wolf reintroduction until a ruling on the federal 10(j) rule is complete

  • Colorado requested a 10(j) ruling under the Endangered Species Act and is awaiting a determination by the federal government. The state is hoping for a resolution by Dec. 15, just two weeks before wolves are mandated to be released.

  • The 10(j) rule lists wolves as "experimental" and would allow more flexibility managing them, including lethal take of wolves in situations such as chronic depredation or wolves caught depredating livestock.

  • If enacted, this bill would not allow reintroduction of wolves until a determination of the 10(j) rule is finalized.

  • Because 10(j) rules have often in the past have been held up in court, that could delay wolf reintroduction past the end of this year.

  • Visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-256 to read the bill.

What the 10(j) rule means: Colorado wants the federal government to allow lethal control of wolves

Senate Bill 23-255 would secure funding for compensation to ranchers who lose livestock to wolves

  • Ranchers with confirmed loss/injured livestock, including working cattle dogs, to the naturally migrating pack in North Park are being compensated through a variety of sources, excluding the sale of hunting and fishing license fees. To date, ranchers have been paid nearly $13,000.

  • Proposition 114 included language that required livestock owners be fairly compensated for livestock losses to wolves but did not specify a funding source.

  • If enacted, this bill would create a dedicated "wolf compensation fund" within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

  • Starting in fiscal year 2023-24 and each fiscal year thereafter, $350,000 from the state's general fund would go to the compensation fund, with excess funds transferred to the wildlife cash fund.

  • Visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-255 to read the bill.

Colorado wolves: What to know about Colorado's existing wolves and conflicts around reintroduction plan

House Bill 23-1265 would allow a portion of special license plates to fund ranchers' nonlethal means to defend livestock from wolves

  • If enacted, this bill would authorize creation of a "Born to Be Wild" license plate for Coloradans to purchase.

  • The license plates would cost $100 with a percentage of those funds directed to Colorado Parks and Wildlife to help ranchers defray costs of implementing nonlethal means to prevent wolf conflicts.

  • Visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1265 to read the bill.

Colorado Born to be Wild license plate
Colorado Born to be Wild license plate

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: 3 bills aim to support Colorado ranchers as wolf reintroduction nears