The CPW Mammals Research section was established in 1961 with a goal of conducting quality research to provide reliable and current information for wildlife management and conservation that continues to this day. Their research focuses on Colorado’s wild mammals and their habitats in a constantly changing and increasingly human-dominated landscape. This research helps to ensure that functional ecosystems continue to exist to benefit current and future citizens of Colorado and the nation.
Mammals research at Colorado Parks and Wildlife is disseminated through journals and reports, video, news releases, the CPW website, brochures, fact sheets, etc.
The CPW Research Library organizes and makes available much of the aquatics research at CPW. The library's databases and e-journals support agency research. For more information on library resources see Mammals Research @ CPW Library.
History
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Mammals section was a big game research section with a primary focus towards deer, elk, antelope and bighorn sheep and these species respective range-habitat issues. Reflecting broadening agency responsibilities, the spectrum of the section in the early 1980s widened to include large carnivores and threatened species. During this time, the section's size of staff and diversity of projects necessitated two research leaders to oversee Cervid and Non-Cervid research programs within the Mammals section. In the 1990s, the section returned to having one research leader.
Over the decades, much of the research conducted by the Mammals Research section was funded by federal aid through wildlife restoration Pittman-Robertson Funds and CPW game cash funds. More recently, funding also includes donations from Great Outdoors Colorado, the private business sector and private individuals through agency-sponsored programs.
Former Research Leaders
- Chad Bishop 2009-2012
- Dave Freddy 2005-2008
- Gary Miller 2001-2004
- Bruce Gill 1974-2001
- Len Carpenter 1981-1989
- Hal Swope 1969-1974
- Jack Grieb 1967-1968
- Dick Denny 1965-1966
Former Researchers
- Bill Adrian
- Allan Anderson
- Bert Baker
- Dan Baker
- Dick Bartmann
- George Bear
- Tom Beck
- Eric Bergman
- Chad Bishop
- Dave Bowden – CSU Biometrician, Contract
- Ray Boyd
- Len Carpenter
- Dave Freddy
- Bruce Gill
- Dale Hibbs
- Tom Hobbs
- Heather Johnson
- Bob Keiss
- Ron Kufeld
- Ken Logan
- Bill McKean
- Dean Medin
- Mike Miller
- Tom Pojar
- Dale Reed
- Larry Roper
- Bill Rutherford
- Harold Shepherd
- Don Smith
- Gary White – CSU Biometrician/Ecologist, Contract
- Margaret Wild
- Lisa Wolfe
- Tom Woodard