Type:Article

Subject:Before-after-control-impact (BACI)
Colorado
Harvest
Hunting
License
Management
Mule deer
<em>Odocoileus hemionus</em>

Description:We evaluated the biological and socio-economic effects of statewide limitation of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) hunting licenses, which began in Colorado in 1999. We implemented a before-after-control-impact (BACI) analysis of annual helicopter sex and age class surveys, collected as part of the Colorado Division of Wildlife's routine monitoring, to assess changes in adult male/adult female ratios and fawn/adult female ratios in response to this change in harvest management. Following statewide limitation and reduction of license sales (1999–2006), we observed increases in adult male/adult female ratios of 7.39 (SE = 2.36) to 15.23 (SE = 1.22) adult males per 100 adult females in moderately limited areas and of 17.55 (SE = 3.27) to 21.86 (SE = 2.31) adult males per 100 adult females in highly limited areas. We simultaneously observed reductions in fawn/adult female ratios in newly limited areas by as much as 6.96 (SE = 2.19) fawns per 100 females, whereas in areas that had previously been limited we observed stabilization of fawn/adult female ratios at levels lower than levels observed under the unlimited harvest management structure. An immediate decline of $7.86 million in annual revenue stemmed from the change in harvest management, but revenue subsequently rebounded. This study provides preliminary evidence of potential effects that other state and provincial wildlife management agencies may face as they consider shifting mule deer harvest management towards limited license scenarios. [show more]

Type:Fact Sheet

Subject:Lake trout fisheries -- Colorado -- Blue Mesa Reservoir
Kokanee salmon -- Colorado -- Blue Mesa Reservoir

Description:Fact sheet on achieving lake trout and kokanee fishery objectives through lake trout harvest.

Type:Text

Subject:Aquatic nuisance species
ANS
Boating
Inspection

Description:The purpose of this compendium is to provide guidance to certified boat inspectors and decontaminators on various watercraft often used for recreational boating in Colorado. This book is not inclusive of all boats that inspectors may encounter, but provides detailed information for the majority of watercraft brands and different boat types. Included are the make and models along with the general anatomy of the watercraft, to ensure a successful inspection and/or decontamination to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic nuisance species (ANS). [show more]

Type:Brochure

Subject:Aquatic nuisance species
ANS
Boating
Inspections

Description:Preventing the introduction and spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) is critical to protect water resources! ANS are a significant and rapidly growing threat to Colorado’s water supply and to boating and fishing recreation. ANS are invasive animals, plants, and disease-causing pathogens that are “out of place” in Colorado’s reservoirs, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. They are introduced accidentally or intentionally outside of their native range. Because they are not native to Colorado habitats, they have no natural competitors and predators. Without these checks and balances, the invaders are able to reproduce rapidly and out-compete native species. Once introduced, most invasive species cannot be eradicated and cost billions of dollars to manage. [show more]

Type:Fact Sheet

Subject:Boreal toad
Fact sheet

Description:With bumpy green-to-brown skin (occasionally rust or gray) and a thin white stripe along the back, boreal toads look similar to Woodhouse’s toads. Boreal toads occur mostly above 8,000 feet in elevation, whereas Woodhouse’s toads occur mostly below 8,000 feet. Females grow up to 4.3 inches, and males grow up to 3.7 inches. Boreal toads do not have a vocal sac; males emit only a very soft chirp. [show more]

Type:Text

Subject:Boreal toad
Wildlife
Education

Type:Text

Subject:Boreal toad

Description:A map of boreal toad range in Colorado

Type:Text

Subject:Brown-capped Rosy-Finch (BCRF)
<em>Leucosticte australis</em>
Colorado
New Mexico
Southern Wyoming
Breeding habitat
Population

Description:The Brown-capped Rosy-Finch (BCRF; Leucosticte australis) is a small, hardy passerine that resides in high elevation alpine environments throughout the year. It has the smallest range of the three closely related species of Rosy-Finch (L. atrata, L. tephrocotis) with it being almost completely endemic to Colorado, though populations extend into northern New Mexico and southern Wyoming (Johnson et al. 2000). Their breeding habitat occurs predominantly on U.S. Forest Service lands with many acres in designated wilderness based on Colorado Parks and Wildlife predicted range model developed for the species (Figure 1). Suitable nest sites are normally found near steep cliff faces or rocky, talus slopes away from excessive human disturbance (Johnson et al. 2000). The species is monogamous with males defending floating territories around their mates. All Rosy-Finch species have been found to have skewed sex ratios with females being the limiting resource (Shreeve 1980a, Johnson et al. 2000). BCRF produce only one clutch per season with clutch size small varying from 3-6 eggs (mean 4.22; Johnson et al. 2000). Like other alpine avian species reduced reproductive output, in response to high elevation environmental conditions, has lead to increased plasticity and alteration of life history traits to favor adult survival over high reproductive output to maintain population numbers (Bears et al. 2009, Martin 2014). [show more]

Type:Article

Subject:Cultural change
Human dimensions
Natural resource management
Organizational change
Organizational culture
Social change
State fish and wildlife agencies
Systems change
Systems theory

Description:State fish and wildlife agencies in the United States are confronted with the realities of a rapidly changing society. With declines in historical sources of revenue and the growth of diverse voices with values that differ from those emphasized by traditional policies and user groups, agencies are faced with diminishing relevancy and are encountering institutional challenges that inhibit their ability to serve the broader public. Here, in collaboration with a group of fish and wildlife agency leaders from 11 states, conservation professionals, and academics, we employ qualitative methods and concepts from systems theory to develop an integrative model of a state wildlife agency. We use this model to identify leverage points to induce transformational change toward an ideal future state: one driven by a system of shared values toward wildlife and a mission to improve quality of life for all people. Our findings point to the importance of developing interventions that will lead to changes in agency culture, systems of governance, and policy and action, and enhance the accessibility of natural resources and opportunities for diverse publics to engage with and benefit from fish and wildlife. We offer recommendations for state wildlife agencies to engage in adaptive organizational change and for university programs to support agency needs. [show more]

Description:When you enjoy Colorado’s great outdoors, you’re heading into country that’s been home to black bears for a long time. You aren't the only one: with so many people spending time in bear country, human-bear conflicts are on the rise. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland remind you to, before you go, learn how to enjoy the outdoors without creating problems for yourself or these intelligent and resourceful animals. [show more]