Sportsman's Roundtable, Grand Junction, 7/13

Hunters and anglers invited to Sportsmen's Roundtable caucus July 13 in Grand Junction, resident license fees on the agenda

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges hunters and anglers, or anyone who wants their voice heard regarding wildlife issues, to attend the next NW Region Sportsmen's Roundtable caucus in Grand Junction, Wednesday, July 13, at Colorado Mesa University, Meyer Ballroom in the University Center, 1455 North 12th Street.

Several important topics are on the agenda, including the election of two regional representatives and a presentation by CPW's Policy and Planning section seeking sportsmen's input on funding the future of wildlife management and conservation in Colorado.

CPW anticipates budget shortfalls which could be offset by increasing resident license fees. The last increase occurred in 2005 and since 2009, CPW has cut or defunded 50 positions and cut $40 million from its operating budget. Wildlife managers caution that additional cuts are inevitable without an increase in revenue.

"Colorado's wildlife faces more pressure now than ever before, including a growing human population, increasingly fragmented habitat and less young people involved in hunting," said NW Regional Manager Ron Velarde. "We have already undergone significant belt-tightening and now we need to find effective ways to increase revenue. We need to have this important discussion with hunters and anglers."

Velarde adds that CPW’s wildlife management programs are funded by user fees, generated primarily by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Unlike other state agencies, CPW does not receive general fund revenue.

Currently, a limited elk license for resident adults costs $46. Resident youths pay $10.75 for limited deer, elk and pronghorn licenses. Limited deer license and pronghorn licenses are $31 for resident adults.

"Colorado is clearly one of the premier big game hunting areas in the country and that is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the state's wildlife managers," adds Velarde. "When you compare our resident license fees to states that do not provide the same quality experience found here, the need for an increase becomes very evident. We are prepared to make the case."

The Roundtable consists of four appointed members and two elected members from each region. Twice each year, the Statewide Sportsmen's Roundtable meets with the CPW Director and other members of CPW's leadership for detailed discussions about a variety of wildlife management challenges.

Anyone interested in one of two NW Region elected positions are encouraged to attend the meeting. The election will be held the same evening with votes cast by attendees. Elected members can serve two-year terms and are expected to organize regional caucus meetings and be available to constituents, serving as their representatives for regional concerns during the statewide meetings. •Who: Sportsmen's Roundtable Caucus
•What: Regular caucus meeting and election
•When: Wednesday, July 13, 6 p.m.
•Where: Colorado Mesa University, Meyer Ballroom, located in the University Center, 1455 North 12th Street. Call 970-248-1758 for additional info
For more information about the Sportsmen's Roundtable, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Roundtable.aspx

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Oak said:

Why did you gents not introduce yourselves? Sheesh. I'm pretty tame.

Thanks for showing up. The message did not really get across well, but one problem is that the discussion often gets dragged into the weeds. As someone pointed out, whenever the topic of fee increases comes up, many folks want to make it a "what else am I going to get for my money" discussion.

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mwfishy said:

Is there a link out there for the proposed fee schedule?

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Zach said:

Most folks are fine with their deer/elk dollars subsidizing the fisheries program?

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Zach said:

Most folks are fine with their deer/elk dollars subsidizing the fisheries program?

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BuzzH said:

This has been a discussion in Wyoming as well...and not one that is easy to answer.

Not sure about CO but in WY, the fisheries "lose" about 6 million dollars a year.

But, the tough one for me, is that I don't dwell on it for a couple reasons. Mainly that fishing is a great family activity and it exposes a lot of people to the outdoors. I think its important to keep and get families/kids outdoors and if the price to be paid for that is fisheries not funding itself...small price, IMO.

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