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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Nature & Science

  • Invasive Concerns: Zebra & Quagga Mussels

    Invasive Concerns: Zebra & Quagga Mussels

    Invasive Mussels
    A zebra mussel found on a suspended PVC substrate in Highline Lake.

    LOMA, Colo. – State officials have confirmed the presence of an invasive zebra mussel in Highline Lake located at Highline Lake State Park north of Loma, Colorado.

    CPW found a single adult zebra mussel on a piece of substrate (PVC pipe) in the lake during routine invasive species sampling on Sept. 14. Two CPW experts have independently confirmed the identification of the mussel through visual identification methods and genetic confirmation was also made on the sample. 

    CPW has immediately increased monitoring of Highline Lake for all life stages of invasive mussels. Boats launching at Highline Lake are still subject to inspection and decontamination protocols prior to launching. Upon exiting the lake, boaters who intend to return to Highline Lake will be issued a green seal and blue receipt that indicates it was last used on a body of water with a known aquatic nuisance species. If a boater leaving Highline Lake intends to launch in a different water body, their boat must be decontaminated before launching by a certified professional. Due to these additional constraints, boaters can expect decreased ramp hours and longer exit wait times for the remainder of the month. Highline Lake closes to all surface-water activities annually on October 1. 

    “We know this is an extra step for those who have come out to enjoy recreating on the lake, but staying vigilant has proven to be effective throughout Colorado,” said CPW Northwest Region Manager Travis Black.

    This is the first time an adult zebra mussel has ever been found in the state of Colorado, although eight different reservoirs in Colorado have been temporarily suspect or positive for mussel veligers, the larval life stage of the mussel, since 2008.

    “Although this is very troubling, it’s important to keep in mind that the lake is not considered infested, a designation given only to bodies of water that have extensive and reproducing adult populations,” said CPW Invasive Species Program Manager Robert Walters. “At this point, CPW has detected only a single invasive mussel at Highline. We will continue to monitor throughout the fall to get a more complete picture of the species’ presence in the reservoir.” 

    “This is an unfortunate discovery, and something we have been working very hard to prevent,” said CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan. “It shows why we need a robust inspection program. As more and more people move to or visit Colorado and use our water resources for boating, we must continue to work hard to prevent the spread of these harmful invasive species. We cannot overstate how serious this is.”

    All ballast boats, inboard and inboard/outboard engines must have a green seal in between launches or decontamination may take place prior to launching. Boaters are encouraged to inspect their own boat between every use and make sure it is clean, drained, and dry.

    The State of Colorado requires boats to be professionally inspected if:

    • a boat has been in any body of water that is positive, or suspect for ANS
    • a boat has been in any body of water outside of Colorado
    • a boat will be entering any water body where inspections are required

    “This situation demonstrates the importance of following the law and going through the required inspection and decontamination process upon entering and exiting bodies of water,” said Reid DeWalt, Assistant Director for Aquatics, Terrestrial and Natural Resources with CPW. 

    Cooperation with Colorado’s mandatory inspection and decontamination program has proven successful to stop the movement of harmful invasive species, such as zebra mussels, into new waters. Public awareness and participation is the best weapon in the prevention of invasive species. 

    Please visit the CPW website for more information about zebra and quagga mussels.

  • NoCo PLACES 2050 celebrates conservation and the value of Colorado’s public lands on National Public Lands Day

    Conservation and the Value of Colorado’s Public Lands
    National Public Lands Day inspires visitors to celebrate public lands   
    Denver, Colo. – Colorado is known for outdoor adventures, and with over 2.18 million acres of public land along the Northern Front Range, there are plenty of areas to explore. With increased visitation on public lands, it is clearer than ever that investments to support the conservation of our lands, waters, and wildlife are critical pieces of sustaining this high quality of life for future generations of Coloradans.

    National Public Lands Day on September 24 inspires people to consider the value of conserved lands in Colorado, as shown in this video. The nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort is celebrating its 29th year with the theme “Giving Back Together.” The COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of people to seek recreation, solace, and safety in the outdoors on Colorado’s public lands. The sentiment for this year’s volunteer effort is giving back to the land that has served us during a difficult time.

    Why do Coloradans value public lands? The answer ranges from the health benefits of being outdoors, to the desire to preserve natural spaces for future generations. The connection of people to green spaces is vitally important for communities to have access to the outdoors now and in the future. Additionally, parks and open spaces are valuable as wildlife habitat, for native plants, and for clean water. 

    See the value of Colorado’s public lands through the eyes of visitors and volunteers. 

    “Our public lands are representative of many of the greatest ideals of our country, and our collective appreciation, conservation, and stewardship is necessary to keep them healthy and thriving,” says Aaron Mayville, deputy forest supervisor, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. “I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on how to give back, together, and appreciate how fortunate we are here in Colorado to have such treasured landscapes right out our back doors.” 

    Northern Front Range land management agencies encourage Coloradans to examine how they can value and conserve our public lands, on National Public Lands Day, and every day. Everyone can celebrate the fabric of public lands through volunteerism, stewardship, and conservation activities. Contact the Northern Colorado agencies listed below to explore National Public Lands Day volunteer opportunities.

    These messages are part of a broader effort by eight agencies collaborating on ways to address the challenges of high visitation and a growing population in northern Colorado’s foothills and mountains. Called NoCo PLACES 2050, this collaboration is committed to sustainable solutions, equitable actions, and beneficial land management practices for the long-term conservation of public lands in Colorado and the quality of the visitor experience. Learn about NoCo PLACES 2050.
  • CPW wildlife officers relocate bear from a tree on CSU campus

    CPW wildlife officers relocate bear from a tree on CSU campus

    This sow bear climbed up into a tree on the CSU Fort Collins campus last Friday and was released back into its natural habitat.

    Around 6 a.m. Friday, residents were reporting a bear walking around the Old Town neighborhood in Fort Collins. CPW wildlife officers started monitoring the area and received a call around 7:30 a.m. about a bear on the CSU campus. When officers arrived on the scene they located a subadult sow bear of approximately 200 pounds. Officers tranquilized the bear, lowered it from the tree and released it back into its natural habitat in the afternoon.

    [WATCH] video of the rescue effort

    Wildlife officers did not observe any serious injuries to the bear, other than it being exhausted, and they released the bear far in the backcountry back to its natural surroundings.

    “As bears start to prepare for hibernation and hunt for food, Coloradans may see more bear activity in urban areas,” said CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Brandon Muller. “When bears become too comfortable around humans, they can destroy property or even become a threat to human safety.

    Black bears in Colorado are entering hyperphagia and will spend up to 20 hours a day trying to eat more than 20,000 calories to fatten up for winter.

    Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easily accessible human food, trash, fruit trees, shrubs or other attractants with strong odors as a bear’s natural drive to eat can overcome its fear of humans. When bears become too comfortable around humans, they can destroy property or even become aggressive toward humans.

    CPW reminds all Colorado residents to do their part to be bear aware and properly store all trash and lock bear-accessible windows and doors. Below are tips and precautions to help you prevent human-wildlife conflicts that can also save a bear’s life.

    • Put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
    • Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors.
    • Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.
    • Remove bird feeders from outdoor areas.
    • Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food.
    • Clean the grill after each use.
    • Clean up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck.

    For more information on bears in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/bears.

  • Welby Days Celebrates Historic Fall Festival at Rotella Park

    Largest Harvest Festival in Adams County
     

    What:             Welby Days—a historic fall festival with more than 70 vendors, car and tractor shows, interactive art, artisans, live performances, local produce, fall flowers, and food trucks.    

     

    Where:           Rotella Park, 1824 Coronado Pkwy., Denver

     
    When:            Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
     

    Who:               The Welby Heritage Foundation, Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts

     

    Why:              Welby Days is an historic community event and fundraiser dating back to the 1940s when local farmers would celebrate the annual harvest. Welby Days was brought back to life in 2009 and is now held annually in the fall to honor the history of the area and gather the community together. Free and open to all!

  • Outdoor safety tips for Labor Day weekend celebrations

    Outdoor safety tips for Labor Day weekend celebrations

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife

    DENVER – Nature belongs to all of us, and recreating responsibly shows you care about keeping our landscapes healthy and wildlife thriving. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is sharing a few safety tips ahead of the holiday weekend to help you balance your outdoor recreation with mindful conservation.

    Know Before You Go
    Be aware of weather conditions, water temperatures and trail closures where you plan to visit.

    • Camping reservations are required at Colorado State Parks.
    • Use the CPW Park Finder to discover outdoor activities available at each state park and to learn about park or trail closures.
    • On a holiday weekend, expect lines and potential gate closures. Have a backup plan and please be kind to park staff and other park visitors.

    Be Bear Aware
    As bears prepare for hibernation and hunt for food, Coloradans may see more bear activity. Below are tips and precautions to help you prevent human-wildlife conflicts that can also save a bear’s life. For more information on bears in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/bears.

    Properly store all trash and lock bear-accessible windows and doors:

    • Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
    • Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors.
    • Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.
    • Don’t leave pet food or stock feed outside.
    • Do not hang bird feeders from April 15 to Nov. 15.
    • Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food.
    • Clean the grill after each use.
    • Clean up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck.
    • If you have fruit trees, don’t allow the fruit to rot on the ground.

    Cars, traveling and campsites:

    • Do not keep food in your vehicle; roll up windows and lock the doors.
    • When car-camping, secure all food and coolers in a locked vehicle.
    • Keep a clean camp in a campground or in the backcountry.
    • When in the backcountry, hang food 100 feet or more from the campsite; don’t bring any items with strong odors into your tent.
    • Cook food away from your tent; wash dishes thoroughly.

    Be Careful with Fire
    Colorado’s low humidity can create dry, dangerous conditions that impact if fires are allowed or restricted.

    • Check fire restrictions or bans before you go. Visit www.coemergency.com to find county-specific fire information.
    • Avoid parking or driving on dry grass. Check your tire pressure, exhaust pipes and if chains or exposed wheel rims are dragging from your vehicle that may create sparks.
    • Use designated campfire areas when allowed and available.
    • Keep campfires small and manageable.
    • Put fires out with water until you can touch the embers.
    • Never leave a campfire unattended and report campfires that have been left burning.

    Wear a Life Jacket
    Enjoy the water, but always do so with a life jacket on – they save lives. Before going onto the water make sure you are carrying essential safety gear:

    • Wear your life jacket​
    • Check your boat and all required boating safety gear.
    • Avoid boating alone and tell someone where you are going.
    • Boat sober. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths.
    • Stand-up paddleboards are considered vessels in Colorado and require a life jacket on board at all times.
    • Protect yourself from the dangers of cold water immersion and shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.

    For more information on outdoor recreation in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us.

  • Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program will distribute $1.3 million in funding this fall

    Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program will distribute $1.3 million in funding this fall

    DENVER – From August 22 – September 30, 2022, organizations that expand access to Colorado’s outdoors for traditionally excluded youth can apply for financial support from the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP), which will award $1.3 million in Outdoor Equity Grants this fall.

    While Colorado is famed for the world-class outdoor recreation opportunities it provides, many traditionally excluded communities in Colorado still face barriers to equitable access to the outdoors. The OEGP, signed into law last year by Governor Polis, increases access to outdoor opportunities for all Coloradans and provides resources to underserved youth and communities to help increase environmental learning opportunities, education, public health, and outdoor fun.

    “Colorado Parks and Wildlife is proud to announce the kickoff of the second round of grant applications,” said CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan. “Through the Outdoor Equity Grant Program, we can begin to reduce the barriers that prevent all Coloradans from experiencing Colorado’s state parks and public lands and to build an outdoor community that is inclusive of all.” 

    Nonprofits, government entities, school districts, for-profits, and federally recognized tribes that wish to increase outdoor access for traditionally excluded youth (including youth from low-income and communities of color, LGBTQ+ youth, Native and Indigenous youth, and youth with disabilities) and that have not previously received OEGP funding can apply for up to $150,000 during this grant cycle. 

    “The Outdoor Equity Grant Program was created by and for communities that have historically faced barriers to participating in the year-round recreation activities that our beautiful state offers,” said OEGP Board Member Brayhan Reveles. “My personal connection with the natural world is so important to me, however, the ways that traditionally excluded communities connect with the outdoors are sometimes overlooked. Recreating in the outdoors does not mean that you are training for hundred-mile endurance races or multi-day backcountry trips. It can be as simple as bird watching or taking a walk with a friend outside. We aim to fund organizations and programs that honor the many ways that people connect to the land, and invite all to apply.”

    The OEGP Board, a diverse board made up of individuals with experience in recreation and conservation and who come from the communities the grant program serves, will accept grant proposals from organizations that will support outdoor experiences for Colorado youth; show cultural competence in working with a target population of the OEGP; demonstrate a commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion; and that represent the geographic diversity of the state of Colorado. 

    The OEGP Board is committed to providing funding to organizations that have traditionally been unable to apply for grant programs due to organizational barriers, and encourage organizations of all sizes and with diverse missions to apply. The board will provide guidance through two virtual Q&A sessions for applicants on Thursday, September 8 at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The links to the Q&A sessions can be found on the OEGP website.

    The Outdoor Equity Grant Program, through funding from the Colorado Lottery, will accept applications for grants each year. This June, it announced $1.8 million in grant awards to 43 organizations across the state. Additional funding from Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife was added to the inaugural grant cycle to increase the investment from $550,000 during the first year. This fall’s application process will solicit proposals from the second round of grantees for a total of $1.3 million in grants. The OEGP will eventually distribute up to $3 million annually to support outdoor education programs and conservation opportunities for underserved youth as the program fund grows with Lottery distribution in the coming years. 

    “We are excited to announce the next round of funding for the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program. The first round saw significant interest from a wide variety of organizations and we are hopeful our next round can reach even more organizations working to help increase youth access to the outdoors in Colorado,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “We encourage organizations to attend the Q&A sessions and apply for grants. Colorado’s outdoors are for all and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to supporting a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment for all visitors to our public lands.” 

    Groups can apply from August 22 – September 30, 2022. Find out more on the Outdoor Equity Grant Program website: https://cpw.info/outdoorequitygrant.

    ###


    Spanish translation below.

    El Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad en las Actividades al Aire Libre de Colorado distribuirá 1.3 millones de dólares en subvenciones este otoño

    DENVER – Del 22 de agosto al 30 de septiembre de 2022, las organizaciones que amplían el acceso a la naturaleza de Colorado para los jóvenes tradicionalmente excluidos pueden solicitar apoyo financiero del Programa de Subvenciones para Actividades al Aire Libre de Colorado (OEGP por sus siglas en inglés). El OEGP distribuirá 1.3 millones de dólares en subvenciones para actividades al aire libre este otoño.

    Aunque Colorado es famoso por las oportunidades de recreación al aire libre de clase mundial que ofrece, muchas comunidades tradicionalmente excluidas en Colorado todavía se enfrentan a barreras para el acceso equitativo al aire libre. El OEGP, establecido como ley el año pasado por el gobernador Polis, aumenta el acceso a las oportunidades al aire libre para todos los habitantes de Colorado y proporciona recursos a los jóvenes y las comunidades desfavorecidas para aumentar las oportunidades de educación ambiental, la salud pública y la diversión al aire libre.

    “El departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Colorado se enorgullece de anunciar el inicio de la segunda ronda de solicitudes de subvención”, dijo la directora interina del departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Colorado (CPW por sus siglas en inglés) Heather Dugan. “A través del Programa de Subvenciones en las Actividades al Aire Libre, podemos empezar a reducir las barreras que impiden a todos los habitantes de Colorado experimentar los parques estatales y las tierras públicas de Colorado y construir una comunidad al aire libre que sea inclusiva para todos”. 

    Las organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro, las entidades gubernamentales, los distritos escolares, las impresas y las tribus reconocidas a nivel federal que deseen aumentar el acceso a las actividades al aire libre para los jóvenes tradicionalmente excluidos (incluidos los jóvenes de bajos ingresos y las comunidades de color, los jóvenes LGBTQ+, los jóvenes nativos e indígenas y los jóvenes con discapacidades) y que no hayan recibido anteriormente financiación del OEGP pueden solicitar hasta $150,000 durante este ciclo de subvenciones. 

    “El Programa de Subvenciones para la Equidad en las Actividades al Aire Libre fue creado por y para las comunidades que históricamente se han enfrentado a barreras para participar en las actividades recreativas que ofrece nuestro hermoso estado durante todo el año”, dijo Brayhan Reveles, miembro de la Junta Directiva del OEGP. “Mi conexión personal con el mundo natural es muy importante para mí, sin embargo, a veces se olvidan las formas en que las comunidades tradicionalmente excluidas se conectan con el aire libre. Recrearse en la naturaleza no requiere entrenar para carreras de resistencia de cien millas o viajes de varios días por el campo, puede ser algo tan sencillo como observar a los pájaros o dar un paseo con un amigo al aire libre. Nuestro objetivo es financiar organizaciones y programas que honren las múltiples formas en que las personas se conectan con la tierra, e invitamos a todos a presentar su solicitud”.

    La Junta de la OEGP, una junta diversa compuesta por personas con experiencia en recreación y conservación y que proceden de las comunidades a las que sirve el programa de subvenciones. La Junta aceptará propuestas de subvenciones de organizaciones que apoyen las experiencias al aire libre de los jóvenes de Colorado; que muestren competencia cultural al trabajar con una población objetivo de la OEGP; que demuestren un interés en la justicia, la equidad, la diversidad y la inclusión; y que representen la diversidad geográfica del estado de Colorado. 

    La Junta de la OEGP se compromete a proporcionar financiación a las organizaciones que tradicionalmente no han podido solicitar programas de subvención debido a las barreras organizativas, y anima a las organizaciones de todos los tamaños y con diversas misiones a presentar su solicitud. La junta proporcionará consejos a través de dos sesiones virtuales de preguntas y respuestas para los solicitantes el jueves 8 de septiembre a las 9 de la mañana y a las 4 de la tarde. 

    El Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre, a través de la financiación de la Lotería de Colorado, aceptará solicitudes de subvenciones cada año. En junio de este año, se anunciaron subvenciones por valor de 1,8 millones de dólares para 43 organizaciones ubicadas en distintos rincones del estado. La financiación adicional de Great Outdoors Colorado y Colorado Parks and Wildlife se añadió al ciclo de subvenciones inaugural para aumentar la inversión de 550.000 dólares durante el primer año. El proceso de solicitud de este otoño solicitará propuestas de la segunda ronda de beneficiarios para un total de $1.3 millones en subvenciones. El OEGP acabará distribuyendo hasta 3 millones de dólares anuales para apoyar programas de educación al aire libre y oportunidades de conservación para jóvenes desatendidos a medida que el fondo del programa crezca con la distribución de la Lotería en los próximos años. 

    “Estamos muy contentos de anunciar la próxima ronda de financiación para el Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre de Colorado. La primera ronda vio un interés significativo de una amplia variedad de organizaciones y esperamos que nuestra próxima ronda pueda llegar a aún más organizaciones que trabajan para ayudar a aumentar el acceso de los jóvenes al aire libre en Colorado”, dijo Dan Gibbs, Director Ejecutivo del Departamento de Recursos Naturales de Colorado. “Animamos a las organizaciones que trabajan a asistir a las sesiones de preguntas y respuestas y a solicitar las subvenciones. El aire libre de Colorado es para todos y el Departamento de Recursos Naturales de Colorado se dedica a apoyar un entorno acogedor, inclusivo y accesible para todos los visitantes de nuestras tierras públicas.” 

    Los grupos pueden solicitarla del 22 de agosto al 30 de septiembre de 2022. Obtenga más información en el sitio web del Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre: https://cpw.info/outdoorequitygrant.

  • CPW’s Species Conservation Dashboard shows agency’s work protecting sensitive species

    CPW’s Species Conservation Dashboard shows agency’s work protecting sensitive species

    This is one of five black-footed ferrets released at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area in Larimer County on Nov. 19, 2021. The black-footed ferret is the only ferret species native to North America and was twice thought to be extinct due to habitat loss, widespread poisoning of prairie dog colonies and disease. The new Species Conservation Dashboard will make it easier to track progress being made to protect more than 350 species like the black-footed ferret in Colorado.

    DENVER – During his presentation on planning and implementation for Colorado’s Species of Concern at the July Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, CPW Species Conservation Unit Supervisor David Klute presented the Species Conservation Dashboard, a new tool that will show progress being made to protect more than 350 species in Colorado through the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).

    Colorado’s SWAP documents the status of knowledge about many wildlife species of conservation need, the threats to the species and habitats upon which they depend, and articulates strategies that can be employed to lessen those threats.

    Tracking all of the efforts toward protecting sensitive species creates a lot of data. Prior to CPW’s Conservation Dashboard, the only way for the public to view information about the plan was to read through a PDF. The new dashboard is a way to explore the progress being made on more than 350 species and 2,500 conservation actions being taken through four different lenses. Visitors to the dashboard can filter data by:

    • Individual species
    • Groups of species
    • Action
    • Threat

    Klute’s presentation included a walk-through of the dashboard and identified agency successes (e.g., black-footed ferrets, Gunnison Sage-grouse), and places where more work was needed (e.g., reptiles). You can view his presentation by going to 2:36 on Day 2 of the Commission meeting posted here.

    Klute said future iterations of the dashboard would include improvements like spatial information and additional progress and project information from both CPW and conservation partners. The dashboard will be integrated into the 2025 revision of the SWAP.

    Visit CPW’s website to learn more about the State Wildlife Action Plan.

  • Boat ramp at Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir to close on Aug. 18

    Boat ramp at Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir to close on Aug. 18

    LOGAN/SEDGWICK, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is announcing the closure of the boat ramp at Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir in Logan and Sedgwick Counties, effective August 18.

    The closure comes due to low water levels that have eliminated access to trailer-launched boats, which creates unsafe boating conditions and the ramp unsuitable for use. To maximize angling opportunities, Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspections will still be offered for hand-launched vessels with electric or fueled motors between the hours of 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Any vessels that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from ANS inspections and can still be used at Jumbo as long as water levels allow.

    Vehicles are prohibited from driving down to the water’s edge to fish or to hand launch a vessel. Anyone walking near the water’s edge must do so at their own risk and be cautious for deep mud.

    Due to the high irrigation demand created by severe drought, the water level in Jumbo Reservoir is expected to decline and may result in a loss of the entire fishery resource. As such, a public fish salvage was enacted on July 25 in order to optimize the use of the fishery resource. That fish salvage is still in operation as outlined below:

    • The emergency fish salvage is permitted only at Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir and only during daylight hours.
    • All anglers must have a valid Colorado fishing license in accordance with state statutes.
    • No commercial angling is allowed.
    • Only angling methods that are currently legal at the reservoir are allowed. Learn more by clicking here.
    • Current size, bag, and possession limits for all species are suspended for Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir until the emergency public fish salvage is terminated.
    • Notification of the emergency public fish salvage opening and closure will be made through press releases, and signs will also be placed at the reservoir.
    • No motorized vehicles, including ATVs, are allowed on the lake bed.
    • The end date of the emergency public fish salvage will be announced by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

    Similar to many northeastern plains reservoirs, Jumbo Reservoir was constructed to store irrigation water for agricultural use and is used as a recreation resource secondarily.

    CPW plans to rebuild the fishery as soon as water levels allow. While the reservoir’s fishery is being rebuilt, anglers are encouraged to fish the other reservoirs on Colorado’s northeastern plains.

  • As fall approaches hyperphagia begins, bear activity increases in preparation for winter

    Remember to keep food away from bears for your safety and theirs. Photo courtesy of DJ Hannigan

    CPW reminds people to remain bear aware during hyperphagia – a bear’s time to pack on pounds

    DENVER – Black bears in Colorado are entering hyperphagia and will spend up to 20 hours a day trying to eat more than 20,000 calories to fatten up for winter. As bears start to prepare for hibernation and hunt for food, Coloradans may see more bear activity in urban areas.

    Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easily accessible human food, trash, fruit trees, shrubs or other attractants with strong odors as a bear’s natural drive to eat can overcome its fear of humans. When bears become too comfortable around humans, they can destroy property or even become a threat to human safety.

    Significant portions of Colorado experienced a hard freeze in May, resulting in the loss of a majority of food sources above 7,000 feet in elevation. Because of this, coupled with the continued drought across Colorado, bears will be on the move looking for much-needed calories to survive through the year and prepare for the winter.

    CPW’s most reported conflicts are from attractants such as trash, bird seed, pet food, and barbecue grills. Removing attractants can help eliminate conflicts and encounters with black bears. It is especially critical that people are extra vigilant and proactive in removing all attractants from outside homes and campsites.

    A black bear’s natural diet consists of berries, fruits, nuts, plants and grasses that grow naturally in the foothills and forests. Drought conditions have impacted the prevalence of food sources for black bears, however, natural food sources are still available.

    “Research shows that bears prefer natural sources of food. But they will find sources of human-provided food if it’s available, when natural food sources are limited, which can become dangerous to humans,” said CPW Northwest Region Senior Wildlife Biologist Brad Banulis. “Preventing bears from relying on human food sources takes a community effort, and it’s important that we all take proactive steps to limit human food sources in order to avoid any possible conflicts with bears and bearproof our homes.”

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers these tips and precautions to help you prevent human/wildlife conflicts that can also save a bear’s life.

    Bearproofing your home:

    • Keep garbage in a well-secured location.
    • Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
    • Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors: ammonia is effective.
    • Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.
    • Don’t leave pet food or stock feed outside.
    • Bird feeders are a major source of bear/human conflicts. Attract birds naturally with flowers and water baths. Do not hang bird feeders from April 15 to Nov. 15.
    • Do not attract other wildlife by feeding them, such as deer, turkeys or small mammals.
    • Don’t allow bears to become comfortable around your house. If you see one, yell at it, throw things at it, make noise to scare it off.
    • Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food.
    • Clean the grill after each use.
    • Clean-up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck.
    • If you have fruit trees, don’t allow the fruit to rot on the ground.
    • If you keep small livestock, keep animals in a fully covered enclosure. Construct electric fencing if possible. Don’t store livestock food outside, keep enclosures clean to minimize odors, hang rags soaked in ammonia and/or Pine-Sol around the enclosure.
    • If you have beehives, install electric fencing where allowed.
    • Talk to your neighbors and kids about being bear aware.
    • Keep garage doors closed.

    Cars, traveling and campsites:

    • Lock your doors when you’re away from home and at night.
    • Keep the bottom floor windows of your house closed when you’re not at home.
    • Do not keep food in your vehicle; roll up windows and lock the doors of your vehicles.
    • When car-camping, secure all food and coolers in a locked vehicle.
    • Keep a clean camp, whether you’re in a campground or in the backcountry.
    • When camping in the backcountry, hang food 100 feet or more from the campsite; don’t bring any food into your tent.
    • Cook food well away from your tent; wash dishes thoroughly.

    CPW asks all residents and visitors to help save Colorado’s bears by being actively bear aware throughout the late summer and fall seasons. Bear conflicts and, unfortunately, bear euthanization is most often traced back to human behavior. It is all of our responsibility to help minimize risks to humans and bears alike by being mindful of our impacts.

    For more information on bears in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/bears. If you have questions or need to report bear problems, call your nearest CPW office.

  • Share your love of hunting with others and win prizes doing it with CPW’s Annual Take a Friend Hunting Contest

    Share your love of hunting with others and win prizes doing it with CPW’s Annual Take a Friend Hunting Contest

    DENVER – For the fourth consecutive year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is encouraging hunters to take a friend hunting. As a reward for hunters sharing their expertise and love of hunting, CPW created a contest for mentors who take the time to pass on their knowledge, with prizes for the mentor as well as the mentee.

    “I often run into people wanting to hunt but they just don’t know how to start. Most of them just need a mentor to help out,” said CPW Hunter Outreach Coordinator Bryan Posthumus. “It is so easy to ask your friends, co-workers, or family if they want to hunt and help them get started. Quite a few started out small game hunting. Many of the hunters last year are planning on hunting with their new hunting buddy this year.”  

    Hunting has several barriers that can make getting started difficult. Equipment can be expensive and knowledge is hard to obtain. Taking your friends hunting can reduce those barriers by allowing you to share equipment and pass on the knowledge that only experience can teach. For new hunters, getting started can seem overwhelming. Encouraging a hunter to take you with them and show you the ropes can help you get started. With CPWs Take a Friend Hunting Contest, you can win a variety of prizes that will help you in future hunts.

    How it works
    If you are a hunter, take a friend hunting! If you want to learn to hunt, encourage a hunter to take you with them! Then submit a photograph and brief story of your time in the field for a chance to win a variety of hunting related prizes. Submissions will be judged by their ability to inspire and are due by Feb. 28, 2023.

    To be eligible to enter:
    Hunters must commit to mentoring an eligible new or former hunter in Colorado on at least three separate occasions. The occasions may involve any part of the mentoring process including scouting, testing/purchasing hunting gear, sighting in/practicing with hunting firearms/archery equipment, or game processing and game cooking. At least one occasion must be taking the mentee hunting. Mentor and mentee must be at least 18 yrs of age. 

    Mentors must:

    • hold a valid 2022 Colorado hunting license.
    • have held a Colorado hunting license in at least 3 of the last 5 years (2017-2021).

    Mentees must either have:

    • never had a hunting license until 2022,
    • only had a hunting license in 2021 (e.g., a second-year hunter) or
    • not had a hunting license in the past five consecutive years (i.e., since 2017).

    Contest participants must follow all applicable Colorado hunting regulations; this includes possession of all appropriate licenses. Employees of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and their immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members of each such employee, are not eligible.

    Prizes
    Prizes will be awarded at the end of March to winners of the photo/narrative competition. There will be multiple winners selected for a variety of prizes. Prizes include: binoculars, headlamps, butcher kits, game calls, gift cards and more.

    All prizes are non-transferable. No substitution may be made except as provided. The winner is responsible for all taxes and fees associated with prize receipt and/or use. Please check the CPW website for more details and an updated list of prizes!

    To learn more, see the official rules and find out more about how to Take a Friend Hunting in 2022.