Commissioner Scritchfield Advocates for Livestock Producers Amid Turner Gulch Fire Crisis

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission convened on July 19, 2025, for the second day of discussions focused on pressing issues affecting wildlife management and ranching in the state. The meeting featured testimonies from local stakeholders, including ranchers and community members, who expressed their concerns regarding the impact of wildlife on livestock and the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters.

Kelly Scritchfield, a Rio Blanco County Commissioner, opened the session by addressing the concerns of local ranchers. She highlighted the urgency of the situation, particularly in light of the Turner Gulch Fire, which has threatened livestock in the area. Scritchfield emphasized the need for the commission to consider the financial implications for ranchers and urged them to support funding options that would mitigate the impact of wildlife on livestock operations. She referenced a specific paragraph in the wolf management plan that could provide a pathway for increased funding and support for affected producers.

Following Scritchfield, a statement from her sister was read, detailing the intense efforts of ranchers to protect their cattle from the fire. The statement conveyed the emotional and physical toll that the ongoing crisis has taken on ranching families, underscoring the need for practical solutions from the commission to address the challenges faced by livestock producers.

Deborah Taylor then spoke, raising concerns about livestock theft and the ecological impact of traditional ranching practices. She cited statistics on wildlife management efforts, noting the significant number of animals killed in the past year and calling for a shift in practices to promote coexistence with wildlife. Taylor urged the commission to consider modern approaches to ranching that would reduce ecological harm and improve profitability for ranchers.

The meeting continued with further discussions, including testimonies from other stakeholders, as the commission sought to address the complex interplay between wildlife management and agricultural practices in Colorado. The session highlighted the urgent need for collaboration between wildlife officials and ranchers to develop effective strategies that support both livestock protection and wildlife conservation.

As the meeting progressed, the commission acknowledged the importance of listening to the experiences of those directly affected by wildlife management policies. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by ranchers in the state and the critical need for responsive and adaptive management strategies moving forward.