Colorado Conservation Groups Support Compromise Amendment on Wolf Reintroduction Bill

During a recent House Appropriations meeting on August 22, 2025, significant discussions centered around the contentious Senate Bill 5, which addresses the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado. The bill, initially met with strong opposition, has seen a shift in stance from various stakeholders following amendments aimed at compromise.

Michael Sall, representing the nonprofit conservation organization Defenders of Wildlife, expressed a cautious neutrality towards the amended bill. He highlighted the importance of the wolf reintroduction program, emphasizing that the reallocation of funds, while minimal, allows Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to continue with necessary reintroductions. Sall warned that any attempts to undermine the amended bill would provoke strong opposition from conservation groups.

Jen Clanahan, executive director of Colorado Nature League, also shifted to a neutral position after the amendments. She pointed out that the reallocated $264,000 is a small fraction of the overall budget shortfall but stressed that delays in the wolf program could harm the existing population and hinder breeding efforts. Clanahan noted that public support for wolf reintroduction has grown since the 2020 election, with recent polls indicating that 55% of respondents favor the initiative.

Rebecca Burkhalter, an ecologist, voiced her concerns about the bill's original intent, suggesting it was a tactic to halt the reintroduction altogether. She urged lawmakers to accept the amendments and allow the program to proceed, emphasizing the long-term implications for wildlife management in the state.

The discussions reflect a critical moment for wildlife conservation in Colorado, as stakeholders navigate the complexities of funding and public sentiment surrounding the wolf reintroduction initiative. The outcome of this legislative effort could set a precedent for future wildlife management policies in the state and beyond.