Committee approves bill to classify roaming bison as big game; sparks debate over grazing, disease and local impacts

The Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee voted 8-5 to advance Senate Bill 53, a measure sponsored by Representative Joseph and Representative Velasco that would add bison to the statutory definition of wild big game in Colorado unless the animals are privately owned livestock. Under the bill, roaming bison that cross the Utah-Colorado border would be managed as wildlife by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), with CPW required to develop a herd management plan and, eventually, a licensing structure if a managed hunting season becomes appropriate.

Why it matters: Supporters, including tribal representatives and conservation groups, said the bill protects culturally significant animals and gives CPW the authority to prevent unregulated killings of roaming bison. Opponents—particularly representatives of ranching interests and some local officials—raised concerns about brucellosis, grazing conflicts, fencing damage and the fiscal and operational burdens of managing a new big game species.

What witnesses said: CPW testified in support and outlined a planning process that would define a bison management area, set population objectives and consider habitat, carrying capacity and landowner impacts. CPW officials noted the nearest wild herd is the Book Cliffs herd in Utah, with an estimated winter adult population of about 580 and about 130 animals nearest Colorado. Andy Holland, CPW's big game manager, told the committee that the Utah-managed herd is routinely tested for diseases of concern and that the Book Cliffs herd had no detected brucellosis; he said disease management licenses and testing tools would be available if disease were detected.

Tribal and conservation groups, including the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and Defenders of Wildlife, urged passage and framed the measure as protection for bison and the cultural ties tribes hold with the animals. Several Colorado agricultural and county witnesses registered opposition or asked for more time, saying local grazing, fencing and water issues require further study. Rio Blanco County's natural resources director testified in opposition, saying Colorado habitat and fragmented ranges make full bison restoration impractical in the county and urging management decisions be left to CPW outside the legislature.

Committee action and vote: Representative Velasco moved the bill to Appropriations; Representative Martinez seconded. The recorded roll call showed 8 yes and 5 no votes. Several committee members supporting the bill emphasized that CPW would have until a future date to develop regulations and a management plan and that a license or hunting season would not be opened immediately; CPW said hunting licenses would be considered only after objectives in a herd management plan were met.

Next steps: With the committee's favorable recommendation, SB 53 will go to Appropriations for fiscal review; proponents said CPW has asked for funding for helicopter survey hours and consultant support to develop the management plan and to assess range, disease and stakeholder needs.

Ending: The debate combined conservation and cultural arguments with livestock and local concerns. The bill's proponents said it establishes a framework for measured, science-driven management; opponents asked for further stakeholdering and assurances on disease control, grazing impacts and financial liability.