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Committee advances $5 million Species Conservation Trust Fund appropriation to Appropriations
Summary
House Bill 1318 would appropriate $5 million from the severance tax operational fund to the Native Species Conservation Trust Fund; the money would be split between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado Water Conservation Board for listed- and at-risk-species projects.
The House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Water Committee advanced House Bill 1318 to the Appropriations Committee after sponsors and agency witnesses described how the Species Conservation Trust Fund supports recovery, monitoring and habitat projects for Colorado's native species.
Representative McCormick, sponsor, said the bill appropriates $5,000,000 from the severance tax operational fund to be split between Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). CPW witness David Klute described priorities that include $1,250,000 for native aquatic wildlife conservation (including modernization of the Mount Ouray state fish hatchery and continued work on Bear Creek greenback cutthroat trout) and $1,250,000 for native terrestrial wildlife work, including studies on white-nose syndrome for bats. CWCB will direct $2,480,000 to the Upper Colorado River and San Juan River Basin endangered fish recovery programs and $20,000 to selenium management research, monitoring, evaluation and control, witnesses said.
Michelle Garrison of CWCB explained that federal funding for the two recovery programs exists but that state contributions and other state dollars continue to pay for capital needs, monitoring and specific projects that support recovery and compliance with the Endangered Species Act. She cited past work in the Gunnison Basin that reduced selenium loads and led to removal of a segment from the state impaired-waters list.
After testimony and questions, sponsors moved HB 1318 to Appropriations; the committee recorded a favorable vote and the measure advanced (recorded as 12-0 in committee roll call).
Why it matters: The appropriation funds state-level projects that support recovery and prevention efforts for species listed or at risk under state and federal law, and funds hatchery, monitoring and habitat work that agencies say are needed to meet recovery goals and reduce future federal listings.
Next steps: HB 1318 will be considered by the Appropriations Committee.
