JBC adds footnotes and requests data on wolf reintroduction funding, continues technical parks adjustments

Kelly Shen, JVC staff, presented technical adjustments and proposed footnotes for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) budget items, including footnotes related to Proposition 114 and a request-for-information (RFI) on wolf depredation compensation and reporting.

Shen said a longstanding footnote (in place since 2018–2019) that allows limited flexibility between two line items but preserves transparency should remain. She recommended reinstating a footnote that identifies the General Fund amount in the wildlife operations line as specifically for implementing Proposition 114 (wolf reintroduction), noting the footnote had been included in prior long bills. Shen also proposed a new, lengthier footnote articulating the General Assembly's intent to make General Fund spending for the wolf reintroduction line contingent on CPW's completion of specified, state-funded preventative measures as discussed at the Parks and Wildlife Commission's January 8 meeting. Shen noted that making funds legally contingent would require a bill; the proposed footnote signals legislative intent and asks for reports and information to the committee.

The nut graf: The additions are intended to preserve legislative intent around Proposition 114 appropriations and to give the committee more granular data about wolf depredation claims and preventative measures without creating a statutory contingency that would require separate legislation.

Shen told the committee there are already public reports on claims and an annual statutory report related to wolf depredation compensation; those reports do not always split direct vs. indirect damages. The committee asked staff to pursue an RFI if the committee wants fiscal-year-based, itemized reporting (for example, separating direct livestock losses from indirect losses). Committee members discussed veto risk if a footnote is included and the governor chooses to veto provisions; Shen noted a veto is possible and the committee could pursue alternative legislative routes if necessary.

Motion and vote: The committee moved staff recommendations to reinstate technical CPW adjustments, restore the Proposition 114 footnote, add the proposed intent footnote, and request additional reporting/RFIs. The motion passed 6-0.

Ending: Staff will add the footnotes and RFI language in the figure-setting packet and ask CPW for fiscal-year-based, itemized reports on depredation claims if the committee requests them in the RFI.