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CPW outlines range-riding, compensation and removal limits as wolf depredations mount; lawmakers press on funding
Summary
Colorado Parks and Wildlife told the committee it has released 25 wolves, confirmed multiple packs, and used range-riding and compensation programs to reduce conflict, but officials acknowledged delays in some lethal-removal cases and that compensation claims exceeded early funding estimates.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials described efforts to implement wolf restoration and to reduce livestock conflicts, and they faced sustained questioning from lawmakers about the pace of lethal removals and the sufficiency of compensation funding.
CPW officials told the Joint Committee that Proposition 114'driven wolf restoration has resulted in 25 wolves released in Colorado (10 from Oregon in December 2023 and 15 from British Columbia in January 2024), and that CPW biologists have confirmed four packs in the northwest region. "To date, CPW has released 25 wolves in Colorado," the agency said in its presentation.
CPW described the state-led range-riding program (hours of direct assistance and miles covered), site assessments and a compensation program for confirmed livestock depredations. Agency officials also acknowledged operational constraints under the 10(j) rule and practical difficulties locating uncollared wolves; those limitations contributed to delayed lethal-removal authorizations in at least one Rio Blanco County case, the agency said. "With an uncollared wolf, locating that wolf in a very timely manner was very difficult," Ray Eberly, CPW deputy assistant director, told the committee.
On funding, Senator Roberts and other members pointed out that 2023 legislation had authorized a baseline of $350,000 for wolf-related compensation but that actual claims have exceeded initial projections. CPW said it paid over $600,000 in claims in the first year and that more than $1 million in claims had been requested in the current cycle; agency officials said they plan to draw on a mix of general fund, the Species Conservation Trust Fund, and nongame/wildlife cash funds (not Keep Colorado Wild Pass money) to meet legal compensation obligations and other needs. CPW's acting leadership said a plan exists to cover payments and that the agency's CFO and leadership can provide details to the legislature.
Lawmakers asked about putting range riders on the payroll earlier in the season and whether CPW could expand nonlethal deployments; CPW said fiscal and contracting constraints limited this year's season but that future five-year contractor arrangements may allow longer seasons. On depredation investigations and claim adjudication, CPW said it has 170 trained investigators, nine damage specialists and improved timeliness through new staff and range riders.
Committee members also asked about agency governance and the CPW director appointment process after a recent resignation. DNR said the selection followed established statute and involved commissioners, stakeholder panels, and the executive director's consent; the governor will be involved in final SES-level approvals.
CPW officials concluded they will continue to deploy nonlethal tools, improve investigations and work with producers on compensation and prevention; lawmakers pushed for clarity on long-term funding and operational changes.
