Wolf Reintroduction in Colorado and Extensions Role
Extension Education
Robin Young
Extension Director
United States
Pagosa Springs
Abstract
In 2020, proposition 114 to reintroduce wolves in Colorado was put on the ballot. Restoring wolves advances wolf conservation, but also introduces conflict with groups such as livestock producers, outfitting organizations, urban interface residents, and others impacted by wolves. Extension’s response was to collaborate with university partners, state agencies, NGO’s, livestock producers, wildlife biologists and other experts across the western US to educate voters on science based facts about wolves through a publication, a video, and a webinar series. The first outcome was the People and Predator Series on Colorado Wolves informational package that provides scientific information on the interactions between humans and carnivores. CSU Extension partnered with Wyoming stock growers to produce the “Learning from Experience – Using Western Rancher’s Experience to Prepare for the Wolf’s Return to Colorado” video. Extension’s partnership with the Denver Museum of Natural History and the Center for Collaborative Conservation developed a special five-part webinar series, “Wolves in Colorado: Science and Stories”, explores wolf reintroduction through the lens of science, policy, and lived experiences. The passage of the initiative mandated the Colorado Parks and Wildlife to come up with a management plan to have wolves reintroduced by December 2023. CSU Extension serves on the Technical Working Group. A Western SARE grant will provide funding for educational programming aimed at livestock producers and Extension educators that are embedded in communities where ranchers will have to face the growing presence of wolves. The collaboration among these entities has earned the Warner College of Natural Resources Collaboration Award.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Robin Young
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Young, R. Extension Director, CSU Extension, Colorado, 81147