US EditionLawmakers Look to Pause Colorado Wolf Reintroduction Program, Slash Funding
The proposed pause aims to reallocate $254,000 toward health insurance relief amid a $783 million deficit, reducing the wolf program budget by $300,000 this fiscal year.
- Colorado lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill on Tuesday to pause the state's wolf reintroduction program for one year amid a budget crisis.
- The pause is intended to help manage a $783 million shortfall in the state's general fund resulting from a federal tax measure, with $254,000 being redirected from wolf transportation to programs that reduce health insurance costs.
- Since December 2023 and January, Colorado Parks and Wildlife released 25 wolves from Oregon and British Columbia, with at least 30 wolves now roaming the state and ongoing livestock conflicts.
- During the 2024-25 fiscal period, the program incurred expenses totaling $3.5 million, which covered compensation payments to ranchers for losses involving 46 livestock animals and one working dog reported since April 2024; concerns have been raised about potential negative impacts if the program is halted.
- Wolf advocates argue the bill undermines voter intent from the 2020 reintroduction vote, while sponsors claim the pause allows time to improve conflict prevention without violating legal requirements.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Bill would pause Colorado wolf reintroduction program, redirect funds to health care
DENVER (KDVR) — A new bill at the Colorado State Capitol would temporarily halt the state’s gray wolf reintroduction program and redirect funding to help cover health insurance costs. The proposal, co-sponsored by Rep. Matthew Martinez, would move about $264,000 out of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s wolf program and into the Colorado Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise. What cuts, layoffs in state and local government could mean for th…
Lawmakers seek to redirect Colorado wolf program funds to pay for health insurance
Among the more than two dozen bills contemplated for Thursday's special session of the Colorado General Assembly is a proposal to pause funding for the wolf reintroduction program run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Colorado lawmakers seek to redirect wolf program funds to pay for health insurance
A bipartisan bill in Colorado would pause the state’s wolf reintroduction program and redirect $264,268 in funding to health insurance subsidies and other uses. Supporters say the measure would provide a “reasonable time-out” while the state addresses budget challenges and assists landowners affected by the program. Costs have exceeded the original budget, with claims for wolf depredations in 2024 topping $600,000.
Denver Post
Colorado lawmakers push for pause on wolf reintroduction in new bill for special session
Colorado lawmakers from the Western Slope have filed a bill for the special session on the budget to consider pausing the state's wolf reintroduction program for a year.
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