As part of the public comment process, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation urged Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to continue to strongly consider elk and other wildlife species in the formulation of its recreational planning.
Colorado’s 2024 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is a five-year strategy laid out to ensure the state has outstanding recreational opportunities while addressing various challenges including population growth and habitat loss. Its priorities are four-fold:
- Access and opportunity for sustainable recreation
- Natural and cultural resource stewardship
- Land, water and wildlife conservation
- Sustainable funding for Colorado’s outdoors
RMEF contributed funding to several CPW research projects aiming to better understand how recreation activities can affect wildlife and overall natural resources. It appreciates CPW’s approach to integrate conservation and recreational more closely, following the best available science.
“Elk and many other wildlife species rely on secure winter and summer (calving) areas to maintain stable, healthy populations. Yet many of these species are sensitive to the scope and intensity of human recreation, which can result in distribution patterns that alter their ability to use the most productive habitat. RMEF supports a balanced approach across multiple public land uses and encourages consideration of elk and other wildlife when establishing new recreation areas and plans,” wrote Karie Decker, RMEF director of wildlife and habitat.
Decker recommended regular review of SCORP to incorporate the newest science. She also suggested the guide could be expanded to offer guidance for other types of recreation.
In addition to having the largest elk herd in North America, Colorado is home to more than 14,000 RMEF members and 29 chapters. Since 1987, RMEF and its partners completed 871 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Colorado with a combined value of more than $207.4 million. These projects conserved or enhanced 508,739 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 119,612 acres.
Though not a CPW decision, RMEF filed a formal objection in September 2023 about a U.S. Forest move approving construction of nearly 50 miles of new mountain biking trails through critical elk habitat in northwest Colorado due to the use of outdated data and insufficient planning.
(Photo credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)