Land Conservation Efforts Get $11 Million from Colorado Parks and Wildlife

The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program 2022 started with a request for proposals that was made public by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, with funding of $11 million.

Landowners who want to preserve significant wildlife habitats, give the general public access to wildlife-related recreational opportunities, and, if necessary, sell their property to Colorado Parks and Wildlife can apply for funding through the habitat program, which is available statewide.

To achieve the objectives of wildlife conservation and public access, the incentive-based program finances conservation easements and public access easements. The cycle in 2022 will be funded with about $11 million. Working farms and ranches as well as homes close to wildlife crossings are preferred. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife website is open to access the application materials.

Eligible Projects

Projects that address one or more Colorado Parks and Wildlife priorities are eligible for application. Along with big game winter ranges and migration corridors, this also includes public access for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

People who participate in initiatives to safeguard the habitat of threatened or endangered species are also eligible for the program. Species of Greatest Conservation Need are listed in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Statewide Action Plan.

Owners of riparian areas, wetlands, landscape-scale parcels, and parcels that connect conserved lands may also sign up for the program to express interest.

Submission Process

All proposals must be emailed (wildlife.realestateproposals@state.co.us) and received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, conservation easements and land management plans can be used to maintain agriculture that is friendly to wildlife on the landscape. A management plan is required for all conservation easements funded by the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program. The type, timing, and duration of livestock grazing, as well as, recreational activities, and overall management of wildlife habitat can all be outlined in the plan, which must be approved by both the landowner and Parks and Wildlife.

Landowners who take part in the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program can support efforts to conserve wildlife and safeguard the variety of species that call Colorado home.

Before submitting a proposal, owners are urged to create a clear vision for the future of their property. Through a thorough review process, proposals are graded for strategic conservation impacts, biological significance, community benefits, and project viability. Landowners can seek assistance from their local Parks and Wildlife office if they need assistance accurately describing the wildlife and habitat values.

Law mandates yearly inspections of all properties with conservation easements. Each conservation easement funded by the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program will require holders of third-party conservation easements to submit copies of the annual monitoring report.

All conservation easement projects are not required to provide public access, but Parks and Wildlife can receive compensation if they do. Landowners are welcome to submit proposals for projects where the only goal is to create a public access easement for the sole purpose of granting access for hunting or fishing, without a corresponding conservation easement.

All real estate deals involving the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program are subject to an appraisal to confirm value. When considering any real estate transaction related to the program, applicants are strongly advised to speak with their legal and financial advisors.

On March 2023, initial funding suggestions will be discussed. Contact program manager Amanda Nims for more information about the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program or the application process.