CPW to Showcase Farm Programs at Greeley Show

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will use a large exhibit at the Greeley Farm Show January 27-29 to connect directly with farmers and ranchers about enrolling in voluntary programs that pay landowners for habitat protection, public hunting access and wildlife damage prevention on working agricultural lands.

The outreach effort reflects CPW's growing reliance on private-land partnerships to sustain wildlife populations while supporting agricultural operations. "Colorado's legacy of exceptional management of wildlife is directly tied to the efforts of agriculturalists through their stewardship of habitats and collaborations with CPW and other organizations," said CPW Deputy Assistant Director of Lands Ray Aberle.

Visitors can find the CPW exhibit in the 4H building at the Farm Show to explore several programs. The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program, CPW's primary incentive tool, pays landowners who protect wildlife habitat, provide public hunting access or sell easements to CPW. Statewide, the program has invested $212.6 million, protecting 300,650 acres through conservation easements, securing 156,100 acres of public access and 393 miles of river bank access.

The Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) draws from big-game hunting license revenue to fund fencing, water developments and forage improvements when landowners contribute matching funds. The Game Damage program provides prevention materials first, then reimburses losses to crops, livestock and forage from elk, deer, bear and mountain lions.

Walk-In Access enrolls private fields for public hunting Sept. 1 through February. Ranching for Wildlife encompasses about 25 enrolled ranches, providing roughly 1 million acres of public hunting access and conducting habitat improvements on more than 50,000 acres annually.

The Farm Show booth will be staffed by CPW and partner organizations including Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Partners for Fish and Wildlife.