Gov. Bill Owens on Thursday signed into law a bill raising Colorado resident license fees for hunting and fishing, along with a habitat stamp and an education surcharge. The much-discussed measure passed the Colorado legislature last month and provides the Division of Wildlife with its first hike in resident licenses since 1992. The law, which goes into effect during calendar 2006, also raises nonresident fees for fishing and small-game hunting. The measure provides certain exemptions for persons over age 64 or under 19.
Trout Unlimited honors law firm
In a departure from the usual awards to individuals, Colorado Trout Unlimited has presented its annual Trout Conservation Award to a law firm. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, a leading international firm with an office in Denver, was cited for its work with TU in protecting stream flows in national forests. The conservation organization also bestowed its Trout Communications Award upon noted photographer John Fielder.
Waterton closure
Delayed last week by adverse weather, the closure of the Waterton Canyon recreation area for road maintenance will be in effect Tuesday and Wednesday.
Carbondale resident garners award
The Colorado Wildlife Federation at its Saturday banquet named Clare Bastable its “Conservationist of the Year.” A resident of Carbondale and an active member of the Colorado Mountain Club, Bastable was cited for her efforts in building a coalition of wildlife enthusiasts to protect the Roan Plateau in an ongoing debate over drilling for oil and gas. The 127,000-acre area north of Interstate 70 and west of Rifle contains some of the state’s most spectacular public land and serves as prime habitat for deer, elk and threatened Colorado River cutthroat trout.
Loose moose from Utah
Colorado’s continuing efforts to establish a moose population on Grand Mesa east of Grand Junction received a boost with the transplant of a loose moose from Utah. The healthy cow was trapped recently near Ogden and added to the Colorado herd as part of an ongoing dispersal program by the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
Free wildlife workshop
The Colorado Division of Wildlife will join Chico Basin Ranch, The Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and The Nature Conservancy in presenting a free workshop about prairie wildlife and ecosystems May 21 at the ranch 35 miles southeast of Colorado Springs. Reservations are limited. Call 970-482-1707 by May 18.
