The Division of Wildlife public meeting to discuss the management of big-game herds in the South Park area has been changed to 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Northwest Fire Station No. 2 in Fairplay, 21455 Colorado 285. The intent is to gather opinion on herd sizes and sex ratios for deer, elk and pronghorn in various game management units. Comments also may be delivered by questionnaires available from jeffifer.churchill@state.co.us. The response deadline is Nov. 15.
Sage grouse relief
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a ruling that makes it more inviting for landowners to participate in habitat protection for the Gunnison sage grouse. Under Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA), ranchers who participate in a Colorado Division of Wildlife enhancement program will not be required to take additional measures if the bird later is listed under the Endangered Species Act. In April, USFWS removed the Gunnison grouse as a candidate for listing, reflecting a recent upward population trend.
