Subjects as varied as a third pilot program for landowner preference, energy development in state wildlife areas and Species Conservation Trust Fund proposals will highlight the Thursday workshop of the Colorado Wildlife Commission.
The meeting, which invites public attendance without testimony, unless invited, will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Ramada Inn, 22140 East U.S. 6 in Sterling.
In a companion event, wildlife commissioner Claire O’Neal, an at-large member, will host a public discussion from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the same location. O’Neal will take comments and questions on a variety of wildlife subjects.
Walk-in properties
Landowners in Mesa, Montrose and San Miguel counties who might want to lease property to the Division of Wildlife for walk-in goose or turkey hunting are encouraged to attend a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the community center in Redvale.
The wildlife agency offers payment to landowners who provide public access to hunt turkey in spring and geese in autumn. They should contact district wildlife manager Mark Caddy at 970-252-6000.
Hunters jailed
Six residents of New York state and a friend from Massachusetts spent a day in jail and paid $42,000 in fines following a spree in which they killed several deer illegally in the Meeker area.
Wildlife officers arrested the men at the bunkhouse of a ranch house and took them to the Rio Blanco County jail. They subsequently pled guilty to a variety of charges and each agreed to pay a $6,000 fine.
Environmental honorees
The Colorado Environmental Coalition delivered its “Conservation Partner” award to the Colorado Wildlife Federation and Colorado Mule Deer Association at a Thursday event attended by Gov.-elect Bill Ritter.
Both organizations were cited for their continuing work on wildlife resource issues.
The coalition also honored John Powers, founder of Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, with its “Rebel with a Cause” award.
