With the acquisition of prime property in the South Platte River corridor southeast of Ovid, Ducks Unlimited plans to develop a recharge wetlands as a boost to wintering and migrating waterfowl.
The property includes river bottom habitat, with mature cottonwoods and a large warmwater slough. In addition to its waterfowl potential, the property is a home to wild turkey and deer.
The waterfowl conservation organization is working with the Colorado Division of Wildlife on a lease that would provide public access during hunting season, perhaps in time for the spring turkey hunt.
DU anticipates that water from the created wetland will accrue to the South Platte, which suffers from accelerated demands both in and out of state. DU is working toward a goal of conserving 30,000 acres in the Platte watershed by 2014.
River funds in danger.
The Colorado Watershed Protection Fund needs taxpayer help. Under state tax check-off rules, the fund needs to boost its support from state income return donations or risk losing its place on the return form.
Since 2004, Colorado citizens have contributed more than $450,000 to a fund that finances community projects to improve the health of rivers, reservoirs, wetlands and forests. More recently, the contribution has decreased to $83,000 per year — nearing the $75,000 requirement to remain on the return.
Big game brochure.
The Division of Wildlife’s Big Game Brochure, a key to filing license applications and learning about regulation changes, is available at agency offices and at license agents throughout the state.
The free guide tells about reduction in fees for doe deer, muzzleloading restrictions, expanded white-tailed deer hunts, elimination of chronic wasting disease transport restrictions and changes in Ranching for Wildlife rules.
The application deadline for limited licenses is April 1. Hunters who obtained a license in 2007 should receive a copy in the mail.
Sportsman’s caucus.
Sens. Lois Tochtrop and Dan Gibbs will join Rep. John Soper in hosting a sportsmen’s caucus noon to 1:15 p.m. on Thursday at Committee Room 356 of the State Capitol. The agenda includes a presentation on the acquisition of public shooting ranges and a discussion on a proposed conservation summit.
