The bones of the newly reconfigured Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department will be examined for approval Thursday at the monthly meeting of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. The commission is expected to vote on the final implementation plan for the merger between Colorado State Parks and the Division of Wildlife when it convenes at 8:30 a.m. at the CPW campus (6060 Broadway, Denver).
About 10 months in the making, the merger began with a transition team comprised of employees from both agencies and sought input from the public as well as employee work groups asked to identify ways to enhance operations after the legislative mandate of the merger took effect July 1, 2011. A draft merger plan was presented to the Parks and Wildlife Commission in January.
Once approved, the document will be reviewed by state legislators who will draft a bill to determine the ultimate structure of the agency and its board of commissioners this spring.
The merger affects more than 40 state parks attracting about 11 million visitors a year, roughly 880 employees and thousands of acres of land managed by the two agencies within the Department of Natural Resources.
According to CPW external relations manager Theo Stein, the final merger implementation plan covers the integration of biologists and scientists; capital development; customer service; field operations; financial services; invasive species; marketing, creative services and public information; property evaluation; volunteers, interpretation and environmental education; water, real estate and geographic information services.
The public will be offered a final opportunity to comment on the plan before the commission is asked to approve it.
Head for Golden. The West Denver chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding its 36th annual fly-tying clinic Saturday at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden. Featuring about 60 of the most recognized tiers from the Rocky Mountain region, the clinic has become a staple for the local fly- tying community and a major fundraiser for the chapter.
Participants will have an opportunity to learn how to tie various patterns along with the chance to buy flies from the masters. A beginners fly-tying table is also set up for novices who want to learn the rudiments of fly-tying from experts.
Alan Kube, recently named bamboo rod maker of the year, will discuss the merits of bamboo, and certified casting instructor Jonathan Walter will offer tips to improve your casting.
A $10 donation gets you in the door (children 12 and younger are admitted free) and discount coupons are available at many local fly shops. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., but be sure to stick around for the door prizes, bucket raffle, silent auction and a fantasy raffle, offering more than $3,500 in merchandise to the winner. Visit or call Fred Portillo at 303-467-3890 for info.
Turkey talk. The application deadline for spring limited turkey hunting licenses is Thursday, with the season kicking off April 14. Turkey hunters can apply for a license online by visiting the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at , or submit a paper application found in the 2012 turkey regulations brochure at a CPW office or license agent.
A new late season for turkey hunting will be introduced after the traditional fall season (July 12 application deadline) in 2012, and with it comes new bag limits.
Limits have been modified to allow each hunter to take up to five birds annually, comprised of two bearded turkeys in the spring (one with a limited license and one with an over-the-counter license), one either-sex turkey in the fall and two beardless turkeys in the late season open from Dec. 15 to Jan. 15.
Be sure to check out CPW’s new video, “Turkey Hunting Colorado,” for some great tips on strategies and techniques for hunting wild turkeys as well. The 22-minute video is free on the CPW website.
Scott Willoughby: 303-954-1993 or swilloughby@denverpost.com
