Ample work remains in the Colorado General Assembly before the final structure of the newly merged Division of Parks and Wildlife is approved. But the sausage-making process that ultimately results in state law already has sent the merger bill, HB 1317, on its first trip through the meat grinder.
The amended result, approved by majority vote in the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee, is an upgrade from the original bill introduced by Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, who serves as Ag Committee chairman. But there’s still room for improvement.
Not everyone has a stomach for the lawmaking process, but before going any further, it should be noted that Thursday offers an opportunity for Colorado sportsmen to pull back the curtain and add some spice to the mix. “Sportsmen’s Day at the Legislature” takes place in the Old Supreme Court Chambers on the second floor of the Colorado State Capitol from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., offering hunters and anglers a chance to hear updates on issues affecting outdoorsmen and provide legislators with feedback on sportsmen’s needs and concerns.
If that’s not enticing enough, there’s also a free lunch.
Much of the discussion within those hallowed halls is certain to revolve around HB 1317, which awaits scheduling on the House Appropriations calendar after some necessary restructuring.
The bill, co-sponsored by Sonnenberg and Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, aims to determine the composition of the board of commissioners responsible for establishing policy on all matters involving hunting, fishing, wildlife and state parks.
After the introductory version landed off the mark, the amended bill makes some headway with a composition that better represents the interests of sportsmen.
Yet it remains weighted in favor of private landowners and agricultural interests over the interests of the average Joe who props up Colorado Parks and Wildlife through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses.
As it stands, the 11-member board of voting commissioners will include three agricultural representatives, three sportsmen’s representatives, three recreation representatives (one of whom must have a background in motorized trail use), one commercial outfitter representative and one representative from a nonprofit, nonconsumptive wildlife organization.
When making appointments, the governor is also instructed to ensure a “reasonable balance” of outdoor business, wildlife biology or science, energy, beneficial uses of water, and wildlife conservation and management knowledge.
Removed from the bill was a clause prohibiting more than four members of the commission coming from the combined Eastern Plains and Denver metropolitan area and another allowing for “at-large” appointees.
While the bill’s elimination of at-large members from the commission aids in a reduction of political cronyism, Sonnenberg’s favoritism remains with the structure of three agricultural representatives in addition to the outfitter position.
When it comes to issues such as landowner vouchers, season structures and public access, land-owning agricultural interests and the commercial outfitters who lease from them don’t necessarily have the best interest of the average sportsman in mind.
And clearly there are divergent interpretations between Eastern Plains farmers and fishermen when it comes to “beneficial uses of water.”
The final mix of the commission will be determined by the end of the legislative session.
There may be no better opportunity for the average sportsman to have his say than at the state Capitol on Thursday.
Scott Willoughby: 303-954-1993 or swilloughby@denverpost.com
