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Overview/Background
The Issue: Implement a robust public involvement effort that provided a variety of opportunities for Coloradans to engage, learn, and provide substantive input and feedback on a wolf restoration and management plan.
In November 2020, Colorado voters passed Proposition 114 directing the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission to restore and manage gray wolves in Colorado no later than December 31, 2023, on designated lands west of the Continental Divide; hold statewide hearings about scientific, economic, and social considerations; periodically obtain public input to update the plan; and use state funds to assist livestock owners in preventing conflicts with gray wolves and pay fair compensation for livestock losses.
Keystone was selected by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement a robust public involvement effort that would provide a variety of opportunities for Coloradans to engage, learn, and provide substantive input and feedback on the wolf restoration and management planning process. In addition to robust public engagement, Keystone and CPW facilitated a Technical Working Group and a Stakeholder Advisory Group to facilitate insights and feedback throughout the entire planning process. The Technical Working Group included state and federal agency scientist and experts. The Stakeholder Advisory Group was selected by CPW for diversity in demographics, geographic regions, and perspectives.
Approach
Keystone’s approach emphasized inclusivity and accessibility through in-person meetings, public town halls, and focus groups. Keystone conducted public open houses and geographic focus groups, led in-person and virtual interest-based focus groups and Tribal consultations, and facilitated monthly gatherings of the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) for more than a year.
The process involved regional meetings to gather local input, synthesizing feedback into recommendations, and facilitating expert and community stakeholder meetings. During the project, Keystone conducted 47 public meetings engaging more than 3,400 participants with thousands more participating via online methods, such as submitting comments. Keystone also worked closely with CPW, TWG, SAG, and Tribal communities, maintaining transparent communication and regular updates to all stakeholders as well as the Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Results
The project resulted in the development and approval of a comprehensive gray wolf restoration and management plan, which included the majority of recommendations developed and synthesized through the collaborative process led by Keystone. On May 3, 2023, the Parks and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved the final Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. A timeline of the project is below.
- November 2020: Proposition 114 passed.
- Spring 2021: Keystone selected to lead public engagement.
- Summer 2021: Statewide public engagement meetings conducted.
- Summer 2021-Summer 2022: Keystone convened monthly meetings with SAG and TWG
- August 2022: TWG released its final recommendations.
- September 2022: SAG released its final recommendations.
- Winter 2023: Keystone hosts in-person public comment meetings in addition to gathering online comments.
- May 3, 2023: CPW approved the final plan.
