Lots of discussion going on about the change in policy by Colorado Parks and
Wildlife (CPW) about accessing State Wildlife Areas. While buying a fishing
license, especially a senior license, is not a big financial burden for many
birders, there is a general feeling, at least among the Audubon folks I've
talked to, that we want to be counted as wildlife watchers, not fishermen or
hunters, so that CPW is more aware of this audience and listens to us on other
policy issues.
No one has yet come up with a method to do this that doesn't result in a
reduction in Colorado's federal Wildlife Aid in Restoration grants which come
from the excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment (although we could argue
that a lot of that money in fact does NOT come from hunters - you pay it if you
buy a handgun too). The Parks and Wildlife Commission is still discussing
this question - it is on their agenda for Thursday morning, July 17 at 9:25 am.
You can listen in from the CPW website (About Us - Commission - Meetings).
And offer comments by email before the meeting.
Suggestions have been: a wildlife watchers license, a maintenance fee
dedicated to SWAs, a checkoff on the fishing or hunting license application for
wildlife watchers/photographers so CPW can take count of us.... your ideas??
Send them to the Commission. Some of this would take legislative action.
Polly Reetz
Denver Audubon COnservation Committee chairperson
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