S_AGR_2024A 03/21/2024 02:10:21 PM Committee Summary

Senator Will, sponsor, presented House Bill 24-1257. This bill continues the Natural Areas Council in the Department of Natural Resources, which is scheduled to repeal on September 1, 2024. The program is continued until September 1, 2034.

David Klute, representing Colorado Parks and Wildlife, testified in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Will wrapped up his presentation of the bill.

The committee recessed.

The committee reconvened.

Senator Will and Senator Roberts, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 24-171. The bill authorizes Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to reintroduce the North American wolverine in Colorado. As long as the wolverine remains on the list of threatened or endangered species under federal law, CPW may not reintroduce the wolverine until the species is designated as a nonessential experimental population by rule established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. If CPW reintroduces the wolverine, it must create rules for providing payment of fair compensation to owners of livestock for losses caused by wolverines.

Committee members discussed the bill with the sponsors.

Mr. Travis Grant, representing Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Erin Karney, representing Colorado Cattlemen's Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Dianna Orf, representing Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified to amend the bill.

Shannon Johnson, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Bonnie Brown, representing Colorado Wool Growers Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Brittany Dennison, representing Colorado Livestock Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Karney responded to questions from the committee.

Jim Alexee, representing Colorado Nature League, testified in support of the bill. Michael Saw, representing Defenders of Wildlife, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Melanie Mills, representing Colorado Ski Country USA, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jamie Caton, representing Vail Resorts, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Megan Mueller,
representing Rocky Mountain Wild, testified in support of the bill. Mr.
Ivan James, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms.
Brittany Dixon, representing Club 20, testified in a neutral position on
the bill.



Additional written
testimony is available as Attachment A.

Senators Will and Roberts wrapped up their presentation of the bill. Committee members commented on the bill.