Dear Friend,
Colorado’s gray wolf restoration depends on trust, fairness, and long-term sustainability, and right now, the state’s wolf compensation rules need improvement to make that possible.
A Petition for Rulemaking has been submitted on behalf of Colorado livestock producers and partners, calling for thoughtful, practical amendments to the state’s gray wolf compensation regulations. The goal is simple: ensure the program works as intended, now and into the future.
Colorado ranchers operate in challenging conditions and play a vital role in our economy, rural communities, and food systems. As wolves return to the landscape, producers have consistently asked for clearer, more predictable, and more transparent rules so they can plan for coexistence while protecting their livelihoods.
Importantly, wolf advocates also support regulations that are fair, workable, and aligned with the law’s original intent.
Why Action Is Needed Now
The current compensation program has become so broad that it now covers claims beyond verified wolf-caused livestock losses. This lack of clarity:
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Places unnecessary strain on ranchers and wildlife managers;
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Creates uncertainty for all stakeholders; and
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Risks undermining the long-term financial sustainability of the compensation fund itself.
The Proposed Amendments Would:
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Ensure livestock producers receive full and fair compensation for verified wolf-caused losses;
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Protect taxpayer dollars by keeping the fund focused, transparent, and sustainable;
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Support the Commission’s statutory responsibility to maintain a self-sustaining, responsibly managed wolf population; and
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Make the system easier to understand and navigate for everyone involved.
This is about strengthening coexistence — not weakening conservation.
Thank you for supporting a balanced, durable approach that respects wildlife, ranching families, and Colorado’s shared future.
