Citizens should have say in wolf management

Colorado needs wolves to restore the state’s natural balance. Yet, without reintroductions by wildlife managers, wolves will never roam the Centennial State in abundance again. Unfortunately, on this topic, our wildlife managers are paralyzed; they need clear direction from their bosses, the voters of Colorado.

Initiative 107 will give our state wildlife managers the green light to reintroduce wolves since wolves will not recolonize on their own (occasional visits to the contrary). The initiative acknowledges the authority of the Parks and Wildlife Commission and the General Assembly, the scientific expertise of Parks and Wildlife, and the need for an inclusive process to address concerns of local citizens.

Given that the majority of Coloradans want wolves restored to the vast public lands of western Colorado (a notion that they have supported for more than two decades), using direct democracy to settle the issue is likely the least divisive approach and one that is designed to ensure thoughtful management.

Some folks worry that such a ballot measure allows Front Range voters to force their will onto rural voters. Yet, federal land belongs to all Coloradans. Thus, management of over 70% of western Colorado is a legitimate concern to all voters, not just those living west of the Continental Divide. Finally, note that livestock interests have held sway over wildlife management for over a century. It is past time for the rest of the state’s citizens to have a say in how our public wildlife is managed.