Colorado Dept of Parks & Wildlife

Joe Lewandowski, Public Information Officer and Cathenne Brons, Education & Volunteer Coordinator addressed the Club about potential increases in resident hunting and fishing licenses.  This process will have to be approved through the legislature; however, if passed, it will be the first increase since 2005.    Non-resident license fees are tied to an inflation factor so they go up steadily with the consumer price index.  No taxes are received by the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife.  Their revenues are basically from the license fees, Excise Tax, GOCO lottery funds and grants.  It costs a lot of money to manage our wildlife and park resources in a sustainable manner for the future.  Things like helicopter flights to monitor big animal herd health and fish hatcheries where native trout are raised for stocking lakes and rivers  - it all cost money. Next time you go to buy a license to participate in our wilderness experiences, remember your fees are going toward the preservation and protection of these resources. http://www.cpw.state.co.us