
By Shannon Lukens.
UPDATE at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27. We have heard from Jackson County producers about this meeting. Kim Gittleson’s response was, “We didn’t even know about it.” She added, “How did you find out about it?”
Dave Gittleson also wrote on our social media post, “Didn’t even know about this. Hard to show up to a meeting we didn’t know was happening.”
Kim Gittleson also posted, “It appears they forgot to tell the ranchers. We were not aware of it and several others I spoke to were not aware. Maybe the lack of effort was on the presenters for not making sure the ranchers knew about it. Kind of a waste of resources if you don’t even make sure your intended audience is aware it’s happening.”
Helen-Nathan Horn posted, “Did any ag producers even know about this meeting? I did not see it advertised.”
Don Gittleson replied to her comment, saying, “No we didn’t know until last night when Shannon sent me a text maybe Steamboat radio would be a good place to run their announcement.”
We have reached out to Olga Robak and Dennis Shiflett with the Colorado Department of Agriculture to ask who was told and how they were told about the meeting. We also told them in Thursday’s meeting that we would be happy to get the word out through the Steamboat Radio media platforms.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture is hosting two meetings a month, primarily with agriculture producers, to answer questions they may have regarding how to handle encounters with wolves. It’s a collaborative effort with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the CSU Extension Office, and Wildlife Services.
There is a meeting today (Friday, Sept. 27) in Grand County.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Wolf Conflict Coordinator Adam Baca sets up the presentation with Dustin Shiflett with Colorado Department of Agriculture at the Wattenberg Center in Walden Thursday.
At their first meeting which was in Jackson County on Thursday, no producers showed up. Those who were there were members of the groups hosting, and two local media members (Shannon Lukens, News Director for Steamboat Radio News and Matt Shuler, the editor of the Jackson County Star).
The hosts stressed that they want to work together with unified messaging going forward. That’s what will be discussed at future meetings.
Meetings are scheduled for Moffat County on Oct. 22 and Routt County on Oct. 23. Time and location has not yet been announced. Meetings are also being scheduled for Garfield, Rio Blanco, and Gunnison counties.
Dustin Shiflett is a manager in the Nonlethal Conflict Reduction Program for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. He said at the gathering, “We’re trying to target where wolves will be reintroduced next,” and where they they might move.
Topics on the agenda at Thursday’s meeting included “Wolf 101,” Investigation/Necropsy, Site Assessments, Potential Funding Courses, Compensation Program, Carcass Management, Range Riding and how to properly haze a predator, Fladry, Foxlights, Scare Devices, etc., Livestock Protection Dogs and Support Group, and Potential of Drone Use.
One other topic that the Colorado Department of Agriculture wants producers to be aware of is grants to producer organizations to be better equipped to mitigate predator conflict. Olga Robak with the Colorado Dept. of Ag writes, “We are hoping to get funds to organizations as soon as possible to prepare for next spring’s calving season. These grants are available to communities where wolves currently are as well as where they might be in the future. Each grant will be unique to meet the needs of the producers represented by the organization.”
Eligible groups can apply for up to $20,000 in one-time grant funds. Applications are now being accepted. An example is a $20,000 grant awarded to Middle Park Stockgrowers in April for the use of Range Riders.
Potential applicants for CDA grant funding, or anyone with questions and grant inquiries, may contact Dustin Shiflett, CDA Nonlethal Conflict Reduction Program Manager, or call 720-902-1222 before applying. Application materials will be provided directly to potential qualifying applicants or are available on the CDA website at ag.colorado.gov/wolves.
Press Release from Colorado Department of Agriculture; Aug. 21, 2024
Wolf Conflict Reduction Grants Available to Colorado Ag Producer Groups
Broomfield, Colo. — The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) have developed a grant program to assist communities with implementing nonlethal wolf conflict reduction measures. These grants will be administered by CDA staff with support from CPW.
CDA is currently accepting applications which will be available throughout 2024, depending on funding availability. Eligible entities and organizations can apply for up to $20,000 in one-time grant funds.
“I strongly encourage ag communities to come together to apply for these funds,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “The more upfront planning, education, and community building we can do as an ag community, the better equipped we will be to mitigate conflict and continue building a resilient ranching sector in Colorado. These resources are about supporting communities, families, and neighbors in being proactive.”
Grants are available for entities and organizations, including but not limited to livestock associations, governmental entities, and tribes, that will provide support and services to multiple producers. Membership organizations must provide support and services to members and non-members using grant funds.
Funding will be prioritized for areas currently experiencing depredation as well as other areas where wolves are found in Colorado. Any area in Colorado that may experience wolf conflicts in the future is also eligible. CDA will work with interested entities on a case-by-case basis to determine if funding is appropriate.
These funds may be used to prepare, educate, and coordinate with producers to implement nonlethal conflict reduction measures and to directly implement measures such as range riding, education and training, and carcass disposal. A total of $300,000 is available for grants through this program in this fiscal year. Grants are available on a first come, first served basis and details on how the funding will be used will be established once the application is reviewed by CDA staff.
Non-eligible expenses include turbo fladry (a temporary electrified fence with nylon flags) and other materials such as scare devices like flashing lights and noise makers. These resources are already available directly through CPW. Please email Adam Baca for more information on these types of non-lethal resources or call 970-200-9427. Grants are not available to fund projects for individual operations.
In April, CDA awarded a $20,000 grant to the Middle Park Stockgrowers (MPSG) Association to use toward non-lethal deterrents that include nighttime patrols and herd protection. The short-term measure was made possible through CDA’s discretionary funding, which allowed MPSG to hire a local range rider, and was an early example of the support CDA can provide to ranching communities dealing with predator conflicts. The grant was later expanded by an additional $28,000 from CPW’s wolf depredation and conflict fund.
Potential applicants for CDA grant funding, or anyone with questions and grant inquiries, may contact Dustin Shiflett, CDA Nonlethal Conflict Reduction Program Manager, or call 720-902-1222 before applying. Application materials will be provided directly to potential qualifying applicants or are available on the CDA website at ag.colorado.gov/wolves.
PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA
21 de agosto de 2024
Contacto: Olga Robak, 720-428-0441, olga.robak@state.co.us
Subvenciones disponibles para ayudar a grupos de agricultores de Colorado en la reducción del conflicto con lobos
BROOMFIELD, Colorado — El Departamento de Agricultura de Colorado (CDA) y el Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre (CPW) han desarrollado un programa de subvenciones para ayudar a las comunidades a aplicar medidas no letales de la reducción de conflictos con lobos. Estas subvenciones serán administradas por el personal de CDA con el apoyo de CPW. CDA estará aceptando solicitudes durante todo el 2024, según la disponibilidad de los fondos.
Las entidades y organizaciones elegibles pueden postularse para recibir hasta $20,000 una vez a través de esta subvención.
“Les recomiendo a las comunidades agrícolas que se asocien para solicitar estos fondos,” dijo la Comisionada de Agricultura de Colorado, Kate Greenberg. “Cuanta más planificación, educación y unión logremos como comunidad agrícola, mejor equipados estaremos para mitigar conflictos y seguir construyendo un sector ganadero resiliente en Colorado. Estos recursos son para apoyar a las comunidades, las familias y los vecinos a que sean proactivos.”
Las subvenciones están disponibles para las entidades y organizaciones que apoyen y tengan servicios para múltiples productores, incluyendo pero sin limitarse a las asociaciones ganaderas, las entidades gubernamentales y las tribus. Las organizaciones que requieren membresía deben ofrecer apoyo y servicios a miembros y otras personas usando los fondos de la subvención.
Se le dará prioridad de financiamiento a las áreas que actualmente se enfrentan a la depredación y otras áreas donde hay lobos. Cualquier zona en Colorado que pudiera tener conflictos con lobos en el futuro también es elegible. CDA trabajará con las entidades interesadas caso por caso para determinar si el financiamiento es apropiado.
Estos fondos pueden utilizarse para preparar, educar y coordinar con los productores agrícolas la aplicación de medidas no letales de reducción de conflictos, y para poner en práctica medidas directas como la vigilancia de caballo, la educación, la capacitación y el desecho de cadáveres. Se dispone de un total de $300,000 para las subvenciones a través de este programa en este año fiscal. Las subvenciones están disponibles por orden de llegada y los detalles sobre cómo se utilizarán los fondos se establecerán cuando el personal de CDA revise la solicitud.
Los gastos no subvencionables incluyen el turbo fladry (una valla eléctrica temporal con banderas de nailon) y otros dispositivos para asustar a los lobos como las luces intermitentes y los aparatos para hacer ruido. Estos recursos ya están disponibles directamente a través de CPW. Póngase en contacto con Adam Baca a través de adam.baca@state.co.us o llame al 970-200-9427 para obtener más información sobre este tipo de recursos no letales. Las subvenciones no están disponibles para financiar proyectos en operaciones individuales.
En abril, CDA le concedió una subvención de $20,000 a la Asociación Middle Park Stockgrowers (MPSG) para medidas disuasorias no letales que incluyen patrullas nocturnas y protección de rebaños. La medida a corto plazo fue posible gracias a los fondos discrecionales de CDA, que le permitió a la MPSG contratar a un jinete patrullero local, lo que fue uno de los primero ejemplos del apoyo que CDA le puede brindar a las comunidades ganaderas que se enfrentan a conflictos con depredadores. La subvención se amplió posteriormente a $28,000 adicionales procedentes del fondo de depredación y conflictos con lobos de CPW.
Los potenciales solicitantes de las subvenciones de CDA, pueden escribirle a Dustin Shiflett, Director del Programa para la Reducción No Letal de Conflictos, antes de postularse. Para preguntas y consultas sobre subvenciones, póngase en contacto con Dustin Shiflett, Director del Programa del CDA para la Reducción No Letal de Conflictos, o llame al 720-902-1222. Quienes cumplan los requisitos recibirán los materiales de la solicitud directamente o los encontrarán en la página de internet de CDA ag.colorado.gov/wolves.
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The Colorado Department of Agriculture exists to support the state’s agriculture industry and serve the people of Colorado through regulation, advocacy, and education. Our mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado agriculture, promote a safe and high-quality food supply, protect consumers, and foster responsible stewardship of the environment and natural resources. Learn more at ag.colorado.gov.
El Departamento de Agricultura de Colorado existe para apoyar a la industria agrícola y servir a la población del estado a través de regulaciones, abogacía y educación. Nuestra misión es fortalecer e impulsar la agricultura de Colorado, promover un suministro de alimentos seguro y de alta calidad, proteger a los consumidores y fomentar la administración responsable del medio ambiente y los recursos naturales. Conozca más en ag.colorado.gov.
Steamboat Radio News Past Coverage of wolves in Colorado
- Sept. 26, 2024 — No producers show for first Non-Lethal Wolf Conflict Reduction Training Meeting
- Sept. 23, 2024 — CPW confirms a cow and a calf killed by wolves in Grand County
- Sept. 16, 2024 — The Wolf Conflict Reduction program is hiring two field specialists
- Sept. 14, 2024 — The next set of wolves coming to Colorado will be from Canada
- Sept. 13, 2024 — Middle Park Stockgrowers ask CPW not to release any more wolves there
- Sept. 12, 2024 — Another wolf is dead in Grand County
- Sept. 10, 2024 — Grand County ranchers are reporting more wolf kills
- Sept. 9, 2024 — The Copper Creek Wolf Pack has been captured and CPW says the adult male was unhealthy and has died
- Sept. 9, 2024 –– Ranchers with the most wolf depredations ask U.S. Fish & Wildlife to take over wolf management
- Aug. 27, 2024 — The Copper Creek Wolf Pack is getting rounded up and relocated
- Aug. 23, 2024 — CPW confirms the next wolves introduced will again be in Northern Colorado
- July 31, 2024 — Eight more sheep confirmed killed by wolves in Grand County
- July 31, 2024 — Colville Tribe says they won’t send wolves to Colorado now
- July 29, 2024 — Two more sheep die from wolves in Grand County
- June 24, 2024 — CPW REPORTS LESS WOLF ACTIVITY IN ROUTT AND NONE IN MOFFAT
- June 20, 2024 — WOLF PUP CONFIRMED IN GRAND COUNTY
- June 19, 2024 — CPW CONFIRMS SOUTH ROUTT WOLF KILL
- June 17, 2024 — PRODUCER REPORTS SUSPECTED WOLF KILL IN SOUTH ROUTT COUNTY
- June 16, 2024 — CPW DIRECTOR JEFF DAVIS ANSWERS QUESTIONS AT JACKSON COUNTY GATHERING
- June 13, 2024 — CPW TO FORM WORKING GROUP REGARDING WOLF RESTORATION
- June 12, 2024 — NORTH PARK PRODUCER WHO LOSES CALF SPEAKS OUT
- June 10, 2024 — CPW CONFIRMS ANOTHER WOLF DEPREDATION IN JACKSON COUNTY THIS WEEKEND
- June 5, 2024 — Wolf Video posted from Grand County
- May 26, 2024 — DON GITTLESON SAYS ANOTHER CALF HAS BEEN KILLED BY WOLVES ON HIS RANCH
- May 15, 2024 — HERE’S THE LATEST LETTER TO MIDDLE PARK STOCKGROWERS FROM CPW DIRECTOR DAVIS
- May 14, 2024 — Suspected mountain lion kills the collared wolf
- May 6, 2024 — MIDDLE PARK STOCKGROWERS SEND EIGHT-PAGE LETTER TO CPW
- April 30, 2024 — GRAND COUNTY RANCHERS TO GET HELP WITH PROTECTING THEIR LIVESTOCK
- April 30, 2024 — NORTH PARK STOCKGROWERS SEND ANOTHER LETTER TO CPW AND GOV. POLIS
- April 28, 2024 —ANOTHER WOLF KILL IN GRAND COUNTY SUNDAY
- April 24-2024 — COLLARED GRAY WOLF ACTIVITY MAP RELEASED FOR APRIL
- April 23, 2024 — A WOLF HAS DIED, AND MIDDLE PARK STOCKGROWERS HEAR FROM CPW
- April 22, 2024 — MULTIPLE LETTERS SENT TODAY TO GOVERNOR POLIS AND CPW ASKING FOR ACTION ON WOLVES
- April 18, 2024 — FOUR MORE HEAD OF LIVESTOCK KILLED BY WOLVES IN GRAND COUNTY
- April 9, 2024 — AG PRODUCERS MEET WITH CPW OFFICIALS IN KREMMLING ABOUT WOLVES
- April 8, 2024 — ANOTHER CALF KILLED BY A WOLF OR WOLVES IN JACKSON COUNTY
- April 3, 2024 — A WOLF OR WOLVES HAVE KILLED A NEWBORN CALF IN GRAND COUNTY
- April 3, 2024 — Denver 7 Calf killed in first confirmed report of gray wolf depredation since wolves were released in December
- Feb. 29, 2024 — COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE OFFICIALS COME TO STEAMBOAT SPRINGS TO TALK WOLVES
- Jan. 30, 2024 — CPW SENDS UPDATE ON WOLF SIGHTINGS SINCE 2004, AND MORE ON THE MAP
- Jan. 24, 2024 — ELECTED OFFICIALS GRILL DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CPW AT HEARING WEDNESDAY
- Jan. 22, 2024 — CPW GETS HARSH LETTER DEMANDING ANSWERS FROM ROBERTS AND MCCLUSKIE
- Jan. 19, 2024 — COLORADO’S NEXT WOLVES TO BE REINTRODUCED WILL BE FROM TRIBAL LANDS IN WASHINGTON
- Jan. 12, 2024 — CPW CONFIRMS WOLVES WERE IN SOUTH ROUTT BUT AREN’T (YET) IN MOFFAT
- Dec. 22, 2023 — FIVE MORE WOLVES ARE RELEASED BY COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE
- Dec. 22, 2023 — CPW DENIES GITTLESON’S REQUEST TO IMPLEMENT 10(J) RULE ON JACKSON COUNTY WOLVES
- Dec. 21, 2023 — THREE OF THE FIVE WOLVES RELEASED IN COLORADO WERE IN PACKS THAT KILLED OR INJURED LIVESTOCK IN OREGON
- Dec. 19, 2023 — LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS RECEIVE WOLF UPDATE FROM CPW IN CRAIG MONDAY
- Dec. 13, 2023 — GITTLESON SAYS ANOTHER CALF WAS ATTACKED BY A WOLF TODAY
- Dec. 11, 2023 — COMPLAINT FILED IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT TO STOP WOLF REINTRODUCTION IN COLORADO
- Dec. 4, 2023 — KEEP YOUR PETS CLOSE AND CARRY A BIG STICK – CPW HAS ADVICE FOR LIVING WITH WOLVES
- Nov. 19, 2023 — THREE LAMBS KILLED BY A WOLF IN JACKSON COUNTY, SAYS RANCHER
- Nov. 17, 2023 – CPW AND CDA ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT TO WORK TOGETHER ON WOLF REINTRODUCTION
- Nov. 7, 2023 – U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SETS DATE FOR 10J RULE FOR WOLVES
- Oct. 6, 2023 – COLORADO WILL RECEIVE WOLVES FROM OREGON
- May 16, 2023 – POLIS VETOES 10J RULE WOLF BILL
- May 3, 2023 – CPW COMMISSION APPROVES FINAL WOLF RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
- May 2, 2023 – MANAGEMENT OF GRAY WOLVES REINTRODUCTION BILL PASSES IN STATE HOUSE
- May 2, 2023 –CPW MEETS THIS WEEK FOR FINAL WOLF MANAGEMENT PLAN
- April 27, 2023 – CPW CONFIRMS WOLF SIGHTING EAST OF KREMMLING
- April 8, 2023 – CPW WOLF COMMISSION MEETS IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
- April 3, 2023 – CPW TO PRESENT FINAL DRAFT WOLF RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
- March 28, 2023 – THE SOUTHERN UTE TRIBE ASKS THAT CPW RELEASES WOLVES ALONG I-70 CORRIDOR
- March 15, 2023 – TWO DOGS DIE FROM WOLVES IN JACKSON COUNTY THIS WEEK
- March 3, 2023 –COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION RELEASES WOLF REINTRODUCTION MEETING RECAP
- Feb. 21, 2023 —WOLF 2101 RECAPTURED AND RECOLLARED IN JACKSON COUNTY
- Feb. 21, 2023 —10J RULE MEETINGS WITH REGARDS TO WOLVES SCHEDULED FOR NW COLORADO BY US FISH AND WILDLIFE
- Jan. 17, 2023 —STATE LEGISLATORS HEAR MORE ON WOLF REINTRODUCTION AT JOINT COMMITTEE HEARING
- Dec. 13, 2022 —MORE WOLVES VISIT GITTLESON PROPERTY IN JACKSON COUNTY THIS WEEK
- Dec. 12, 2022 —NORTH PARK RANCHERS MEET WITH CPW REGARDING WOLF REINTRODUCTION PLAN
- Dec. 10, 2022 —CPW RELEASES DRAFT COLORADO WOLF RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
- Nov. 19, 2022 —ANOTHER WOLF ATTACK REPORTED IN JACKSON COUNTY
- Oct. 9, 2022 —WOLVES ATTACK CALVES IN RIO BLANCO AND JACKSON COUNTIES
- July 14, 2022 —CPW UPDATES THE WOLF PACK IN JACKSON COUNTY
- June 20, 2022 ––WOLF MANAGEMENT DISCUSSED AT MEETING IN WALDEN
- June 15, 2022 —WOLVES IN NORTH PARK ARE SUBJECT AT MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 20
- May 30, 2022 —THE GITTLESON RANCH LOSES ANOTHER CALF TO WOLVES, THEY SAY
- May 5, 2022 —AT LEAST TWO MORE CALVES KILLED BY WOLVES ON GITTLESON RANCH
- May 10, 2022 ––THIRD CALF DIES ON JACKSON COUNTY RANCH; CPW DOES NECROPSY
- April 11, 2022 —A NEW LITTER OF WOLF PUPS IS EXPECTED IN JACKSON COUNTY
- March 17, 2022 —WOLVES ATTACK ANOTHER DOMESTIC COW IN JACKSON COUNTY
- Feb. 10, 2022 – MONTANA STOCKGROWERS VOICE SUPPORT FOR COLORADO RANCHERS OVER THE WOLVES
- Feb. 9, 2022 – WOLF MANAGEMENT DISCUSSED BY LOCAL RANCHERS AND OFFICIALS AT FORUM IN STEAMBOAT
- Jan. 22, 2022 – WOLF MITIGATION OPTIONS
- Jan. 19, 2022 – ANOTHER COW KILLED OVERNIGHT IN NORTH PARK BY WOLVES
- Jan. 18, 2022 – TWO MORE COWS ATTACKED BY WOLVES IN JACKSON COUNTY TUESDAY
- Jan. 12, 2022 – CPW ALLOWS WOLVES TO BE HAZED IN EMERGENCY DECLARATION
- Jan. 10, 2022 – A WOLF PACK KILL IS REPORTED IN JACKSON COUNTY OVER THE WEEKEND
- June 9, 2021 – WOLF DEN WITH PUPS CONFIRMED IN NW COLORADO