Colorado residents, we need your help to press Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners to vote NO on a desperate petition from the meat industry to halt the second phase of the wolf reintroduction plan.

On Jan. 8, the commissioners will vote on the petition, which undermines the science-based wolf restoration plan voters approved.

The deadline to submit written public comments or register for virtual speaking is 11:59 a.m. MT on Jan. 3, 2025. Register to speak virtually here. Select agenda item 13.c. You can submit written comments by emailing dnr_cpwcommission@state.co.us. In-person registration is available on Jan. 8. The meeting will be from 8 am to 5 p.m. at CPW Headquarters, Hunter Education Building, 6060 Broadway, Denver.

In 2020, Coloradans made it clear—wolves deserve to return to their native habitat. The reintroduction of gray wolves is critical for restoring ecological balance and fulfilling the voter-mandated plan established in 2020. Delaying the reintroduction process not only jeopardizes the survival of the nine wolves currently on the ground but also violates CPW’s regulatory responsibilities and commitments.

Wolves are complex, apex predators and social beings with strong family bonds, and the focus should be on nurturing their survival and restoring their rightful place in Colorado’s wild landscapes — not bending further to the demands of ranchers and the meat industry.

The petition is outlandish, as CPW has extensively collaborated with the Colorado Dept. of Agriculture to minimize livestock-depredation, has a proactive-site assessment program, and continues expanding resources aimed to prevent conflicts while allowing wolves to thrive. Over the past four years, CPW has developed and implemented a comprehensive, science-backed process, that prioritizes non-lethal conflict mitigation strategies, rapid response teams, specialized training, and stakeholder workshops, all with an emphasis on fostering coexistence with wolves.

For questions please email Liz Holland at <liz.holland@friendsofanimals.org>.