01-17-2008, 10:10 PM
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is interested in hearing from the public about management of elk and moose herds in North Park. Public input is critical in helping revise management plans, called Data Analysis Unit or DAU plans. DAU plans establish population objectives and set goals for male-female ratios within populations.
Interested members of the public are invited to attend a DAU planning meeting in Walden on Tuesday, Jan. 29 or Ft. Collins on Wednesday, Jan. 30. The Walden meeting will be held at the US Forest Service office at 100 Main Street. The Ft. Collins meeting will be at the Ft. Collins Hilton at 425 West Prospect Road. Both meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
Elk populations in North Park are guided by the E-3 DAU plan, which includes Game Management Units 6, 16, 17, 161 and 171.
Moose in North Park are managed under the M-1 DAU plan, which includes Game Management Units 6, 16, 17, 161 and 171.
DAU plans are based on wildlife management principles and public input and are revised approximately every 10 years. To aid the public in discussion, several management alternatives will be presented at the public meetings. The alternatives cover increasing or decreasing overall herd size and male-female ratios or leaving the populations and gender ratios at their current levels. The benefits and drawbacks to each alternative will be presented.
"Herd size is a function of biology and habitat, but management of those herd sizes involves understanding public tolerance and desires for species populations," said Jeff Yost, DOW terrestrial biologist for the Steamboat Springs area. "While the DOW is well suited to make biological decisions, we need public input to determine if larger or smaller herds are desired."
Sportsmen, outfitters, business owners and landowners all have a vested interest in the big game populations in an area. Sportsmen may want larger herds for increased opportunity or male-female ratios that create bigger bucks but less hunting opportunity. Outfitters and hunting/tourism-dependent businesses like hotels and restaurants may want increased hunting opportunity that brings hunters to an area. Landowners may want decreased herd sizes to limit damage to haystacks and fences. Large landowners may also want herd gender ratios that promote bigger bulls and result in more desirable private land bull licenses.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.
Interested members of the public are invited to attend a DAU planning meeting in Walden on Tuesday, Jan. 29 or Ft. Collins on Wednesday, Jan. 30. The Walden meeting will be held at the US Forest Service office at 100 Main Street. The Ft. Collins meeting will be at the Ft. Collins Hilton at 425 West Prospect Road. Both meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
Elk populations in North Park are guided by the E-3 DAU plan, which includes Game Management Units 6, 16, 17, 161 and 171.
Moose in North Park are managed under the M-1 DAU plan, which includes Game Management Units 6, 16, 17, 161 and 171.
DAU plans are based on wildlife management principles and public input and are revised approximately every 10 years. To aid the public in discussion, several management alternatives will be presented at the public meetings. The alternatives cover increasing or decreasing overall herd size and male-female ratios or leaving the populations and gender ratios at their current levels. The benefits and drawbacks to each alternative will be presented.
"Herd size is a function of biology and habitat, but management of those herd sizes involves understanding public tolerance and desires for species populations," said Jeff Yost, DOW terrestrial biologist for the Steamboat Springs area. "While the DOW is well suited to make biological decisions, we need public input to determine if larger or smaller herds are desired."
Sportsmen, outfitters, business owners and landowners all have a vested interest in the big game populations in an area. Sportsmen may want larger herds for increased opportunity or male-female ratios that create bigger bucks but less hunting opportunity. Outfitters and hunting/tourism-dependent businesses like hotels and restaurants may want increased hunting opportunity that brings hunters to an area. Landowners may want decreased herd sizes to limit damage to haystacks and fences. Large landowners may also want herd gender ratios that promote bigger bulls and result in more desirable private land bull licenses.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.