North Park Deer and Pronghorn Herd Management Plan Meetings
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO- In continuing efforts to offer the public a convenient way to work with Colorado Parks and wildlife’s managers and biologists, the agency will host two herd management meetings in July one in Walden and another in Ft. Collins. The gatherings will give citizens the opportunity to express their preferences as the agency forms future management strategies for mule deer and pronghorn herds in North Park.
Approximately every 10 years, CPW updates management strategies for the state’s big game species. Known as Data Analysis Unit, or DAU plans, they are the blueprints establishing overall big game population objectives, including the goals for male-female ratios within those populations.
“Science and biology are the cornerstones of responsible wildlife management, but the public’s input is very important,” said Jeff Yost, terrestrial biologist for the Steamboat Springs area. “It is very difficult to manage wildlife without the participation of our citizens, whether they are hunters, wildlife watchers, landowners, business owners or land management agencies, we encourage everyone to get involved in the management of their natural resources.”
CPW manages deep populations in North Park in accordance with the DAU D-3 plan, including Game Management Units 6, 16, 17, 161 and 171. Pronghorn fall under DAU PH-3 plan, Including Game Management Units 6, 16, 17, 161 and 171.
For more information about DAU plans, visit the CPW website.
During each meeting, managers will present several management alternatives, including increasing or decreasing overall herd size and male-female ratios, or leaving the populations and gender ratios at their current levels.
Walden Meeting
Date: Friday, July 14, 2017
Location: US Forest Service Building Conference Room
100 Main Street, Walden
6:30-8:00 PM
Ft. Collins Meeting
Date: Monday, July 17, 2017
Location: Front Range Community College, Harmony Library- Community Room (H)
4616 S Shields Street
Meeting Time: 6:30-8:00 PM
For more information, contact Steamboat Springs Area Biologist Jeff Yost at 970-871-2843.
