History of Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Timeline

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is the agency responsible for managing Colorado's state parks system, wildlife, and the Colorado Natural Areas Program. CPW oversees state parks and wildlife areas ensuring the conservation and management of natural resources. Their duties encompass the protection of wildlife habitats, promotion of outdoor recreation, and stewardship of Colorado's natural heritage.

1982: Commission opposed gray wolf reintroduction

In 1982, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission passed resolutions opposing the reintroduction of the gray wolf.

1989: Commission opposed gray wolf reintroduction

In 1989, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission passed resolutions opposing the reintroduction of the gray wolf.

2016: Colorado Natural Areas Program Designated Sites

As of 2016, the Colorado Natural Areas Program had 93 designated sites which protected more than 250 endangered, rare, or threatened species.

2016: Commission rejected gray wolf reintroduction

In 2016, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission rejected a proposal to reintroduce the gray wolf, influenced by concerns about the impact on big game and livestock ranching and the already successful gray wolf population elsewhere.

2017: Division Managed State Parks and Wildlife Areas

As of 2017, the division managed the 42 state parks and 307 wildlife areas of Colorado.

November 2020: Voters directed the Commission to restore and manage wolves

In November 2020, a ballot measure directed the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop a plan to restore and manage wolves by the end of 2023, designate wolves as non-game animals, and provide compensation for livestock losses.

2023: Forty-three State Parks open to the public

As of 2023, there were forty-three State Parks open to the public, including the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex. The 2023 edition of Your guide to Colorado's state parks describes two state parks not included in the total: Lone Mesa and Sweetwater Lake.