“The natural world sustains us with clean air, unpolluted water, recreation,
and natural resources. If we destroy nature, we destroy ourselves.”
–Jim Posewitz, Beyond Fair Chase[1]
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) mission is to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. Although our organization is formed around hunting and fishing, our members are also avid hikers, backpackers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and so-on. Most importantly we seek to conserve our natural resources so that all pursuits can be enjoyed responsibly for many generations.[2]
“There’s no other organization like Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Need proof? Take a look at the highlights from the 2023 member survey,” Colorado BHA Communications Co-Chair Derek Pankratz explained. “What other group boasts a membership that relies on public land 90% of their time afield; eats wild game weekly (50%); is mostly younger (76% under age 54); and–perhaps most amazing in this polarized age–is nearly evenly split across partisan affiliations? That unique mix of members, all fueled by a dedication to public lands, waters, and wildlife, is BHA’s superpower.”[3]
“Importantly, we will remain the most diverse hunting and fishing organization in North America. We are famously evenly split politically, and we’re younger and more diverse than any other organization in our space. We’re even more diverse in our mission compared to other organizations that focus on a single species or just hunting and fishing. We’re unique and strong because we have chapters in both the U.S. and Canada. We are special in many ways. BHA in its third decade will be an even stronger force on behalf of conservation.” -Ted Koch, BHA North American Board Chair[4]
-Ben Long’s Hunter & Angler Field Guide to Raising Hell: https://www.scottpublishingcompany.com/fieldguide
-“A Hunter-Angler (Hell-Raisin’ & Habitat Savin’) Guide To Winning: Colorado BHA Examples (Browns Canyon & Camp Hale).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 10/23/23.
-“For those who answer the call to speak for those who cannot, this book is for you! Wild public lands, waters and wildlife need your voice and this book, this grassroots bible, will help you engage.” -Land Tawney, former BHA President and CEO (4/3/23)
-David “Elkheart” Petersen (founder of the first BHA state chapter, here in Colorado, and a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot) books. Also see this Elkheart documentary, “On the Wild Edge,” at: https://youtu.be/-IE58L4bqEA
-“You don’t inspire volunteers to action by decree from on high. Rather, you give them minimal direction and maximum freedom to do their own thing, within the realm of the group’s charter.” –David “Elkheart” Petersen, Colorado BHA founder
BHA Issues Triad (PAF)[5]
- Public Lands & Waters (Public Lands = Freedom). Our public lands make each of us land-rich. Protecting and perpetuating public lands and waters is paramount. “Public lands personify this idea we call America—which is freedom. The human animal—the human spirit—is not intended to be confined to a cage.”[6] We are, “The voice for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.” Former BHA Armed Forces Initiative (AFI) Coordinator Trevor Hubbs adds, “The BHA mission is all of ours.”[7] And as explained by BHA Podcast & Blast host Hal Herring, “The future of the American public lands is as important to our nation as the Bill of Rights or the Constitution itself.”[8]
- Access & Opportunity. We are intent on keeping public lands in public hands.[9] “Working every day to make sure you have access to public lands and waters and the quality fish and wildlife habitat when you get there.”[10] Access has emerged as a priority issue for North American hunters and anglers, and lack of access is cited by sportsmen and women as the No. 1 reason why we stop pursuing our passions. Access to the more than 600 million acres of public land is part of being American. However, opportunity is diminished when “access becomes excess.”[11]
- Fair Chase & Restraint. “We must ensure that the ethical pursuit of fish and game is upheld as dearly as our own obligation to morality and citizenship,” BHA explains in its fair chase statement.[12] As Jim Posewitz wrote in Beyond Fair Chase, “The ethics of hunting deteriorate as machinery and modern technology are substituted for hunter stamina, skill, knowledge, and patience.”[13] Conservation derives from the Latin conservare, meaning “to keep guard.”[14] As America’s first conservationists, hunters have a century-old tradition of protecting habitat and policing our own ranks.[15]
Top Chapter Highlights (Q2)
-Board member Dan Parkinson received BHA’s Aldo Leopold Award.
-Jerod Swanson accepts Central Rockies Assistant Regional Director Position.
-Boulder Country Assistant Regional Director Kris Hess wrote an op-ed (“County closure of Sugarloaf to hunting harms hunters”) for the April 28 Daily Camera.
-The Department of the Interior decision to finalize a 20-year administrative mineral withdrawal for approximately 220,000 acres of the Thompson Divide praised by Colorado BHA.
-Colorado BHA supports the Dolores River Canyons National Monument proposal.
“Our most important asset is our volunteers.”
“There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” -General Jimmy Doolittle
Chapter News
What Has BHA/CO BHA Done For Me?
-“CO BHA Chapter Newsletter Spring 2024.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/8/24.
-“CO BHA Winter Newsletter.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 12/21/23.
-“CO Chapter Newsletter Fall 2023.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 10/9/23.
-“Colorado Chapter Newsletter Summer 2023.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 7/8/23.
-“Colorado BHA Q1 2024 Update.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/16/24.
-“Colorado BHA Q4 2023 Update.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 10/27/23.
-“Colorado BHA Q3 2023 Update.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 8/3/23.
-“Colorado BHA Q2 2023 Update.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/24/23.
-BHA Stewardship: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/stewardship
-BHA Top 10 Wins (2023). “Being Good Stewards of Our Public Lands, Waters, and Wildlife.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 12/5/23.
-Kaden McArthur. “Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Federal Policy Roundup 2023.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: December 2023.
-Zack Williams. “BHA Podcast & Blast, Ep. 173: BHA 2023 Policy Roundup with BHA Government Relations Manager Kaden McArthur.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/6/24.
-Kaden McArthur. “BHA’s 2024 Policy Priorities.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 1/24/24 (See p.19 for Colorado Priority Landscapes). https://www.backcountryhunters.org/bha_s_2024_policy_priorities
-David A. Lien. “Hunting For Experience: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Oral History Project.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/28/24.
Chapter Leadership Team & Habitat Watch Volunteer Updates
(40 Chapter Leadership Team Members/40-plus Habitat Watch Volunteers)
We currently have eleven (11) Colorado BHA Groups (not all necessarily currently active): Northern Colorado, Boulder County, Denver Metro Area, Southeast Colorado, Central Rockies, Roaring Fork/Eagle Valleys, Routt County, Gunnison Valley/County, Southwest Colorado, Central West Slope, Grand Valley/Mesa County. For additional information see: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/group_leaders
We have Habitat Watch Volunteers (HWVs) who serve as our “eyes and ears” in all eleven Colorado national forests. Contact HWV Program Coordinator/Co-Chair Don Holmstrom ([email protected]) for additional information. Also see the following link for more information: Colorado BHA Habitat Watch Volunteer (HWV) program information.
BHA/CO BHA Staff/Leaders
-“Colorado Habitat Stewardship Coordinator (Briant Wiles) Joins Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Team.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/22/24.
-“The Patron Saints of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/12/24.
Chapter Communications Update-Derek Pankratz & Scott Heatwole
-Communications Co-Chair Derek Pankratz ([email protected]) is our primary contact for Colorado BHA Newsletter input/content.
-If you have an event you’d like to promote on social media/Instagram, reach out to Communications Co-Chair Scott Heatwole (a U.S. Air Force veteran: [email protected]) and include a caption and image so he can post.
Events-Colorado BHA/AFI
-Upcoming CO BHA Events: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/co_upcoming_events
-Upcoming BHA Armed Forces Initiative (AFI) Events: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/events_afi
-All Things Colorado BHA: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/colorado
BHA Collegiate Program-Colorado State University (CSU) Fort Collins
Colorado has a BHA Collegiate Club at CSU in Fort Collins. Contact CSU Club leaders at: [email protected]. For additional information on the BHA Collegiate Club Program visit the webpage or Instagram page.
Armed Forces Initiative (AFI)-Colorado
Colorado BHA Armed Forces Initiative Liaison: Matt Lee ([email protected]).
Colorado BHA Fort Carson AFI President: Jonathon Dotson ([email protected]).
-“The purpose of the Armed Forces Initiative is to create conservationists in the military community … awaken in them a passion for the freedom that public lands and waters can give to a person … we strive to give our participants a new mission of conservation.”[16]
-“… our small program has grown over the past three years from just 18 veterans in Montana to 14,000 members and clubs in 42 States and 26 Active-Duty instillations …”[17]
-“On the night in 2004 that Backcountry Hunters & Anglers came to life, at least two of the faces glowing orange and red in the flickering light of a campfire belonged to veterans of military service. Almost 20 years later, 20% of BHA’s members are active duty or veterans of military service, a rate more than twice that found amongst the remainder of our citizenry. It’s not a surprise people drawn to protect national security are also drawn to protect the lands held in common by all North Americans.” -Russell Worth Parker. Backcountry Journal: Fall 2023[18]
-“The Armed Forces initiative has state-based volunteer leaders in forty-six states (we need help in Hawaii, Iowa, Indiana, and New Jersey) with twenty-six active-duty installation clubs teaching veterans and active-duty military members to recreate outdoors at over 130 events annually … The BHA mission is all of ours.” -Trevor Hubbs, BHA AFI Coordinator[19]
-“23% of our members are either active-duty military or veterans.”[20]
-Travis Bradford. “2023 BHA Membership Survey Results.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 9/29/23.
-Trevor Hubbs. “AFI Receives Praise for Stewardship work in CO.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/24/24.
-“We introduced over 2,000 participants to the outdoors in over 140 events in 46 states!” -Dalton Wayne, BHA AFI Communications Director[21]
-Dalton Wayne Hoover. “AFI Q:1 Newsletter.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/12/24.
-Trevor Hubbs. “AFI Policy Updates for Q:1 2024.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/15/24.
-“Stalking Wildness: BHA’s Wilderness Warriors.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/13/24.
-Hal Herring. “Wilderness Warriors: Tales of Backcountry Hunting and Veteran Camaraderie.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Podcast & Blast Ep. 172: 12/25/23.
-“Giving Veterans a New Mission in Conservation”
-“Public lands = Freedom”
-Become An AFI Volunteer; Armed Forces Initiative Leadership.
-BHA’s Armed Forces Initiative. “Armed Forces Initiative-Get Involved.”
-Become An AFI Volunteer; Armed Forces Initiative Leadership.
BHA Podcast & Blast/Hal Herring
-“The future of the American public lands is as important to our nation as the Bill of Rights or the Constitution itself.” –Hal Herring, Field & Stream contributing editor, host of BHA’s Podcast & Blast and recipient of BHA’s 2016 Ted Trueblood Award[22]
-This is one of many excellent Hal Herring BHA Podcast & Blast episodes.
-“Douglas Brinkley is the preeminent scholar and writer on the history of America’s public lands and conservation movement. Among his seven bestselling books of history are Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America (2010) and Rightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America (2016). His new book in this series, Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and the Great Environmental Awakening, will be available before Dec. 1, 2022.”
-Travis Bradford. “BHA Podcast & Blast, Ep. 144: Author and Historian Douglas Brinkley.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 11/8/22.
(Updates Below Are Randomly Ordered)
North American Rendezvous
-North American Rendezvous welcome reception at Unmapped Brewing in Minnetonka with Governor Tim Walz (4/18/24).
-North American Rendezvous at the Minneapolis Convention Center (4/19/24).
-Turkey Calling Contest at the Minneapolis Convention Center (4/20/24).
-Awards Ceremony at the Minneapolis Convention Center with master of ceremonies Randy Newberg and Colorado BHA Board/Executive Leadership Team (ELT) member Dan Parkinson receiving the Aldo Leopold Award (4/20/24).
-North American Rendezvous at the Minneapolis Convention Center (4/20/24).
-Thomas Plank. “Rendezvous 2024 Recap: Making Moves in Minneapolis.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/25/24.
Colorado BHA Rendezvous
-We camped next to the Colorado Trail and south of the 167,414-acre Collegiate Peaks Wilderness with easy access to a number of hiking and fishing locales. We’ve had our Rendezvous here previously during 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2022. The site was initially recommended by a local BHA Life Member, Bill Sustrich, who was also a World War II/U.S. Navy veteran (see a link below for some info. about Bill).[23]
-This event has traditionally been an opportunity for chapter leaders and members (and others who may be interested in BHA) to get together in an informal setting where no one has to work. It’s an opportunity to put names to faces, share hunting/fishing stories/experiences, and discuss chapter issues in an outdoors/public lands setting.
-“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 15th Annual Rendezvous (June 21-23).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/29/24.
-“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 15th Annual Rendezvous (June 21-23, 2024).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/14/24.
-“Colorado BHA Remembers Chapter Patriarch (& U.S. Navy/World War II veteran) Bill Sustrich.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 8/6/18.
Bighorn Sheep
-“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Board Member Dan Parkinson Receives Aldo Leopold Award.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/29/24.
-Colorado BHA Executive Leadership Team (ELT)/Board member Dan Parkinson has been working in conjunction with other groups on this issue (links below) for a long time. All their hard work is paying dividends.
-Derek Pankratz. “Colorado BHA helps secure major win for bighorn sheep.” Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 12/21/23.
-Reuben M. Schafir. “Agreement ends domestic sheep grazing on 100,000 acres near Silverton: Bacteria carried by livestock pose serious threat to Colorado’s bighorn sheep population.” The Durang Herald: 11/10/23.
-Elise Schmelzer. “Domestic sheep will no longer graze swath of Colorado land to protect bighorns from ‘pernicious’ disease: Disease passed to wild species can wipe out large portions of herds and future generations.” The Denver Post: 11/9/23.
-Mountain Studies Institute (MSI). “San Juan Mountains Colorado Bighorn Sheep Monitoring.” MSI: http://www.mountainstudies.org/bighorn/
-A science-based policy statement on public lands grazing: https://www.greatoldbroads.org/threats-public-lands-livestock-grazing/
-Also see this 15-minute version of Transmission: https://f.io/TNQdNRLr. The video, produced by the Wild Sheep Society of BC and filmed in British Columbia, clearly identifies the disease threat to bighorns in North America.
-Bighorn Sheep Head Butting-Wild Nature Media (David Neils: 8/6/21).
-“2021 North American Policy Statement: Reducing Conflict Between Wild Seep And Domestic Sheep And Goats On Public Lands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2021.
Colorado Public Lands Day Bash/Fence Pulls
-Bryan Jones. “Beers, Bands, and Barbwire Strands 2024 (May 17-19).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/20/24.
-Colorado BHA (4/30/24). “Wild Game Potluck! Show off your culinary skills at 2nd annual Beer, Bands, and Barbwire Strands.”
-Also see: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/cpld_schedule
-Colorado BHA photos. Fence pulling (with Llama logistical support) at the Colorado Public Lands Day (CPLD) Bash (“Beer, Bands, and Barbed Wire Strands”) in Gunnison (5/18/24)
-“Briant Wiles recently joined the BHA team as Colorado Habitat Stewardship Coordinator. Briant was born and raised in Lander, Wyoming, and has a Bachelor of Business Administration & Outdoor Recreation and a Master of Environmental Management from Western Colorado University. Briant was also the president of his local Trout Unlimited chapter for many years and worked on improving irrigation infrastructure, fish habitat, and stream restoration. In his new role, Briant will be spearheading stewardship efforts across the state, including playing a major role in our Colorado Public Lands Day event in Gunnison in May (see details below).”[24]
-“It has been a busy couple of weeks for pulling fence in Colorado. BHA members have removed fence on the front range, northwest CO, and outside the towns of Durango and Gunnison. Together we have removed 6 miles of fence! And there is much more to come.” -Briant Wiles, Colorado Habitat Stewardship Coordinator (5/23/24)
-We had a great group at the Colorado BHA fence pull in the Meeker area (on May 4-5), not to mention 90 or so greater sage grouse :>) Thank you Briant Wiles (BHA Colorado Habitat Stewardship Coordinator) and Brian Holms (Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologist) for leading/coordinating this event!
-Meeker area greater sage grouse lek viewing (photos) with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) biologist Brian Holms (5/4/24).
Fix CRUS Coalition
-Colorado BHA joined with a wide swath of groups (45) in a coalition (the Fix CRUS Coalition) to help push this bill over the finish line.
-“The new legislation, SB-58, clarifies the statute, which protects landowners from lawsuits if they grant free public access to their land for outdoor recreation. The bill also creates a new blanket of security for landowners or land managers who put up a warning sign at the trailhead or access point on their land, instead of being required to place it at the specific location of the hazard.”
-Alex Derr. “Governor Polis Signs Bill to Update CRUS and Protect Outdoor Recreation Access.” The Next Summit: 3/18/24.
-“New legislation signed by Gov. Polis in March will help secure public access to cherished landscapes by clarifying private landowner liability. The FixCRUS bill aims to give private landowners confidence that they would not be held liable when allowing the public to recreate for free on their land. The fix, which includes posting simple signage advising the public, will help open up several Colorado 14ers and have broader implications for additional areas. Colorado BHA strongly supported this legislation and was present for the bill’s signing, represented by BHA’s representative on the FixCRUS Coalition, Assistant Legislative Liaison Bryan Gwinn.”[25]
Thompson Divide
-Hunters and anglers have been involved in this Thompson Divide effort/proposed withdrawal for over a decade.
-Kaden McArthur. “Federal Policy Update: April 2024: Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal Finalized in Colorado.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/1/24.
-“I’m for using our resources like natural gas, but sometimes the gas companies need to take no for an answer. This is one of those times. I’ve bowhunted this area several times over the years. It is one of the prettiest places in Colorado and I hope it stays that way.” -Edward Vance (4/3/24)
-Jay Chancellor. “Colorado’s Thompson Divide sees a mining development moratorium to the high praise of anglers.” Trout: 4/11/24.
-“Today’s decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to finalize a 20-year administrative mineral withdrawal for approximately 220,000 acres of the Thompson Divide along Colorado’s Western Slope was met with praise by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.”[26]
-“BHA has advocated both for the Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act, which would implement a permanent withdrawal of the region, and has supported the initiation of the 20-year administrative withdrawal in October 2022.”[27]
-“‘For more than a decade, hunters and anglers in Colorado have sought to conserve the remarkable fish and wildlife habitat within the Thompson Divide, a region that encompasses 34,000 acres of critical migratory corridors for elk and the headwaters for 1,550 miles of streams home to native trout. We share our appreciation with the Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture for their action to protect a total of more than 200,000 acres of public lands for the next twenty years,’ said David Lien, Co-Chair of the Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. ‘Only Congress can permanently protect this valuable landscape, and we continue to urge the passage of Sen. Bennet and Rep. Neguse’s CORE Act to do just that.’”[28]
-Thomas Plank. “Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal Benefits Public Lands, Waters, Wildlife.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/3/24.
-Chase Woodruff. “Colorado lawmakers applaud 20-year pause on Thompson Divide oil and gas drilling.” Colorado Newsline: 4/3/24.
-Jason Blevins. “Biden blocks mining on more than 221,000 acres of federal land in Colorado after decadeslong fight.” The Colorado Sun: 4/3/24.
-U.S. Department of the Interior. “Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Protections for Thompson Divide: Public lands in Colorado withdrawn from future mineral development to protect wildlife habitat, clean air and water, and outdoor recreation opportunities.” Press Release: 4/3/24.
-Chase Woodruff. “Draft federal decision would pause Thompson Divide oil and gas drilling for 20 years: Public comment invited on U.S. Forest Service plan.” Colorado Newsline: 1/2/24.
-Jason Blevins. “Forest Service, BLM offer plan to block mining, oil and gas drilling on 225,000 acres in Thompson Divide: The federal land managers said a majority of the 60,000 comments they have collected support the withdrawal of extractive leases from the Thompson Divide south of Glenwood Springs.” The Colorado Sun: 12/12/23.
Boulder County Hunting Ban
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (5/8/24). “Public land hunting ban on National Forest lands in Boulder County reversed thanks to testimony from local hunters, the United States Forest Service, and Colorado Parks & Wildlife. 89% of written comments in opposition to the closure came from BHA and written comments from the hunting community outnumbered anti-hunters 25 to 1.”
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (5/8/24). “Public land hunting ban on National Forest lands in Boulder County reversed thanks to testimony from local hunters, the United States Forest Service, and Colorado Parks & Wildlife. See/hear co-chair Don Holmstrom’s remarks.
-Boulder Country Assistant Regional Director Kris Hess wrote an op-ed (“County closure of Sugarloaf to hunting harms hunters”) for the April 28 Daily Camera.
-Sage Marshall. “Forest Service Challenges Controversial Hunting Ban on Public Lands in Colorado.” Field & Stream: 4/2/24.
Turkey Hunting
-“Hunting Colorado’s Mountain Merriam’s (With The Colonel & The Fox) and Struttin’ & Cluckin’ at Rendezvous.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/28/24.
-“Last weekend I was honored to spend the day with 15 fellow veterans, talking about spring turkey hunting and mapping old barbed wire on public land. The Armed Forces Initiative of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers teamed up with our local BLM biologist, Dave McNitt, and I for the event. If you're a military veteran who's a conservation-minded hunter and angler, check out BHA-AFI!” -Paul Vertrees, U.S. Army veteran/fifth-generation native Coloradan (3/28/24)
-Armed Forces Initiative (AFI). “Colorado AFI Mapping Fences and Scouting Turkeys Workshop (March 23).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/22/24.
-Trevor Hubbs. “AFI Receives Praise for Stewardship work in CO.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/24/24.
-Mossy Oak (4/3/24). “The Colonel & The Fox | A Mossy Oak Documentary.” This film chronicles the story of turkey hunting history and the revival of the wild turkey.
-“Hunting Backcountry Mountain Merriam’s (The Bare Essentials).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/18/22.
-“Hunting Colorado’s Mountain Merriam’s (& The Tenth Legion).” Colorado Outdoors: 5/2/18.
Indemnity Lands/Climate Change
-“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Steve Witte To Indemnity Land Liaison Position.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 12/9/23.
-“Thanks to BHA member Steve Witte and his research and draft letter, the Colorado Chapter of BHA was able to lead the effort to encourage the State Land Board to provide CPW an exclusive initial opportunity to lease the 17,232 acres of indemnity lands under the Hunting and Fishing Access Program before offering these for private recreational leases or other uses that would preclude hunting and fishing.”[29]
-Bryan Jones. “CO BHA Leads the Effort on Public Hunting and Fishing Access to Indemnity Lands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 11/27/23.
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (3/20/24). “BHA North American Board Member Hilary Hutcheson gave testimony … to the U.S. Senate Budget Committee about the impacts of climate change on fishing in Montana. ‘Today guides explain why we try to keep trout in the water instead of lifting them into the boat for a photo. We explain why there are government-imposed rules, called Hoot Owl Regulations, that prohibit fishing during the hottest part of the day. Even when the state has not imposed Hoot Owl Regulations, many savvy outfitters adhere to a self-imposed Hoot Owl rule. Trout mortality goes up drastically when they are caught and released in waters that are warmer than their optimal survival range.’ Thank you, Hilary, for representing our commitment to public lands, waters, and wildlife!”
Wildlife Crossings
-“Colorado was the recent recipient of major federal grants aimed at creating safe passage for wildlife and increasing driver safety. Funding includes $22 million to create a wildlife overpass along I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, as well as additional funding for other efforts across the state. The money was made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Existing Colorado legislation that created a cash fund for the Colorado Department of Transportation to fund safe road crossing and connectivity projects and that provides for their ongoing maintenance helped put the state in a strong position to be awarded the federal grants. Colorado BHA’s Jim McGannon serves as liaison to the Colorado Wildlife and Transportation Alliance, a multi-stakeholder group spearheading efforts to reduce transportation impacts on wildlife.”[30]
-U.S. Senator Michael Bennett. “Bennet, Hickenlooper, Polis Welcome Over $88 Million in Federal Transportation Grants for Colorado Projects.” Press Release: 1/24/24.
-U.S. Senator Michael Bennett. “Bennet, Hickenlooper, Polis Welcome $22 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for I-25 Wildlife Overpass in Colorado.” Press Release: 12/1/23.
-Also see: Colorado Wildlife & Transportation Alliance: https://www.coloradowta.com/mission-and-vision/
-Danial LeDuc. “Utah Leads the Way on Wildlife Crossings.” Pew: 2/2/24.
-Isaac Stone Simonelli. “Washington Tribe gets $8.5 million for wildlife overpass.” Columbia INSIGHT: 2/12/24.
-The Wildlife and Transportation Alliance is a statewide partnership between the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), federal, tribal, academic, nonprofit, biologist, and engineering partners. Its vision is to fully integrate wildlife movements into Colorado’s transportation system. Colorado BHA brings an important voice for wildlife to this effort as it prioritizes projects.
-Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WWCI) link shared by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW): https://www.winteringwildlife.org/
North American Model of Wildlife Management
-Brittany Parker. “CO Wildlife Management 101 (April 25).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/21/24.
-Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). “Bobcats, Mountain Lions and Lynx: Frequently Asked Questions on the Management of Colorado’s Wild Feline Population.” CPW: January 2024.
-Colorado Parks and Wildlife (1/25/24). “Colorado Parks and Wildlife | Mountain Lion Management Update.”
-Colorado BHA (1/26/24). “The @coparkswildlife Bobcats, Mountain Lions & Lynx FAQ has officially been released. As @backcountryhunters we firmly advocate for science-driven wildlife conservation in North America. Our focus is on making informed, unbiased decisions based on the rigorous research of wildlife biologists. This approach ensures our wildlife management practices are evidence-based, not politically driven, safeguarding our natural heritage.”
-“Bryan Jones with the 1,800-member of the Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers said his group is working with the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project on a response to the proposed ballot initiative. The 30,000-member Backcountry Hunters and Anglers does not support any wildlife management policy through legislation or voter initiatives.”[31]
-“‘We support hunting and fishing and trapping as efficient wildlife management models in Colorado,’ Jones said. ‘We advance sound stewardship that is guided by science, not politics or emotion or any other conjecture.’”[32]
-“… Ryan Bronson, RMEF director of governmental affairs … ‘Colorado is home to more elk than any other state in the country,’ he said. ‘It’s a destination to more out-of-state hunters than any other states in the country. We need to be sophisticated and smart as we win over the hearts and minds and votes of people who will never pick up a rifle or bow. They hold our future in their hands.’”[33]
-“‘We need to be able to get our message to persuadable voters, and finally don’t hurt our cause be being extreme with your messages,’ Bronson said. ‘When you’re on social media, be responsible. Think about how that’s going to be received by a shopper at Whole Foods in Boulder, Colorado. That’s who we need to vote with us. That is the key to winning this.’”[34]
-Jason Blevins. “Ban on hunting mountain lions and bobcats in Colorado could land on 2024 ballot.” The Colorado Sun: 10/3/23.
-Rachelle Schrute. “2024 Ballot Initiative Seeks to Ban Colorado Mountain Lion Hunting.” GearJunkie: 10/3/23.
-BHA North American Policy Statement: Science-Based Fish And Wildlife Management (2014).
Illegal OHV Use
-Bryan Jones. “BHA Illegal OHV Use Reward: How Two Brothers Helped Protect Colorado's Public Lands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 1/24/24.
-“Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has long championed efforts to curtail illegal OHV use on public lands, which can significantly impact wildlife and habitat. Through the OHV Reward Fund, individuals who report illegal OHV use are eligible for monetary incentives; those rewards are doubled in Colorado thanks to matching funds from the state chapter.”[35]
-“Brothers Brad and Brian Phillips were recent reward recipients after they reported a vehicle driving on a route closed to motorized vehicles in the Gunnison National Forest. Thanks to their diligence, US Forest Service law enforcement was able to contact the offending vehicle and issue a citation for the violation. You can read the full story of the Phillips brothers’ efforts here. You can learn more about BHA’s illegal OHV use reward program, including how to submit for a reward, here.”[36]
-Walker Conyngham. “Colorado Hunter Reports Illegal OHV Use, Forges Reward.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 11/23/20.
-“CO BHA Member Reports Illegal OHV Use.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 10/10/19.
-Will Shoemaker. “Colorado BHA Member Reports Illegal OHV Use, Returns Reward.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 10/9/20.
Trails vs. Elk
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (6/14/24). “20 years of BHA—a look back: How do ‘non-consumptive’ users impact a landscape? ‘It’s not like these elk walked up and over another hill to another unit,’ says Andree. ‘They just don’t exist anymore. They’re dead.’ In the winter 2021 issue of BHA’s quarterly magazine, Backcountry Journal, award-winning journalist Christine Peterson looks at how increased recreational use has and is impacting wildlife including elk around Vail, Colorado.” Read the whole story here.
-“Proposed Jackson Mountain (CO) Mountain Bike Trail System Withdrawn.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 6/12/23.
-“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Increase Reward For Illegal Trail Construction (Help Stop Trail Building ‘Free-For-All’).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/10/23.
-“Trails vs. Elk: ‘They’re Just Dying Off.’” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 12/3/21.
-Sylvia Kantor. “Seeking Ground Less Traveled: Elk Responses to Recreation.” Science Findings #219 (U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station): September 2019. https://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/sciencef/scifi219.pdf
-Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Colorado’s 2021 Guide for Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind.” Appendix A includes standard protocols for how and where the trails are developed (i.e., Avoid, Minimize, Mitigate). The Guide recommends limiting trail densities to less than 1 linear mile of trail per square mile in mapped bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer winter concentration areas and production areas. A 300-foot buffer for wetlands is widely accepted.
-“… the vast majority of us aren’t advocating for our desire to hunt, we are advocating for the protection of wildlife and their habitat,” explained Colorado BHA Board member Kassi Smith. “How can we compromise those protections? If the question of conservation was put back on us in the form of, ‘well, in order to protect the longevity of this species, you must give up hunting them or accessing their habitat,’ the majority of us would make that decision without hesitation.”
Energy Development/RAWA
-Devin O’Dea. “BHA Opposes Solar Development in Priority Habitat, Migration Corridors, and Popular Public Land Hunting Grounds.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 1/26/24.
-Sage Marshall. “BLM Plans to Open Millions of Acres for Solar Projects on Public Lands in the West: The Bureau of Land Management is considering a massive increase in solar development in 5 new Western States. How will it impact wildlife?” Field & Stream: 1/26/24.
-Thomas Plank. “New Federal Legislation to Benefit Habitat, Falls Short of RAWA.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/29/24.
-Urge Congress to pass Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA).
CO-OP Regional Partnerships
-Consider serving on one of the CO-OP Regional Partnerships (there are eighteen Partnerships throughout the state, as of March 2024): https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Regional-Partnerships-Initiative.aspx
--Map of Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships:
--Central West Slope Regional Director Craig Grother ([email protected]) and Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Lew French ([email protected]) serve on the Ouray Regional Recreation and Conservation Alliance (ORRCA) Regional Partnership (#7 on map).
--Central West Slope ARD Lew French, and former CLT member John Howard serve on the new West Slope Outdoors Alliance Regional Partnership (#16 on map).
--Southwest Colorado Assistant Regional Director Luke Kline ([email protected]) serves on the Southwest Colorado Conservation & Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Regional Partnership (#14 on map).
-Habitat Watch Volunteer Janet George ([email protected]) serves on the Outside 285 (#9 on map) and NoCo PLACES 2050 (#6 on map) Regional Partnerships.
--BHA Habitat Stewardship Coordinator Brittany “Britt” Parker ([email protected]) serves on the Eagle County Community Wildlife Roundtable (#2 on map).
Dolores River National Conservation Area (NCA)
-Jay Chancellor (Trout Unlimited) & Kaden McArthur (Backcountry Hunters & Anglers). “Hunters And Anglers Push For New National Monument In Colorado: The Dolores River offers world-class hunting and fishing opportunities but faces threats from industrial-scale mining, habitat fragmentation, climate change, and unmanaged recreation.” Colorado Trout Unlimited: 6/7/24.
-“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Support Dolores River Canyons National Monument Proposal.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/5/24.
-Leslie Kaminski. “Conserving the Dolores River canyons is a gain for Western Slope hunters.” Grand Junction (Colo.) Daily Sentinel: 3/8/24.
-Kaden McArthur. “BHA’s 2024 Policy Priorities.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 1/24/24. See p. 19 for Colorado Priority Landscapes, which include: 1.) Continental Divide, San Juan Mountains, Thompson Divide and Curecanti Designations; 2.) Dolores River.
-“Policy Updates.” Backcountry Beat: September 2023. “S. 636, Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act, led by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO). Through establishing the Dolores River National Conservation Area and Dolores River Special Management Area the bill would conserve a total of 68,000 acres of public lands and waters. Management of these areas will be directed to conserve, protect, and enhance native fish, wildlife and recreational resources, among others.”
-Peter Arlein. “Permanent protection for the Dolores River is Biden’s opportunity to secure a conservation legacy: The river sustains communities and exemplifies the power of our natural places.” Colorado Newsline: 12/14/23.
-“CO BHA Legislative Statement: Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Support Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act & Dolores River National Conservation Area And Special Management Area Act.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 7/12/23.
-There’s another/related effort to create a larger Dolores Canyons National Monument in Colorado’s Mesa and Montrose counties: https://www.protectthedolores.org/
-Ashleigh Tucker. “‘Protect entire Dolores River Canyon Country as national monument.’” The Durango Herald: 8/4/23.
-Also see: https://www.protectthedolores.org/
-“Conserving large tracts of undeveloped public lands as national monuments is essential to America’s hunting and fishing traditions.” –John Gale, former BHA Conservation Director[37]
-BHA Stewardship: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/stewardship
National Monuments
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (4/16/24). “Breaking News: Chuckwalla National Monument Proposal Gains Momentum! BHA proudly stands in support of the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument, a significant initiative aimed at safeguarding approximately 627,000 acres of public lands in southern California’s vast desert.”
-Kaden McArthur. “House Committee Considers Legislation to Undermine the Antiquities Act.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/22/24.
-As BHA stipulates in our “Hunter & Angler Tenets for New Monuments” Report:
1.) The monument proposal must be developed through a public process–one that includes hunters and anglers, as well as appropriate state and local governments.
2.) The monument proclamation must clearly stipulate that management authority over fish and wildlife populations will be retained by state fish and wildlife agencies.
3.) Reasonable public access must be retained to enable continued hunting and fishing opportunities.
4.) The input and guidance of hunters and anglers must be included in management plans for national monuments.
5.) Important fish and wildlife habitat must be protected.
6.) The proposal must enjoy support from local sportsmen and women.
7.) Sporting opportunities must be upheld and the historical and cultural significance of hunting and fishing explicitly acknowledged in the monument proclamation.
-Katie McKalip. “National Monuments, A Net Gain for Hunters and Anglers.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 7/27/23.
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Report. “Hunter & Angler Tenets for New Monuments.” BHA: 10/12/22.
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “Hunting National Monuments.” BHA National Monument Hunting & Fishing Maps (for six Western national monuments): 2017.
-David A. Lien. “Antiquities Act protects hunting and angling on public lands.” Greeley Tribune: 4/26/17.
-“National Monuments Report.” Backcountry Hunters & Angers: 2/19/16.
-“Conserving large tracts of undeveloped public lands as national monuments is essential to America’s hunting and fishing traditions.” –John Gale, former BHA Conservation Director[38]
Corner Crossing
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (5/24/24). “BHA has been committed to the fight for corner crossing since this case first popped off in fall 2021. The Wyoming Chapter of BHA has led the charge in fundraising for the legal defense of the four Missouri hunters at the center of this battle for public access against the wealthy interests looking to keep citizens off of our public lands. Currently, BHA is supporting the appeals process in federal court, filing an amicus brief on behalf of the hunters and public access. But in a case like this, where public lands are at threat from billionaire interests, we need all the help we can get.”
-Thomas Plank. “BHA Ramps up Defense of Public Access in ‘Corner Crossing’ Case.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 1/18/24.
-Thomas Plank. “Corner Crossing Lawsuit Update: The Brief Defending Access to Public Lands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 1/11/24.
-Angus M. Thuermer Jr. “Coalition representing 4 million members backs corner-crossing hunters.” WyoFile: 1/17/24.
Wilderness
-Colorado BHA supports the Sarvis Creek wilderness addition (see story link below) along with the Routt County Commissioners, Keep Rout Wild, etc. As Colorado BHA Routt County Group leaders Luke Fitzgerald and Michael Kozer stated: “The proposed Sarvis Creek Wilderness expansion area includes elk-calving areas, elk summer range, and elk migration corridors,” Luke said. “A few years ago a friend and I hunted the area under review. It was quite obvious that this area was a wintering ground for elk. We found several sheds indicating that both young bulls and cows were wintering in the area,” Michael added.
-Seth Boster. “Continued push for wilderness area expansion in northwest Colorado.” OutThereColorado: 6/20/24.
-Colorado BHA supports this legislation/Sarvis Creek Wilderness addition.
-Staff Report. “Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse introduce bill to expand Sarvis Creek Wilderness.” Steamboat Pilot & Today: 3/20/24.
-Colorado BHA has submitted written support for LWCF funding to facilitate this purchase.
-Seth Boster. “A 'holy grail' of conservation: Colorado land manager celebrates Snowmass Falls Ranch deal.” OutThereColorado: 4/1/24.
-Seth Boster. “Wilderness Act turns 60: A look at some of Colorado's treasured lands.” OutThereColorado: 4/1/24.
-“Unfortunately, wilderness is a quickly vanishing resource. Whether it be ‘big wilderness’ like you find in vast federally protected areas out west or ‘small wilderness’ like you might find on the farm behind your house—these places are constantly being chipped away at, year after year becoming victim to the encroaching footprint of man. It’s up to us—hunters, anglers, campers, climber, hikers, etc.—to keep ‘all the wild that remains’ wild.” -Mark Kenyon[39]
-Kylee Burleigh. “BHA Podcast & Blast, Ep. 182: Putting Conservation Back in the Foundation of Hunting and Fishing with Mark Kenyon.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 6/11/24.
Public Lands/Bad Ideas
-Kaden McArthur. “House of Representatives to Vote on Attacks to Public Lands and Waters.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/25/24.
-“Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) are co-sponsoring the ‘Public Lands in Public Hands Act’ which would ban the sale or transfer of most public lands managed by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (which includes the vast majority of federal public lands – Bureau of Land Management is under Interior and the National Forests are under Agriculture). The bill also requires Congressional approval for disposals of publicly accessible federal land tracts over 300 acres and for public land tracts over five acres if accessible via a public waterway.”[40]
-Kylee Burleigh. “Bonus Episode: Public Lands In Public Hands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/27/24.
-Sage Marshall. “New Bill Would Make It Harder for the Government to Sell Off Public Lands: The bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Act would require the BLM to get congressional approval to sell or transfer certain types of publicly accessible parcels.” Field & Stream: 2/27/24.
-Thomas Plank. “BHA Applauds Legislative Effort to Stop Public Land Transfers.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/19/24.
-Joel Webster. “New Bipartisan Legislation Would Keep Public Lands in Public Hands.” TRCP: 2/22/24.
-Conservation Lands Foundation (CLF). “New attacks on public lands emerge in Congress.” CLF: 11/17/23.
-Kaden McArthur. “New HOUSES Act Still a Threat to Our Public Lands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 10/30/23.
-David A. Lien “Selling off our public lands is a bad idea that won’t die.” VailDaily: 1/29/23.
-For more about the ongoing efforts by some legislators in Congress (and others) to privatize our public lands estate see the “Bad Ideas” section (scroll to end) in: “A Hunter-Angler (Hell-Raisin’ & Habitat Savin’) Guide To Winning: Colorado BHA Examples (Browns Canyon & Camp Hale).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 10/23/23.
-BHA Stewardship: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/stewardship
-“Unlike Europe and much of the world, America is blessed with millions of acres of public land that can be enjoyed by anyone … Perhaps those dopey ideologues, who favor selling our outdoor heritage to a privileged few, should sail back to England, fall to their knees and pledge allegiance to the king. Those of us who value freedom will continue to fight the treasonous notion of selling our American birthright to the highest bidder!” –Tom Sykes, Colorado BHA Habitat Watch Volunteer[41]
Public Lands/BLM/Partnerships/Sage Grouse/AK
-“Colorado’s statewide mule deer population plunged from 600,000 in 2006 to about 433,000 in 2018.” -Christine Peterson, High Country News (4/1/24)[42]
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (4/12/24). “Today the Bureau of Land Management announced a rule that would finalize long-sought reforms to oil and gas leasing on public lands. The rule will help to reduce conflict between oil and gas leasing and wildlife habitat on public lands enjoyed by hunters and anglers.”
-“BHA, Advocates for Grassland Act Welcome New Conservation Tool.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/11/24.
-Protect Our Grasslands: https://www.mapforgrasslands.org/
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (4/22/24). “On this Earth Day, we’re calling attention to the vanishing of America’s grasslands at an alarming rate. These are the prairies, savannas, glades, and sage brush steppes in our own backyard communities. These ecosystems protect our waters, soils, and climate. And as this grassland habitat disappears, so do the wildlife populations dependent upon them. On this Earth Day 2024, more than two dozen conservation organizations have joined forces to underscore the importance of grasslands habitat conservation.”
-“‘Hunters and anglers support the Public Lands Rule because it will prioritize important active management prescriptions to tackle invasive species, restore degraded lands and waters, and conserve intact habitats critical to wildlife corridors,’ said Kaden McArthur, BHA’s Government Relations Manager. ‘With less than 15% of BLM lands currently managed for conservation, this is a critical step forward to properly balancing the use of our largest public lands estate.’”[43]
-“The final rule follows an extended public comment period, including feedback from thousands of hunters and anglers to strengthen and clarify the rule. More than 90% of comments supported the rule, a testament to the importance conservation of wild places has across the United States.”[44]
-Thomas Plank. “Final Public Lands Rule Will Elevate Conservation on Public Lands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/18/24.
-“When implemented, the rule will provide tremendous long-term conservation and recreational benefits on land stewarded by the BLM that finally represents the interest of more Americans,” said BHA President and CEO Patrick Berry. “We thank the Biden administration and the leadership within the Department of the Interior for their commitment to ensuring our public lands are managed in a balanced way that properly recognizes the value of conservation.”
-Travis Hall. “New Rule Will Change the Way the Federal Government Manages 245 Million Acres of Public Land: The rule change will put public land conservation projects on a level playing field with other uses like mining, grazing, and energy development.” Field & Stream: 4/22/24.
-Maxine Joselow. “The U.S. just changed how it manages a tenth of its land: The Interior Department rule puts conservation and clean energy development on par with drilling, mining and resource extraction on federal lands for the first time.” The Washington Post: 4/18/24.
-Kaden McArthur. “Public Lands to Benefit from Final BLM Oil and Gas Leasing Rule.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/12/24.
-Thomas Plank. “BHA, Coalition Express Support for New Sage Grouse Plans, Sagebrush Habitat Improvement.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/15/24.
-Tasha Sorensen. “A long overdue update: bringing the federal oil & gas program into the 21st century.” Trout Unlimited: 2/27/24.
-Joel Webster. “BLM Final Conservation Rule to Benefit Habitat on Public Land.” Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership: 4/18/24.
-As BHA members know from boots on the ground experience, we are first and foremost dedicated to protecting public lands habitat—wherever, whenever, and however we can.
Mining/Clean Water
-“On May 29, 2024, in Silverthorne, Governor Polis officially signed into law HB 24-1379, making Colorado the first state to legislatively restore state protections to waters and wetlands that lost federal protection when the Supreme Court removed long-standing Clean Water Act jurisdiction from many wetlands and seasonal streams.”[45]
-Colorado Trout Unlimited (TU). “Governor Signs Law To Protect Colorado Waters.” Colorado TU: 6/11/24.
-Jerd Smith. “Colorado’s new wetlands protections lead the nation 1 year after EPA rules were struck by Supreme Court.” The Colorado Sun: 6/6/24.
-“Local View: Hunters, anglers, vets, want mining companies to 'prove it first.'” From the column: “Do not ... let a foreign-owned mining company strip our state of its natural resources and turn a pristine watershed into a toxic sacrifice zone.” Duluth News Tribune: 5/30/24.
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (4/19/24). “Breaking News: ADMIN SIGNALS INTENT TO DENY AMBLER ROAD PERMIT. Another big win for conservation today!”
-Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (4/20/24). “Breaking News: Western Arctic Public Lands Receives Greater Protections. Today, the Department of the Interior announced a final rule strengthening protections for 13M acres of designated Special Areas in the Western Arctic, preserving vital habitats for wildlife like caribou, musk ox, and migratory birds. This balanced approach ensures conservation while allowing for responsible development. Kudos to the Bureau of Land Management for prioritizing protections for our public lands and waters!”
-“Local View: Mining-threatened Boundary Waters remains a top priority.” Duluth News Tribune: 2/29/24.
-Jerd Smith. “Hundreds of formerly federally regulated Colorado wetlands and streams are unshielded right now.” The Colorado Sun: 2/14/24.
-“Local View: Clean water, freedom ought to trump foreign-owned mines.” Duluth News Tribune: 1/11/24.
-“Local View: Greed never sleeps, so mining proposals persist near the Boundary Waters.” Duluth News Tribune: 12/2/23.
-“Saying no to sulfide mining a no-brainer for veterans.” Duluth News Tribune: 10/21/23.
-BHA Armed Forces Initiative (10/18/23). “Today we celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Clean Water Act, passed 18 October 1972. This monumental act has shaped our public waters for over half a century, ensuring we have rivers, lakes and activities for generations to come.”
CPW Commission Engagement
-Commission meetings/information: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/pages/commission.aspx
-Sportsperson’s Roundtable and Caucuses: Attend a meeting near you! Regional Caucus meetings are open to all sportspersons and give an opportunity to meet with CPW staff and caucus delegates to discuss hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation in Colorado. https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Roundtable.aspx
2024 Events (Upcoming)
-Upcoming CO BHA Events: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/co_upcoming_events
-Upcoming BHA Armed Forces Initiative (AFI) Events: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/events_afi
Other/Related Information
-Check out BHA’s North American Action Map, tracking/highlighting examples of our accomplishments as an organization across the continent.
-See our Take Action Center to stay engaged on legislation in your area.
-BHA Stewardship: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/stewardship
-Gift a BHA membership.
-BHA Membership Specials: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/free
-All Things Colorado BHA: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/colorado
-Upcoming CO BHA Events: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/co_upcoming_events
-Upcoming BHA Armed Forces Initiative (AFI) Events: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/events_afi
Related Information/Resources
-“Hunting For Experience: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Oral History Project.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/28/24.
-“The Patron Saints of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/12/24.
-“Stalking Wildness: BHA’s Wilderness Warriors.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/13/24.
-“Public Lands (& Freedom) Unite Our Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Tribe.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 1/5/24.
-“A Hunter-Angler (Hell-Raisin’ & Habitat Savin’) Guide To Winning: Colorado BHA Examples (Browns Canyon & Camp Hale).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 10/23/23.
-“Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: Mission, Issues & Actions (Triads).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 8/17/23.
-“Minnesota BHA North Country Icebreaker (‘Stoke The Fire,’ But Don’t Burn Out!).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/11/23.
-“Armed Forces Initiative Helps Veterans Hunt … And More.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 8/17/22.
-“It’s All About The Meat.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/17/22.
-“Conservation (& Conciliation).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 9/15/21.
-“Colorado BHA State Chapter Leadership (Triad) Structure.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 7/26/21.
-“Hunting For Experience: At BHA’s North American Rendezvous.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 7/9/21.
-“BHA State Chapter Development (Recruiting/Retaining Leaders & Avoiding Burnout).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 6/1/21.
-“The ABCs Of LTEs: Writing Letters To The Editor.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/5/21.
-“Empowering Leaders: It’s In BHA’s DNA.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 1/7/21.
-“A Letter from CO Co-Chair David Lien.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 12/18/20.
-“Where Hope Lives: A Brief BHA History.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 11/30/20.
-“Looking back, looking forward: A brief history of BHA.” https://www.backcountryhunters.org/about
2024 Events/Projects (Completed/Planned)
-Bryan Jones. “SW CO Chapter Assembly (on Feb. 18th).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 1/26/24.
-Armed Forces Initiative (AFI). “Colorado AFI Mapping Fences and Scouting Turkeys Workshop (March 23).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/22/24.
-Bryan Jones. “Lake Dillon Ice Fishing 2024 (March 24).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/7/24.
-Colorado BHA (3/29/24). “The @backcountryhunters 2nd Annual Lake Dillon Ice Fishing event is in the books. We had close to 100 people on the lake and all the kids took home their own rod and reel! Great day for the community and conservation. Thanks to our awesome Summit Chapter Leaders, the sponsors, and @coparkswildlife!”
-Briant Wiles. “Rabbit Mountain Open Space Fence Removal (March 26).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/14/24.
-Bryan Jones. “Pints For Public Lands 2024 (on April 24).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/8/24.
-Brittany Parker. “CO Wildlife Management 101 (April 25).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/21/24.
-The BHA (20th Anniversary) North American Rendezvous will be held (April 18-20) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
-Briant Wiles. “Meeker Fence Removal and Lek Viewing (April 26-28).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/20/24.
-Briant Wiles. “Perins Peak Fence Removal (May 10-11).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/11/23.
-Briant Wiles. “Rabbit Mtn Fence Removal May 2024 (May 11).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/8/24.
-Rafael Vargas. “Colorado AFI Pint Night (May 16).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/15/24.
-Bryan Jones. “Beers, Bands, and Barbwire Strands 2024 (May 17-19).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/14/24.
-Colorado BHA (4/30/24). “Wild Game Potluck! Show off your culinary skills at 2nd annual Beer, Bands, and Barbwire Strands (May 17-19).”
-Brian Wiles. “Bellyache Fence Removal: Eagle, CO (May 31-June 2).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/22/24.
-Spring Creek fence pull – June 15. Working with the Ouray ranger district of the GMUG Forest to remove old sheep fence from the rim of Spring Creek canyon outside of Montrose.
-“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 15th Annual Rendezvous (June 21-23, 2024).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/14/24.
-Bryan Jones. “Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 15th Annual Rendezvous (June 21-23).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/29/24.
-Rafael Vargas. “Colorado AFI Archery Skills Workshop (June 29 in Littleton).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/31/24.
-Cimarron SWA fence pull – July 12-14. Working with CPW to remove 1 mile of fence on the boundary of the Cimarron SWA east of Montrose.
-Briant Wiles. “Howe Ranch Fence Pull: July 12-14, 2024.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/22/24.
-Briant Wiles. “4th Annual Wet Meadow Restoration Day (July 20).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/31/24.
-Briant Wiles. “Pumphouse Fence Removal 24 (July 26-28).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/28/24.
-Dan Noble SWA fence pull – August 9-11. Working with CPW to remove up to 4 miles of old sheep fence on the border of the Miramonte reservoir.
Founded by Mike Beagle, a former U.S. Army field artillery officer, and formed around an Oregon campfire, in 2004, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice for our nation’s wild public lands, waters and wildlife. With members spread out across all 50 states and 13 Canadian provinces and territories—including chapters in 48 states, two Canadian provinces and one territory, and Washington, D.C.—BHA brings an authentic, informed, boots-on-the-ground voice to the conservation of public lands. The Colorado BHA chapter was founded by David Petersen (a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot) in 2005 (the first official BHA chapter).
[1] Jim Posewitz. Beyond Fair Chase. Helena, Montana: Falcon Publishing, Inc., 1994, p. 108.
[2] Kris Hess. “CO BHA Publishes Memo on Illegal Trails.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 8/24/22.
[3] Derek Pankratz. “CO BHA Chapter Newsletter Spring 2024.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/8/24.
[4] Ted Koch, BHA North American Board Chair. “Growing Up.” Backcountry Journal: Winter 2024, p. 3.
[5] https://www.backcountryhunters.org/our_issues
[6] Ron Spomer is a hunting writer, conservationist, and photographer.
[7] Trevor Hubbs, BHA Armed Forces Initiative (AFI) Coordinator. “Lethal Minds Journal Volume 13.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 8/17/23. https://www.backcountryhunters.org/lethal_minds_journal_volume_13
[8] Will Bostwick. “The New Documentary ‘Public Trust’ Is a Call to Action: By highlighting three potent public-lands battles, the film asks audiences to take a stand in a political moment that threatens the future of American conservation.” Outside: 2/19/20.
[9] David A. Lien. “Fighting to keep public lands in public hands.” Grand Junction (Colo.) Daily Sentinel: 1/26/23.
[10] Land Tawney, BHA President and CEO. “Thank You.” Backcountry Journal: Fall 2023, p. 3.
[11] David A. Lien. “Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Increase Reward For Illegal Trail Construction (Help Stop Trail Building ‘Free-For-All’).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/10/23; Kris Hess/Brien Webster. “CO BHA Publishes Memo on Illegal Trails.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 8/24/22; David A. Lien. “More trails a slippery slope to less hunting.” Grand Junction (Colo.) Daily Sentinel: 12/9/21.
[12] https://www.backcountryhunters.org/fair_chase
[13] Jim Posewitz. Beyond Fair Chase. Helena, Montana: Falcon Publishing, Inc., 1994, p. 40.
[14] Douglas S. Barasch. “Saying the ‘C-Word’: Conservation, finally, comes into vogue.” Onearth: Spring 2006, p. 3.
[15] Colorado BHA Co-Chair David A. Lien quoted in/by: Dennis Anderson. “Opinions vary on using drones for hunting.” Minneapolis-St. Paul (Minn.) StarTribune: 3/17/14.
[16] Trevor Hubbs. “AFI Boundary Waters 2022: As seen in Oct-Dec issue of FlyFisherman Magazine.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 10/2/23.
[17] Ibid.
[18] Russell Worth Parker. “Military To Public Lands Protector.” Backcountry Journal: Fall 2023, p. 34.
[19] Trevor Hubbs, BHA Armed Forces Initiative (AFI) Coordinator. “Lethal Minds Journal Volume 13.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 8/17/23.
[20] Travis Bradford. “2023 BHA Membership Survey Results.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 9/29/23.
[21] Dalton Wayne Hoover. “AFI Q:1 Newsletter.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/12/24.
[22] Will Bostwick. “The New Documentary 'Public Trust' Is a Call to Action: By highlighting three potent public-lands battles, the film asks audiences to take a stand in a political moment that threatens the future of American conservation.” Outside: 2/19/20.
[23] “Colorado BHA Remembers Chapter Patriarch (& U.S. Navy/World War II veteran) Bill Sustrich.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 8/6/18.
[24] Derek Pankratz. “CO BHA Chapter Newsletter Spring 2024.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/8/24.
[25] Derek Pankratz. “CO BHA Chapter Newsletter Spring 2024.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/8/24.
[26] Thomas Plank. “Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal Benefits Public Lands, Waters, Wildlife.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/3/24.
[27] Ibid.
[28] Ibid.
[29] Bryan Jones. “CO BHA Leads the Effort on Public Hunting and Fishing Access to Indemnity Lands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 11/27/23.
[30] Derek Pankratz. “CO BHA Chapter Newsletter Spring 2024.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/8/24.
[31] Jason Blevins. “Ban on hunting mountain lions and bobcats in Colorado could land on 2024 ballot.” The Colorado Sun: 10/3/23.
[32] Ibid.
[33] Eric Morken. “RMEF warns of anti-hunting initiative’s consequences.” Outdoor News: 2/9/24, p. 6.
[34] Eric Morken. “RMEF warns of anti-hunting initiative’s consequences.” Outdoor News: 2/9/24, p. 6.
[35] Derek Pankratz. “CO BHA Chapter Newsletter Spring 2024.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 5/8/24.
[36] Ibid.
[37] Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA). “BHA Maps Hunting Opportunity in At-Risk National Monuments.” AmmoLand.com: 11/17/17.
[38] Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA). “BHA Maps Hunting Opportunity in At-Risk National Monuments.” AmmoLand.com: 11/17/17.
[39] Mark Kenyon (compliments of MeatEater). “Honing Your Outdoor Skills: A Letter All Hunters Should Read.” Whitetales: Winter 2023, p. 26.
[40] Kylee Burleigh. “Bonus Episode: Public Lands In Public Hands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/27/24.
[41] Tom Sykes. “Don’t sell lands to highest bidder.” The Durango Herald: 3/7/15.
[42] Christine Peterson. “For these mammals, migration is a means of survival: Will Westerners repair a fractured landscape for mule deer, pronghorn, and elk?” High Country News: 4/1/24.
[43] Thomas Plank. “Final Public Lands Rule Will Elevate Conservation on Public Lands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/18/24.
[44] Thomas Plank. “Final Public Lands Rule Will Elevate Conservation on Public Lands.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/18/24.
[45] Colorado Trout Unlimited (TU). “Governor Signs Law To Protect Colorado Waters.” Colorado TU: 6/11/24.
About David Lien