§ 33-2-105.7 — Reintroduction of species - legislative declaration - report

Colorado § 33-2-105.7

• Jurisdiction: Colorado
• Title 33: Parks and
• Art.: Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation

Text

(1)
(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, introduction
means the release of a nonaquatic wildlife species that is currently not found or no
longer found in this state into the environment of Colorado, and shall include
reintroduction; except that introduction shall not include any nonaquatic wildlife
species the actual initial release of which occurred prior to May 24, 2000, or any
release that has previously been approved by the general assembly acting by bill.

(b) The general assembly determines and declares that the introduction of
species is a matter of statewide concern and should be conducted by the state
through specific legislation. Such introduction may cause substantial harm to the
state's overall ecosystem, including native plants and animal wildlife. The
introduction of wildlife species also has far-reaching impacts on benefits from the
use of both public and private lands within the state.

(2) Before any wildlife species may be introduced, the department shall
prepare a report that includes, at a minimum, the following information:

(a) The potential ecological and economic impacts, including whether the
introduction of a wildlife species will prevent or impair the then-existing use or uses
of private land, and the benefits of the introduction;

(b) The probable survival rates of the introduced animals;

(c) The possible impacts should the introduction not take place; and

(d) An assessment evaluating whether the introduction of the wildlife
species will impair any use of private land or beneficial use of water existing at the
time of such introduction. If the assessment concludes that any such use will be
impaired by the introduction, the report shall also describe the reason for the
impact and possible actions to reduce such impact.

(3) The department shall deliver the report prepared pursuant to subsection
(2) of this section to the general assembly, in accordance with section 24-1-136 (9),
C.R.S., within thirty days after its completion.

(4) The department shall annually prepare a report for each of the five years
after an introduction occurs that shall include, at a minimum, the following
information:

(a) The status of the introduction effort;

(b) A report on the estimated survival rates of the introduced wildlife species
and their progeny;

(c) If the survival rate of the introduced wildlife species and their progeny is
below the initial projected range, an assessment of why the survival rate is lower
than expected and the steps that have been considered and put in place to increase
survival rates; and

(d) The recovery goals and anticipated timelines of the recovery program.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2000: Entire section added, p. 812, � 1, effective May 24.