C.R.S. § 33-2-101 Short title
33-2-101. Short title. The short title of this article 2 is the "Nongame, Endangered, or Threatened Wildlife and Rare Plant Conservation Act".
Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation
C.R.S. tit. 33, art. 2
in effectC.R.S. § 33-2-102 Legislative declaration
33-2-102. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
(a) It is the policy of this state to manage all nongame wildlife, recognizing the private property rights of individual property owners, for human enjoyment and welfare, for scientific purposes, and to ensure their perpetuation as members of ecosystems;
(b) Species or subspecies of wildlife indigenous to this state that may be found to be endangered or threatened within the state should be accorded protection in order to maintain and enhance their numbers to the extent possible;
(c) This state should assist in the protection of species or subspecies of wildlife that are deemed to be endangered or threatened elsewhere; and
(d) The general assembly should make adequate funding available to the division annually by appropriations from the general fund.
(2) The general assembly also finds and declares that:
(a) Rare plants and invertebrates are necessary elements of healthy and resilient ecosystems;
(b) It is the policy of this state to:
(I) Protect and enhance biodiversity and resilient ecosystems in the face of population growth, development, and climate change;
(II) Protect and conserve rare plants and invertebrates as members of ecosystems;
(III) Support the wildlife that depends on rare plants and invertebrates; and
(IV) Prevent the decline of rare plants and invertebrates before their continued existence in the state is imperilled;
(c) The division should study and determine the conservation needs of rare plants and invertebrates found in this state and implement voluntary programs to protect these species.
C.R.S. § 33-2-103 Definitions
33-2-103. Definitions. As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Management" means the collection and application of biological information for the purposes of increasing the number of individuals within species and populations of wildlife up to the optimum carrying capacity of their habitat and maintaining such levels. The term includes the entire range of activities that constitute a modern, scientific resource program including, but not limited to, research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and improvement, and education. Also included within the term, when and where appropriate, is the periodic or total protection of species or populations. "Management" may include artificial propagation to maintain threatened or endangered species populations, in concert with the exercise of water rights, and may also include restriction of stocking of species which are in competition with threatened or endangered species for the available habitat.
C.R.S. § 33-2-104 Nongame species - regulations
33-2-104. Nongame species - regulations. (1) The division shall conduct investigations on nongame wildlife in order to develop information relating to population, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors, and other biological and ecological data to determine management measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such determinations, the commission shall issue regulations and develop management programs designed to ensure the continued ability of nongame wildlife to perpetuate themselves successfully. Such regulations shall set forth species or subspecies of nongame wildlife which the commission deems in need of management pursuant to this section, giving their common and scientific names by species and, where necessary, by subspecies. The commission shall conduct ongoing investigations of nongame wildlife and may from time to time amend such regulations by adding or deleting therefrom species or subspecies of nongame wildlife.
(2) The commission shall by regulation establish limitations relating to the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offering for sale, or shipment as may be deemed necessary to manage nongame wildlife.
(3) Except as provided in regulations issued by the commission, it is unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale, or ship nongame wildlife deemed by the commission to be in need of management pursuant to this section. Subject to the same exception, it is also unlawful for any common or contract carrier to knowingly transport or receive for shipment nongame wildlife deemed by the commission to be in need of management pursuant to this section.
C.R.S. § 33-2-104.5 Investigations and surveys of rare plants - repeal
33-2-104.5. Investigations and surveys of rare plants - repeal. (1) The division shall conduct investigations and surveys of rare plants to obtain information about population, distribution, limiting factors, and other ecological data in order to determine appropriate conservation and management measures that ensure the continued ability of rare plants to perpetuate themselves.
(2) The division may undertake voluntary programs designed to conserve, protect, and perpetuate rare plants.
(3) (a) Beginning in January 2026, and in January every year thereafter, the department shall include, as part of its presentation during its "SMART Act" hearing required by section 2-7-203, information concerning the investigations conducted in accordance with subsection (1) of this section.
(b) This subsection (3) is repealed, effective June 30, 2029.
C.R.S. § 33-2-104.6 Investigations and surveys of invertebrates - appropriation - repeal
33-2-104.6. Investigations and surveys of invertebrates - appropriation - repeal. (1) When the division determines appropriate, the division shall conduct investigations and surveys of invertebrates to obtain information about population, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors, and other biological and ecological data in order to determine appropriate conservation and management measures that ensure the continued ability of invertebrates to perpetuate themselves.
(2) The division may undertake voluntary programs designed to conserve, protect, and perpetuate invertebrates.
(3) (a) Beginning in January 2026, and in January every year thereafter, the department shall include, as part of its presentation during its "SMART Act" hearing required by section 2-7-203, information concerning the investigations conducted in accordance with subsection (1) of this section.
(b) This subsection (3) is repealed, effective June 30, 2029.
(4) The general assembly shall appropriate sufficient money to implement this section from:
(a) The general fund; or
(b) The wildlife cash fund created in section 33-1-112; except that money from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses or from associated federal grants is not available for appropriation to implement this section.
C.R.S. § 33-2-105 Endangered or threatened species
33-2-105. Endangered or threatened species. (1) On the basis of investigations of nongame wildlife provided for in section 33-2-104 and other available scientific and commercial data and after consultation with other state wildlife agencies, the Colorado water conservation board, the Colorado water and power development authority, water conservancy districts, and other water conservation districts of the state, and other water resource development agencies within the state, appropriate federal agencies, and other interested persons and organizations, the commission shall by regulation adopted pursuant to the procedures specified in sections 33-1-111 and 24-4-103, C.R.S., establish a list of those species and, where necessary, subspecies of wildlife indigenous to this state which are determined to be endangered or threatened within this state, giving their common and scientific names by species and, where necessary, by subspecies.
(2) The commission shall:
(a) Conduct, by July 1, 1986, and at least once every five years thereafter, a review of all species included in the state lists of endangered or threatened species established pursuant to subsection (1) of this section; and
(b) Determine on the basis of such review whether any such species should:
(I) Be removed from such list;
(II) Be changed in status from an endangered species to a threatened species; or
(III) Be changed in status from a threatened species to an endangered species.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in this article, it is unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale, or ship and for any common or contract carrier to knowingly transport or receive for shipment any species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on the list of wildlife indigenous to this state determined to be endangered within the state pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.
(4) Except as otherwise provided in this article, it is unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale, or ship and for any common or contract carrier to knowingly transport or receive for shipment any species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on the list of wildlife indigenous to this state determined to be threatened within the state pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.
C.R.S. § 33-2-105.5 Reintroduction of endangered species - legislative declaration
33-2-105.5. Reintroduction of endangered species - legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly determines and declares that pursuant to the tenth amendment of the United States constitution, the state of Colorado has primacy over affairs that are of statewide concern and that matters concerning the environment, including the introduction or reintroduction of species that are currently not found or no longer found in this state is a statewide concern and should be conducted by the state through specific legislation. Reintroduction drives enormous land use questions and impacts property and water rights throughout Colorado.
(2) Before any species may be introduced or reintroduced into this state through action by any state or local government entity, the general assembly shall act by bill to specifically name such species and to specify the manner of introduction or reintroduction. The species to be introduced or reintroduced shall be:
(a) Not, or no longer, found in this state; and
(b) A candidate for listing or has been placed in the threatened or endangered species list pursuant to the federal "Endangered Species Act of 1973", 16 U.S.C. sec. 1531 et seq., as amended.
C.R.S. § 33-2-105.6 Reintroduction of the bonytail fish and the black-footed ferret - repeal
33-2-105.6. Reintroduction of the bonytail fish and the black-footed ferret - repeal. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 33-2-105.7 Reintroduction of species - legislative declaration - report
33-2-105.7. Reintroduction of species - legislative declaration - report. (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.
C.R.S. § 33-2-105.8 Reintroduction of gray wolves on designated lands west of the continental divide - public input in commission development of restoration plan - compensation to owners of livestock - definitions
33-2-105.8. Reintroduction of gray wolves on designated lands west of the continental divide - public input in commission development of restoration plan - compensation to owners of livestock - definitions. (1) The voters of Colorado find and declare that:
(a) Historically, wolves were an essential part of the wild habitat of Colorado but were exterminated and have been functionally extinct for seventy-five years in the state;
(b) The gray wolf is listed as an endangered species on the commission's list of endangered or threatened species;
(c) Once restored to Colorado, gray wolves will help restore a critical balance in nature; and
(d) Restoration of the gray wolf to the state must be designed to resolve conflicts with persons engaged in ranching and farming in this state.
(2) Notwithstanding any provision of state law to the contrary, including section 33-2-105.5 (2), and in order to restore gray wolves to the state, the commission shall:
(a) Develop a plan to restore and manage gray wolves in Colorado, using the best scientific data available;
(b) Hold statewide hearings to acquire information to be considered in developing such plan, including scientific, economic, and social considerations pertaining to such restoration;
(c) Periodically obtain public input to update such plan;
(d) Take the steps necessary to begin reintroductions of gray wolves by December 31, 2023, only on designated lands; and
(e) Oversee gray wolf restoration and management, including the distribution of state funds that are made available to:
(I) Assist owners of livestock in preventing and resolving conflicts between gray wolves and livestock; and
(II) Pay fair compensation to owners of livestock for any losses of livestock caused by gray wolves, as verified pursuant to the claim procedures authorized by sections 33-3-107 to 33-3-110.
(3) (a) The commission's plan must comply with section 33-2-105.7 (2), (3), and (4) and must include:
(I) The selection of donor populations of gray wolves;
(II) The places, manner, and scheduling of reintroductions of gray wolves by the division, with such reintroductions being restricted to designated lands;
(III) Details for the restoration and management of gray wolves, including actions necessary or beneficial for establishing and maintaining a self-sustaining population, as authorized by section 33-2-104; and
(IV) Methodologies for determining when the gray wolf population is sustaining itself successfully and when to remove the gray wolf from the list of endangered or threatened species, as provided for in section 33-2-105 (2).
(b) The commission shall not impose any land, water, or resource use restrictions on private landowners in furtherance of the plan.
(4) In furtherance of this section and the expressed intent of voters, the general assembly:
(a) Shall make such appropriations as are necessary to fund the programs authorized and obligations imposed by this section, including fair compensation for livestock losses that are authorized by this section; and
(b) May adopt such other legislation as will facilitate the implementation of the restoration of gray wolves to Colorado.
(4.5) (a) For purposes of implementing and administering this section, the general assembly shall appropriate money to the division or otherwise authorize the division to expend money from one or more of the following funds:
(I) The general fund;
(II) The species conservation trust fund created in section 24-33-111 (2)(a);
(III) The Colorado nongame conservation and wildlife restoration cash fund created in section 33-1-125; or
(IV) The wildlife cash fund created in section 33-1-112 (1); except that any money within the wildlife cash fund that is generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses or from associated federal grants is not available for appropriation under this section.
section 24-33-111 (2)(a);
(III) The Colorado nongame conservation and wildlife restoration cash fund created in section 33-1-125; or
(IV) The wildlife cash fund created in section 33-1-112 (1); except that any money within the wildlife cash fund that is generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses or from associated federal grants is not available for appropriation under this section.
(b) The lack of an appropriation from the general fund shall not halt reintroduction of gray wolves as required under subsection (2)(d) of this section.
(c) The division may solicit, accept, and expend any grants, gifts, sponsorships, contributions, donations, and bequests, including federal funds, for the purpose of implementing and administering this section.
(5) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Designated lands" means those lands west of the continental divide in Colorado that the commission determines are consistent with its plan to restore and manage gray wolves.
(b) "Gray wolf" means nongame wildlife of the species canis lupus.
(c) "Livestock" means cattle, horses, mules, burros, sheep, lambs, swine, llama, alpaca, and goats.
(d) "Restore" or "restoration" means any reintroduction, as provided for in section 33-2-105.7 (1)(a), as well as post-release management of the gray wolf in a manner that fosters the species' capacity to sustain itself successfully.
C.R.S. § 33-2-105.9 Reintroduction of the North American wolverine - requirements - compensation to owners of livestock - reports - rules - definitions - legislative declaration
33-2-105.9. Reintroduction of the North American wolverine - requirements - compensation to owners of livestock - reports - rules - definitions - legislative declaration. (1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Federal act" means the federal "Endangered Species Act of 1973", 16 U.S.C. sec. 1531 et seq., as amended.
(b) "Livestock" has the meaning set forth in section 33-2-105.8 (5).
(c) "North American wolverine" means the species Gulo gulo luscus.
(2) Subject to the requirements of this section, the general assembly authorizes the division to reintroduce the North American wolverine in the state.
(3) As long as the North American wolverine remains on the list of threatened or endangered species pursuant to the federal act, the division shall not reintroduce the North American wolverine in the state until the effective date of a final rule designating the North American wolverine in Colorado as a nonessential experimental population pursuant to 16 U.S.C. sec. 1539 (j), as published in the federal register by the United States fish and wildlife service.
(4) In conducting the reintroduction of the North American wolverine in the state, the division shall:
(a) Comply with:
(I) The final rule described in subsection (3) of this section;
(II) The approach described in a North American wolverine restoration plan developed by the division; and
(III) All applicable federal laws, including, if applicable, the federal "National Environmental Policy Act of 1969", 42 U.S.C. sec. 4321 et seq., as amended; and
(b) Work cooperatively with federal land management agencies that have jurisdiction over federal public lands where North American wolverines may be released in Colorado.
(5) The division shall develop a North American wolverine restoration plan pursuant to subsection (4)(a)(II) of this section, and before the division reintroduces the North American wolverine in the state, the commission shall adopt rules providing for payment of fair compensation to owners of livestock for losses of livestock caused by the North American wolverine pursuant to the claim procedures described in sections 33-3-107 to 33-3-110.
(6) (a) Before the reintroduction of the North American wolverine in the state occurs, the department shall:
(I) Prepare a report in accordance with section 33-2-105.7 (2) and deliver the report in accordance with section 33-2-105.7 (3); and
(II) Develop a communications plan that outlines the division's planned communications for proposed releases of the North American wolverine. The communications plan must include a description of how the division will communicate with stakeholders and boards of county commissioners in general locations of proposed releases of the North American wolverine.
(b) The department shall prepare a report in accordance with section 33-2-105.7 (4) for each of the five years after the reintroduction of the North American wolverine occurs. Notwithstanding the requirement in section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), the department shall deliver the report in accordance with section 33-2-105.7 (3).
(7) The division may compensate owners of livestock pursuant to subsection (5) of this section from the wildlife cash fund created in section 33-1-112 (1); except that the division shall not use money within the wildlife cash fund that is generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses or from associated federal grants to implement this subsection (7).
ordance with section 33-2-105.7 (3).
(7) The division may compensate owners of livestock pursuant to subsection (5) of this section from the wildlife cash fund created in section 33-1-112 (1); except that the division shall not use money within the wildlife cash fund that is generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses or from associated federal grants to implement this subsection (7).
(8) The general assembly deems the recommended expenditure described in this subsection (8) to be in the interest of the people of the state. Pursuant to section 24-33-111 (3), the executive director is authorized to obligate and expend seven hundred fifty thousand dollars from the species conservation trust fund created in section 24-33-111 (2)(a) for the purposes of implementing and administering this section, except as set forth in subsection (7) of this section. The money described in this subsection (8) is available in state fiscal year 2024-25 and remains available for the authorized purposes until the money is fully expended.
C.R.S. § 33-2-106 Management programs
33-2-106. Management programs. (1) The division shall establish such programs including acquisition of land or aquatic habitat as are deemed necessary for management of nongame, endangered, or threatened wildlife.
(2) In carrying out programs authorized by this section, the division may enter into agreements with federal agencies or political subdivisions of this state or with private persons for administration and management of any area established under this section or utilized for management of nongame, endangered, or threatened wildlife.
(3) The commission may permit, under such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by regulation, the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, or shipment of species or subspecies of wildlife which appear on the state lists of endangered or threatened species for scientific, zoological, or educational purposes, for propagation in captivity of such wildlife, or for other special purposes.
(4) Upon good cause shown and where necessary to alleviate damage to property or to protect human health, endangered or threatened species may be removed, captured, or destroyed but only pursuant to permit issued by the division and, where possible, by or under the supervision of an agent of the division. Provisions for removal, capture, or destruction of nongame wildlife for the purposes set forth in this subsection (4) shall be set forth in regulations issued by the commission pursuant to section 33-2-104 (1).
C.R.S. § 33-2-107 Regulations
33-2-107. Regulations. The commission shall issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this article.
C.R.S. § 33-2-108 Funding
33-2-108. Funding. (Repealed)
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-33.docxFetched: 10/6/2026