Before you get in line, tell yourself: "I'm retired. I'm retired."

Warm weather and boredom is driving Coloradoans to the outdoors, making it almost perilous to venture close to a park this weekend. This was the scene at Boyd Lake Sunday about 2 p.m. - campers, boats and other vehicles were backed up from the entrance for more than a mile down County Road 15 to 37th Avenue, and south another quarter mile or so to Boise Avenue. Linda and I drove past Boedecker earlier in the day, and vehicles were parked on both sides of the State Wildlife Area entrance road all the way to the main road. Hopefully better on Monday...

Colorado Continues Fish Stocking Despite Pandemic

Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Aquatics section is working hard to protect fishing opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• by Travis Duncan

Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery truck shares the message: “Your fishing license fees fund fish stocking and habitat conservation.” Thanks, anglers!

Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Aquatics section is working hard during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure fishing opportunities are still available this coming season and beyond in Colorado.

“Fish populations across the state are strong,” said Matt Nicholl, Aquatic Section Manager for CPW. “Warm water species such as post-spawn walleye are feeding well. Pre-spawn bass fishing is starting to pick up. These species can be found in many of the lower elevations reservoirs across Colorado. Cold water species such as rainbow trout and brown trout can be targeted in many of our mountain streams and reservoirs.”

With the current health situation, CPW suggests fishing close to home and practicing social distancing while enjoying our exceptional aquatic resources.

Here’s how CPW has been handling this year’s unique situation for some of our most popular fish.

Stocking rainbow trout in Lamar

On March 19, CPW stocked more than 6,000 10-inch rainbow trout in five different lakes near Lamar (Jacksons pond, Northgate 2 and 3, Turks Pond, and Blackhole).

Aquatics staff made the 630-mile round-trip journey from Chalk Cliffs Hatchery to Lamar to stock more than 6,000 rainbow trout. Despite the cold, snowy morning of loading fish, as soon as the truck reached Highway 50, it was blue skies all the way to Lamar.

These fish will provide excellent early season opportunities for anglers on Colorado’s eastern plains.

Utilizing Nanita Lake Cutthroat Trout for Stocking

3-year-old Nanita Lake cutthroats during the first sort of the spawning season. The female fish full of eggs is on the right and the smaller, brightly colored male on the left.

The Glenwood Springs Hatchery is attempting to produce at least 600,000 eyed eggs for the CPW hatchery system to utilize for stocking. Nanita Lake cutthroats are a subspecies of Colorado River cutthroat trout named for Nanita Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, which provided the original broodstock for the hatchery. This strain of cutthroat is used extensively on Colorado’s Western Slope for high elevation recreational fish stocking. Most of the eggs from the spawn at Glenwood Springs will be stocked as fish in remote waters, some being transported in backpacks and some being stocked by airplane.

See more Colorado stocking news here:

lake John Club Fishing Trip cancelled!!

Jim Visger has cancelled the Lake John club fishing trip.

Mercury Marine Announces Agreement With BRP

Mercury Marine enters into supply agreement with BRP; will immediately become outboard engine of choice for Alumacraft, Manitou & Telwater brands

FOND DU LAC, WI -- Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC) and a world leader in marine propulsion systems, has entered into a strategic supply agreement with BRP to be the supplier of choice for BRP owned boat brands Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex & Stacer. BRP has made the decision to discontinue the production of E-TEC and E-TEC G2 engines effective immediately.

“This agreement brings us an incredible opportunity to further grow our brand in the marketplace and introduce our award-winning portfolio of outboard engines to new customers around the world,” said Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president. “We have enjoyed long standing relationships with Alumacraft, Manitou and Telwater and we look forward to continuing to work with them while providing class-leading outboard engines and exceptional service to all of their global customers.”

“We stay true and committed to our marine strategy, and we strongly believe that having two of the most innovative global marine companies to join forces, will not only be mutually beneficial to Mercury Marine and BRP, but also to the whole industry and to customers, " said Karim Donnez, Senior Vice President, Marine Group, IS&T and Global Transformation. “While COVID-19 has precipitated the discontinuation of the production of our outboard engines, we will proudly offer packaged Manitou, Alumacraft, Quintrex and Stacer boats with Mercury Marine going forward."

Mercury Marine will be the outboard supplier of choice for the Alumacraft and Manitou brands as well as Quintrex & Stacer in Australia.

“We are excited for the BRP dealers and consumers to experience our new engines – and with our recent capacity related investments we are well positioned for continued growth,” said Drees.

Boat packages for Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex & Stacer with Mercury outboards will be available in early June.

About Mercury Marine

Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., Mercury Marine is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A $3 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications, empowering boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. Mercury’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury propellers; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; Attwood marine parts; Land ’N’ Sea marine parts distribution; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. More information is available at mercurymarine.com.

BRP to Discontinue Manufacturing of Evinrude E-Tech and E-Tech G2 Outboards

Company discontinues the manufacturing of outboard engines and agrees with market leader Mercury Marine to support boat packages. 

Valcourt, Quebec – BRP (TSX: DOO; NASDAQ: DOOO) announced today it has re-oriented its marine business by focusing on the growth of its boat brands with new technology and innovative marine products. We will discontinue production of Evinrude E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard engines. Our Sturtevant, WI, facility, will be repurposed for new projects to pursue our plan to provide consumers with an unparalleled experience on the water. We remain committed to our Buy, Build, Transform Marine strategy which has been underway since 2018 with the acquisition of Alumacraft and Manitou boat companies in the U.S., followed by the acquisition of Australian boat manufacturer Telwater in 2019. “Our outboard engines business has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, obliging us to discontinue production of our outboard motors immediately. This business segment had already been facing some challenges and the impact from the current context has forced our hand,” said José Boisjoli, President and CEO of BRP. “We will concentrate our efforts on new and innovative technologies and on the development of our boat companies, where we continue to see a lot of potential to transform the on-water experience for consumers,” he added. Discontinuing outboard engine business and signing an agreement with Mercury Marine Following our decision to discontinue E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard engines, we have signed an agreement with market leader Mercury Marine to support boat packages and continue to supply outboard engines to our boat brands. We will continue to supply customers and our dealer network service parts and will honour our manufacturer limited warranties, plus offer select programs to manage inventory. These decisions will impact 650 employees globally. Pursuing new opportunities within Build and Transform phases of strategy With this announcement, BRP will be positioned to expand its presence in the pontoon and aluminum fishing markets through technologically advanced solutions. We will leverage our track record of ingenuity through our R&D resources to enhance the boating experience with unique new marine products, such as the next generation of engine technology with Project Ghost and the next generation of pontoons with Project M, code names for new products we expect to transform the industry. Maximizing operational and functional efficiencies Lastly, we will consolidate Alumacraft operations from two sites to one. All Alumacraft operations will be transferred to St Peter, MN and our site in Arkadelphia, AR will be permanently closed. In addition, we want to upgrade the boat production facilities to reorganize manufacturing sites and apply the modularity model used elsewhere. This move is designed to enhance productivity and efficiency and to allow us to respond with even more agility to demand.

About BRP We are a global leader in the world of powersports vehicles, propulsion systems and boats, built on over 75 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Our portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive products includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am on- and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex, Stacer and Savage boats, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. We complete our lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel business to fully enhance the riding experience. With annual sales of CA$6.1 billion from over 120 countries, our global workforce is made up of approximately 12,600 driven, resourceful people. www.brp.com @BRPNews

Rick Golz says he should bring Priscilla with him more often!

Rick thinks that maybe bringing Priscilla helped catch these fish. I say if that's what works then she should come along more often!

Nice Bass!
Photo Priscilla Golz

22" Trout, Photo Priscilla Golz

Perkins open, but not set up for groups

Club President Jim Baxter checked with Perkins today; the restaurant is set up for indoor dining in accordance with Larimer County coronavirus restrictions. They are allowing groups of up to four people to eat together in tables set at least 6 feet apart. That doesn’t fit with resumption of the club’s Friday breakfasts.

One of these days...

Charlie’s Dad’s discharge after World War II

 Editor’s note: we’ve been encouraging club members to share stories of their lives, even when it’s time not spent fishing. Some time ago Charlie Higgs wrote down his memories of the summer of 1945, which we share with you on this Memorial Day..

DAD’S DISCHARGEI

​It was great news “Dad is home for good!”

​In the summer of 1945, Joe was almost 10, I was 5 and Rich was 3.  The big war was over!  Soldiers, sailors, airmen, husbands, fathers, brothers were being discharged from the military service and returning home.

​Those are the historical facts.  As a 5 year old, what was important to me and my brothers was that Dad was home to stay!

​He had been away for almost 2 years serving in the navy.  We had seen him only two times when he was allowed to come home on short furloughs.  On one visit Dad and Mom took Rich and me to a photographer in Memphis.  They had our pictures taken wearing little sailor suits.

​My most vivid memory of Dad’s homecoming was the big family picnic held to celebrate his safe return.  In addition to Dad, Mom and my brothers, there were lots of other relatives present.  Grandma Haynes and Jack – Dad’s mother and step-father, and Aunt Christine were there.  Dad’s step-brother, Uncle Richard, his wife Edna Earl and their two daughters Shirley and Barbara Jean (BJ) came over from Memphis.

​Mom’s sister, Aunt Katherine who lived with us during the war was there.  Her husband-Uncle Pate, who was an airman, had not been discharged yet. Another sister of Mom’s, Aunt Mary and her husband Uncle Bill came down from Hickory With for the day.

​As usual at such family picnics, we had fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, cold slaw, sliced tomatoes, deviled eggs, pickled peaches and lots of iced tea.  For dessert we had Dad’s favorite – lemon meringue pie and a coconut cake.  A big watermelon was cooling in a tub of ice water.

​It was one of those perfect summer days, not too hot, especially if you found a spot under a shade tree.  Later in the day, some of the adults played a game of lawn croquet.  We kids played games of tag and hide and seek.  We also played a game of rolling down the small hill in our side yard.  When you got to the bottom you would try to stand and race back to the top before the others.  It was hard to do because you would be so dizzy from all the spinning on the way down.

​One of the men carved the cold, sweet watermelon.  He handed out the half-moon pieces of the juicy treat.  We didn’t need spoons or forks.  We spit the seeds on the ground.  Soon we were laughing at the site of red, dripping faces.

​In the early evening as it was starting to get dark, someone brought out a big jar and cut some holes in the lid.  It was up to us kids to run around in the fading light and try to catch lightening bugs.  Once we caught one, we would put it in the jar.  Soon the jar was aglow with so many of the little bugs inside.  Once it got completely dark and the long day caught up with us very tired kids, we opened the jar and released them.

​I have lots of childhood memories – bits and pieces that occurred before this picnic.  There is no question this family celebration of Dad’s homecoming is the most important and memorable event of my young life.

Like families across the country, I think we all sensed this homecoming was the turning point for us to get on with the hopes and dreams of our lives.

Later that year, probably in early fall, I had another memorable experiencewith Dad.  He and Mom had decided to move our family to McCormick, Arkansas.  They would rent 40 acres of land along with a 4 room house and we would become cotton farmers.  One thing that made this farm special was that it was located right next to the one where Grandma Haynes, Jack and Aunt Christine lived.

I think because Joe was in school, Dad decided to take me along when he made a trip to our new home to deliver furniture and other household goods.  What I remember was a feeling of pride and happiness that I got to spend these two days alone with my Dad.

I sat on the truck seat next to him, barely able to see outside.  We were traveling in areas I had not been before.  I do remember it rained most of the way.  When we arrived, Dad had me stay with Grandma, while he and Jack unloaded the truck at our new home.

I recall little about the rest of the trip.  But even as a 5 year old, I sensed big changes were coming.

    # # #

Lake John Club Trip June 2-5 is still scheduled

Jim Visger has confirmed that the Lake John Trip is still on. Come out for a day or come out for several days and join club members in their efforts to catch some nice trout and spend some time together.I did talk with the Lake John Resort and the camping restrictions have been lifted. Some spots are reservation only. You can call them at 970-723-3226 to find out about cabin availability or camping spots, some with electric etc. on their property.

Lake John fishing

When Jun 2 – 5, 2020

Where Lake John west of Walden 

Description Club contact: Jim Visger, 970-800-3399. Lodging available at the lake includes 4 cabins and RV park with full hookups and drive-through sites. (Contact http://lakejohnresort.com ) Free state campsites are also available around the lake on first-come basis.

Getting Up Early to Fish

Our intrepid club secretary, Christina, knows the value of getting up early in the morning and getting on the water. Not only do you avoid the crowds, you also have a better opportunity to catch fish. Often times we are rewarded with a welcome statement, a good morning call out from the planet on which we live, like this one that greeted Christina yesterday. It's a reminder that being there is why we go, catching fish is just a bonus.

Photo by Christina Weiss

No LFC Senior Fishing Derby this year

No surprise here, but it's disappointing to all:  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club is cancelling the derby this year.  It had been scheduled for Sept. 16 at Flatiron Reservoir.

Kathy Barker, this year's chair, says the club plans to resume the annual competition in 2021.

The decision was made after previous chair Ray Park talked over the situation with management of several assisted living centers in Loveland.

Scene from the 2019 derby.

The event for Loveland assisted living center residents has been a tradition since 2011. The derby remains, we think, this nation’s only free fishing derby focused on  community's assisted living center residents, run by and for seniors. Other Loveland seniors are welcome, but the primary invited guests are residents of about 10 assisted living centers.

Close to home...

Wayne Baranczyk didn't travel far to use his new float tube (the old one kinda leaked) but put it to good use Monday with this 21-inch rainbow. We won't tell you where - get out and find it for yourself - but we will say he took it with a Gulp minnow...and put it back in the lake.

Whew. Boyd boiling with boats

Came out for picnic and never saw the number of boats out here. Fun watching everyone try to launch.

Shoes and Books

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away we asked for contributors to the blog to share a story or two about ourselves.
For such a chatty group at breakfast it feels like the vacuum of space, with the exception of a few brave souls that took the risk to tell us all a story. Those few stories were pretty good, they took us to places we would have never imagined.
This reminded me of a story I wrote as part of a writing class for beginners at Front Range Community College. Trying to write anything at all seemed to be an insurmountable task at times for most of us. We had a great teacher who used different tools to teach us that we could write and often times write quite well. Once, as part of freeing up the mind and getting us to be creative she had  reach into a bag and pull out two pieces of paper. Each piece of paper had one or two words on it and the challenge was to combine the words in some fashion and write something.
She had given us a starting point, one that didn't require a blank sheet of paper like our minds seemed to be. With a bit of trepidation I unfolded the papers and there were the two words. SHOES and BOOKS. What was I going to do with those?
As it turned out it didn't take long to think of something. Soon those two words intertwined into a common likeness. In my mind they were both almost the same but so different in what they could do and had done for me. I had personal experience with both. (That's one thing we learned, write about something you know well and it's a lot easier) These two words were almost like a gift for me and made it easy to write.
The commonality was that BOTH SHOES AND BOOKS take us to places we had never imagined. They each transport us to different worlds, new and old places, that opens our minds, leaves us speechless and often educates us.
How many different kinds of shoes and boots  have we had that allowed us to travel in the cities, go on those alpine trails, dance, fish, bike and gave us a glimpse of what's around the next corner both mentally and physically? We buy a new pair of shoes for a reason, to take us where we want to go. Nothing like a new pair of shoes right?
How many books have brought us to other countries, worlds, galaxies, into someone else's mind and literally hear their thoughts, each voice different for all of us, that gave us new perspectives and thoughts which let us travel in our minds to explore endless possibilities? We buy a new book because we look forward to the content and where that will take us. We can't wait to get home and start reading it.
Books have gotten us excited about where we might go on our next trip, hmmm, am I going to need a new pair of shoes or boots for that trip?

So let's hear some stories, maybe about a trip you took, maybe about something you learned or the time you turned left instead of right and met someone that changed your life or made you cry out Holy Crap! A teacher, a partner, a crevasse you almost fell into, the time the canoe turned over in that mountain lake and you fished naked until your clothes dried on the rocks. There are a million stories out there and you have more than a few of them. We would all like to read some of those.

Six of the things I have learned during the Coronavirus...

By Bill Prater

1.    I have discovered Linda can sit in silence for hours, happily knitting away, while I telepathically anticipate her inevitable next few words. Sounds impressive, until you remember we have been in blissful binary confinement for the past two months. There is just not much variation in our daily conversations; the sight of a familiar squirrel in the backyard can trigger dramatic new dialogue for hours. As I was saying, Linda can utter three simple words and I can tell you everything else that she is about to say. (The three you have to watch out for are: “Would you mind...?”)

2.    Also, I have discovered Linda can sit in silence sit for hours, happily knitting away… And remain just as happy when she “drops a stitch” and has to pull apart the last 20 rows of the scarf she began when this cursed pandemic began.

3.    Meanwhile, I can also sit in silence for hours (or at least just curse under my breath), as I struggle to perfect the notoriously tricky double uni knot to connect microscopic 4-pound braided fishing line to even tinier 4-pound fluorocarbon leader. (I’ve now given up on attaching 2-pound line as a challenge for much younger eyes. And trust me on this, tying knots in 6- or 8-pound braid is too easy to distract a bored homebound angler for very long. (I have, however, given up on Youtube explanations of the intricate, mysterious “FG knot.”) 

4.    Throughout the quarantine, from High Country ice-out through early spring, I have managed to keep my wintertime sanity intact by  continuing to fish. In virtual solitary confinement, of course, under pretty much all weather conditions known to humankind. In the process, I have learned there is a fine line (it falls somewhere between 28 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit), between one’s ability to bravely cast into the teeth of a 30 mph breeze, and reluctantly quitting with an old man’s cramps in one’s casting hand. 

5.    I have simultaneously learned there is a tiny pond near the house that is home to at least three little bass who are occasional suckers for a meticulously presented green pumpkin Ned Rig. Maybe more! You just have to be patient enough to fish for them long enough, and often enough, to entice them into taking a bite. 

6. I’ve got time. 

Show us your Big One

While we never tire of admiring our own, Rick and I urge club members to Show Us Your Big One.”
Doing things in solitary, with faces frequently hidden by masks, we find ourselves without the usual opportunity to allow others to admire our most prized possessions.

Mindful of social distance, we ask that you e-mail us a photo of your Big One so we can share It with the rest of the club online. Aware of Dave’s and Dan’s and Norm’s shared fondness for wide angle photography, the editors note that photos of a Big One grasped by suspiciously enormous hands will be subjected to skepticism once reserved for breakfast at Perkins.

In case Tom or Arnie are reading this, we should stress that we’re talking big fish here. 

Also, A reminder that Jim Roode is seeking candidates for 2020 Angler of the Year. All species included in the Colorado Master Angler program are eligible.

Here’s where to e-mail your entries:

Angler of the Year: Jimroode@yahoo.com

Show us your Big One: Billprater@gmail.com or richard.g.palmieri@outlook.com

Camping in state parks resumes Tuesday

Gov. Jared Polis announced on Monday campgrounds at Colorado state parks will be back open on Tuesday, as long as the host county allows it. The campgrounds are open by reservation only.

Jumbo trip cancelled

A planned overnight trip this week to jumbo reservoir has been cancelled due to forecasted foul weather. Dan Barker hopes to reschedule..

Wanting to learn something new? Well, the club needs a new treasurer

After a terrific seven-year reign as our club's treasurer, Barb Ding will be stepping down in 2021. After introducing professional standards to the tracking of our small but precious budget, she's kept us informed on how much we have to spend and how we've spent it. And been a key member of the club Board.

Never done something like this, but like to learn? Barb would like to ensure a painless crossover by introducing her successor to the techniques involved between now and the new year.

If you've never been able to keep your own checkbook in balance, here's a great opportunity.

If you're interested, contact Barb at sales@groomroom.com

Wyoming to resume temporary non-resident fishing licenses

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon announced Thursday that Game & Fish will begin selling temporary non-resident licenses Saturday, May 9.

Gordon also announced that state officials will let a quarantine for people entering Wyoming expire on Friday.

In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, state officials ordered that people entering Wyoming for non-work related reasons self-quarantine for 14 days. Officials also suspended selling temporary fishing licenses to out-of-staters.

The governor said he hopes people who travel out-of-state do so judiciously and avoid areas hit hard by the Coronavirus.

Camping at Colorado State Parks and State Wildlife Areas will remain Closed until Further Notice

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is working with federal and local partners to determine a timeline for opening camping.

DENVER – Camping at Colorado state parks and State Wildlife Areas will remain closed until further notice, as Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) works to implement system-wide safety protocols related to social distancing in campgrounds.  Customer, volunteer, and employee safety remain a top priority. CPW is committed to providing park services at the highest level possible while also ensuring public safety. System camping cancellations will be sent via email. Currently, no definitive date is known for when sites will reopen.  “We understand the strain these continued closures put on all of us, and we appreciate the public’s flexibility as we work through the process of reopening,” says Dan Prenzlow, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Our staff is working hard to make sure we can provide safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone.”  CPW is working with federal and local municipal partners as well as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to determine a timeline for camping. This coordination can make predicting definitive opening dates difficult as each county faces its own unique circumstances.  State Park Rangers remain on duty protecting the parks and normal rules and regulations still apply. Park trail closures due to visitation or crowding will be reported on the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) App and the CPW website. Colorado counties, municipalities, and land management agencies continue to update their COVID-19 guidance including travel restrictions, road closures, and access limitations on the Colorado Counties Inc. Safer-At-Home map. Outdoor recreationists are responsible for researching and understanding park and county closures before participating in any planned local recreational activities. CPW encourages park visitors to follow trail safety etiquette and visit parks responsibly. CPW asks all Coloradans to respect safer-at-home orders and stay close to your home and use local trails and parks for outdoor recreation. Limiting travel for recreation helps minimize the strain of visitors on small mountain communities and creates less burden for our search and rescue and emergency responders.   For more information, visit the CPW COVID-19 Response website for updates on park closures, permits and licenses, and outdoor recreation policies.

Both Jumbo trips scrubbed

An overnight trip to Jumbo planned for Thursday, May 7 and May 8 has been cancelled due to a forecast of high winds. Norm Engelbrecht says a club outing set for May 12 and 13 has also been dropped because of concerns over Coronavirus.

Dan Barker says he and Kathleen may reschedule their trip for May 12-13 if weather improves. If interested contact him at Barkerdan2@aol.com

CPW Commission requires a valid hunting or fishing license to access all State Wildlife Areas and CPW-leased State Trust Lands

DENVER – A valid hunting or fishing license will be required for everyone 18 or older attempting to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July 1. The rule change was adopted unanimously April 30 by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. “By policy, state wildlife areas are acquired with hunter and angler dollars, and are intended specifically to provide wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation,” Southeast Regional Manager Brett Ackerman told the commission at its meeting. “This rule is aimed at curtailing non-wildlife-related use of these properties. At the meeting, Ackerman presented examples from across the state of the increasing use of state wildlife areas inconsistent with their purpose, including set up of temporary residences, vehicular use on big game winter range, vandalism, and other uses detrimental to wildlife and wildlife-related uses. “There’s certainly an impact on staff and resources, potential public health impact, degradation of habitat and displacement of wildlife,” Ackerman told commissioners. “There is a pattern of non-wildlife related issues we’re seeing out there.” Beginning on July 1, 2020, anyone entering a state wildlife area or state trust land leased by CPW must hold either a valid hunting or fishing license in Colorado. Ackerman emphasized that, “As with all new regulations, especially one as far reaching as this, our policy is to first educate. Especially when talking to constituent users of state wildlife areas, we want to help people understand why we’re taking this action. We’re not seeking to catch people off guard and write them tickets. We want to curtail non-wildlife use of these properties and return them to their original intended purpose.”   ###