Paddleboard restrictions proposed on State Wildlife Areas

 Those with an interest in fishing Lon Hagler, Boedecker and other Colorado State Wildlife Areas should weigh in on this:  Colorado Parks and Wildlife proposes to update its definition of a "vessel" on state wildlife area waters to restrict boating to "those being used for fishing and/or hunting." In other words, no more paddleboards! No dogs, either, except ones that are actively hunting. And no operating a vehicle or bicycle off roads within state wildlife areas.

If you want to offer your opinion on this and other proposed changes to State Wildlife Area regulations, by May 24 share your thoughts in the feedback section of this link: https://engagecpw.org/hub-page/state-wildlife-areas

Here is the primary explanation given for the proposed change: 

"Over the last 7-8 years State Wildlife Areas (SWA) use has dramatically increased, causing a corresponding rise in negative impacts on wildlife and wildlife related recreation. In December 2019, the Area Wildlife Managers, in consultation with CPW staff managing the SWAs, began analyzing what negative impacts were occurring and coming up with ideas and solutions to these problems. SWAs are areas purchased with money from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and equipment. SWAs are purchased for a number of reasons, the primary one being to conserve wildlife and wildlife habitat needs. A secondary benefit is providing areas for wildlife-related recreation (hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching). 

"When not in conflict with the prior purposes, SWAs also provide opportunities for other forms of recreation. Because SWAs are acquired using federal funds, if the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determines that a state agency has “lost control” of a property by allowing non-compatible uses, the state agency is required either to regain management control of the lands or replace such lands with lands of equal values and equal benefits as those originally acquired, or the license revenues must be restored to the State agency."

Here's a link to the full proposal: https://engagecpw.org/general-provisions