Chapter 0 - General Provisions s1

FILING - 07/30/2014 Basis and Purpose Chapter W-0 - General Provisions

Basis and Purpose:

Over the years various non-native species have immigrated into Colorado and become established. These species include European starlings, English or house sparrows, feral hogs, and most recently Eurasian collared-doves (“ECDs”). These species can have negative impacts on Colorado’s native fauna and flora. Consequently, CPW’s desired management approach is generally to allow liberal take of such species. Previous regulations have addressed invasive species in a variety of ways, resulting in a variety of license requirements, manners of take, and other restrictions.

The continued increase in the population of ECDs throughout the state has again brought this issue to light. The ECD has rapidly expanded its distribution across North America since its escape from a pet store in the Bahamas in the 1970s. The birds were first spotted in Colorado near Rocky Ford in 1996. They are now common throughout Colorado with them being documented in all 64 Colorado counties. Christmas bird counts and websites document the expansion and proliferation of this species across Colorado and North America. Although there is no evidence that their presence has impacted native dove species, ECDs are an invasive species that has expanded within urban landscapes.

The original intent of liberalizing the harvest and methods of take for ECDs and other terrestrial invasive species can be achieved by re-classifying them in regulation. These regulations treat all of these species more consistently and cohesively by establishing a Terrestrial Invasive Species Category for Wildlife in Chapter W-0 “General Provisions” along with a standard set of regulations to be applied equally to species in this category.

The primary statutory authority for these regulations can be found in § 24-4-103, C.R.S., and the state Wildlife Act, §§ 33-1-101 to 33-6-209, C.R.S., specifically including, but not limited to: §§ 33-1- 106, C.R.S.

EFFECTIVE DATE - THESE REGULATIONS SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 AND SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT UNTIL REPEALED, AMENDED OR SUPERSEDED.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO THIS 11th DAY OF JULY, 2014.

APPROVED: William Kane Chairman

ATTEST: Christopher J. Castilian Secretary