GOCO Grant Programs

The Division of Wildlife (DOW) manages the state's 960 wildlife species. The DOW also manages more than 230 wildlife areas for public recreation, conducts research to improve wildlife management activities, provides technical assistance to private and other public landowners concerning wildlife and habitat management, and develops programs to protect and recover threatened and endangered species. Funded largely by fees on hunting and fishing licenses, the Division spends most of its revenue managing game species. That leaves limited resources for nongame species, many of which have declined during the past 30 years due to changes in the state’s landscape. GOCO dollars help the Division fund projects for nongame species and habitat protection and provide opportunities for Coloradans to watch and learn about the state’s magnificent wildlife.

Lynx reintroduction -- GOCO funds have been critical to DOW in its efforts to reintroduce the Canada lynx. In the late 1800s, lynx were found in most high-elevation, forested areas of the state, but by 1930 were considered rare. By the 1970s, very few lynx were in Colorado and it had been listed as a state endangered species since 1976 and was also federally listed as a threatened species. Concluding reintroduction was the only practical option for recovering the species in the state, DOW began an extensive reintroduction program in 1999 using lynx from Alaska and Canada in southwest Colorado. As of Spring 2006, 218 lynx had been reintroduced. During 2003 through 2006, 116 kittens have been born in Colorado. In addition a cat born in Colorado in 2004 has since given birth to two additional kittens, a significant milestone that brings the program closer to success.

Angler Education -- Fishing, angling, casting a line, catching a fish … whatever you call it, it’s fun for kids and families. DOW’s Angler Education Program provides an educational way to introduce kids and adults to the sport of fishing. The Angler Education Program Clinics are now in their 12th year. In 2005-2006 more than 200 fishing clinics and events were held statewide reaching 14,500 participants with 13,000 beginning fishing rods and reels paid for by Great Outdoors Colorado distributed at those events. Beyond the basics of baiting and casting, clinic participants learn about Colorado ecosystems, native and non-native aquatic species, fish handling and outdoor ethics.

Watchable Wildlife -- DOW’s Watchable Wildlife Programs reach out to the significant portion of Coloradans that do not hunt or fish, but are interested in the state’s wildlife resources. With GOCO funding, DOW participated in a number of events around the state including the Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival, Greater Prairie Chicken viewing in Flagler, the Bent County Birding Tour and Elk Fest in Estes Park. Information kiosks and viewing blinds have also been developed at State Parks and State Wildlife Areas with GOCO funds. To learn more about viewing opportunities visit http://wildlife.state.co.us/Viewing/

Colorado Species Conservation Partnership -- GOCO funds have been instrumental to DOW in its efforts to provide habitat for the flamboyant Gunnison sage grouse in an effort to prevent its federal listing as threatened and endangered. The most prominent land preservation deal to result from this effort is Ochs Ranch in the Gunnison Valley. The deal was made possible through the Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP), a partnership between DOW, GOCO, the U.S. Department of Interior and landowners. The goal is to protect through permanent easements approximately 2,766 acres of important grouse habitat along the Ohio Creek. The partnership purchased the Ochs Ranch and enabled eight neighboring ranch families to work the land in exchange for easements on their ranches or for cash, leading to the protection of 4,500 acres. This project serves as a model that demonstrates the compatibility of habitat conservation and productive agricultural activities.