The Parks and Wildlife Commission meets six scheduled times a year to consider changes in Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations and policies. Major changes are discussed over three Commission meetings. Public comments are welcome at any point, but are most effective before and during the Commission's first and second meetings. Working with CPW staff early in this process gives the Commission and CPW more time to review and consider your recommendations.
Regulations in effect for only one year will be discussed at one or two Commission meetings. These regulations include limited license numbers and special seasons for elk, deer, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, mountain lions, wild turkeys, ducks and geese. The best way to comment on changes in the one-year regulations is by contacting CPW staff when the regulation is first scheduled for review or by speaking at the Commission meeting when the topic is first discussed.
What is the general timeline that the Commission usually meets?
Meetings are generally one day long; usually 8:30am - 5pm. Occasionally a second day is required. The second day typically runs from 8am - noon.
Workshops can be either one or two days. If the workshop is one day, it is usually from 8am - 4 or 5pm. Workshops are rarely two days long. However, if a second day is required, it usually runs from 8am - noon.
Agendas are posted on the Parks and Wildlife Commission page at least 7 days prior to each meeting.
How can one comment on Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations & policies at Parks and Wildlife Commission meetings?
Groups or individuals wishing to speak at a Commission meeting about a topic already on the agenda can simply sign up at the meeting. Ideally organized groups should identify one spokesperson. Speakers should try to be as concise as possible and avoid repeating comments made by others. (The time available for each person is limited to three (3) minutes depending on the number of people who wish to speak at the meeting.)
Written comments received at least 30 days before the Commission meeting will be distributed to each commissioner and appropriate staff before the meeting. Comments can be mailed to:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission
c/o Public Involvement Unit
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216
Requests to speak about a subject not on the planned agenda may be made in one of two ways. A written request can be sent to the Commission at the above address 30 or more days before the meeting. Such requests must include the speaker's name, address, phone number, subject to be discussed and amount of time needed. Each request will be answered promptly. Brief comments also can be made at the end of regular business meetings by submitting the speaker's name and topic on the "Public Presentations" sign-up sheet provided at the meeting. The Commission will not take action on these items but may schedule discussion at a later date.
What's the Commission timeline for setting regulations & policies?
Before first Commission meeting:
- Rule-making notice of regulations scheduled for next Commission meeting sent to public (six weeks before meeting).
- Public should submit written or verbal comments on suggested issues to the CPW 30 days before first Commission meeting.
- CPW may hold public meetings depending on the magnitude of issues.
First Commission meeting:
- Public comments taken.
- Commission agrees to a list of issues to be considered.
Before second Commission meeting:
- Public should submit written or verbal comments on identified issues to the CPW 30 days before second Commission meeting.
- CPW formulates draft regulations; draft mailed to public and Commission (10 days before meeting).
- CPW will hold public meetings depending on the magnitude of issues.
Second Commission meeting:
- CPW recommends draft regulations or policies for each issue.
- Public comments taken.
- Commission makes preliminary decision and identifies unresolved issues.
Before third Commission meeting:
- Public should submit written or verbal comments on unresolved issues to the CPW 30 days before third Commission meeting.
- CPW will hold public meetings depending on the magnitude of issues.
- CPW makes final recommendations on unresolved issues; recommendations are mailed to public and Commission (10 days before meeting).
Third Commission meeting:
- CPW presents final recommendations.
- Public comments taken on unresolved issues.
- Commission makes final decision.
Under the State Administrative Procedure Act, the Parks and Wildlife Commission can adopt regulations during one Commission meeting (rather than over three different meetings) when public notice is given. (For regulations in effect for only one year, see Colorado’s regulations brochures.)