The US Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of the Interior are proposing to expand hunting and fishing by 2.3 million acres on 97 of our National Wildlife Refuges. The Proposed “2020-2021 Annual Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulation” was published in the Federal Register on April 9, and the public comment period that will end on Monday, June 8 at midnight Eastern Time. The federal rule affects the following three national wildlife refuges in Colorado: Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge Brown’s Park National Wildlife Refuge The rule has the potential to limit “non-consumptive” activities such as birding. This is especially important in Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges because both are considered Important Bird Areas. These Important Bird Areas have been identified as sites important to nesting, migratory, and wintering species of birds. Some sites provide important stop-over habitat for multiple species. Introducing hunting into those areas can disturb bird species at crucial times in their lifecycle and eventually affect populations. Other important considerations are listed in our comment summary below. “Remember, these are your refuges, too!” said Denver Audubon conservation committee chair person, Polly Reetz. Denver Audubon has joined Audubon Rockies and other Colorado Audubon chapters to provide comments on the proposed rule (see below). Members of the public are free to comment. If you are interested in reviewing or providing comments as part of the process, please use this web link. While we discourage people from copying and pasting our comments below, please feel free to paraphrase them. Alternatively, you may simply enter comments that say, “I support the comments provided by Denver Audubon.”Comment Period for Proposed Rule Affecting National Wildlife Refuges Ends June 8
Why Coloradans Should Care
How to Comment
Summary of Denver Audubon’s Comments