What is the Habitat Partnership Program?

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, and to assist Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management goals.  The program develops partnerships between landowners, land managers, sportsmen, the public and CPW.  These partnerships are responsible for local solutions to local problems on both private and public land.  HPP is authorized by the Colorado State Legislature and the Colorado Wildlife Commission.

How is HPP Setup Statewide?

In the early 1990's conflict areas were evaluated by the livestock industry, CPW, and federal agencies.  Nineteen areas of concern, primarily on the western slope, were identified and are each handled by its own committee to hear problems and fund solutions. 

Committees are made up of local representatives from the livestock and crop producer community, a sportsmen representative, and an employee from each of the following agencies:  U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and other local specialist.

Your local HPP Committee and You.

All meetings are open to the public.    For more information about your area's committee, contact your local CPW office at 970-723-4625 or the HPP office at 970-723-0020.  We will work with you to find solutions for wildlife related conflicts you are experiencing.

I Have an Idea For a Project, Where Do I Start?

Anyone can propose a project to the local HPP committee.  However, the best way to gain committee approval is to have the support of the local DOW District Wildlife Manager (DWM) before you present your idea.

There are important steps to follow to increase your chances of having a committee implement your idea.  If you have an idea, talk to your local DWM or committee representative.

Most committees have a project proposal form that needs to be completed before you presnet your idea to the committee.  It lays out the scope of the project and the amount of money being requested.

Be creative!  There are often many solutions that haven't been thought of or tried yet!

Committee Guidelines.

Each HPP local committee must develop a Habitat Management Plan that is reviewed and approved by the Colorado Wildlife Commission.  These plans guide the activities of the local committees.  They must be updated every five years.

How is HPP funded? 

Five percent (5%) of the big game hunting license revenue for each HPP area is allocated to the HPP program.  In addition to sportmen's dollars, HPP works with other agencies and landowners to fund and complete projects that are beneficial to wildlife and landowners.  Typically, projects are matched on a 50/50 basis or on a materials/labor arrangement.

Commonly asked questions.

What type of Projects Can I Do?

Project ideas should focus on an outcome that will reduce conflicts between livestock and wildlife.  There are five general catergories for projects.

• Habitat Improvement
• Fence Improvement or Repair
• Distribution Management Hunts
• Direct Payments
• Other (include purchasing of forage, vegetation monitoring hunt coordinators, brochues, and seminars).