Resolution # 4-2021

Making Montezuma County A Sanctuary From Wolf Introduction

WHEREAS, Proposition 114 narrowly passed in the state-wide November 2020 election; and

WHEREAS, There were only five (5) counties on the western slope in which voters approved the proposition; and

WHEREAS, Under Proposition 114, colorado parks and wildlife commission is tasked with getting wolves on the ground by December 2023 on lands west of the Continental Divide; and

WHEREAS, Montezuma County opposed by resolution the reintroduction of wolves on November 26, 2019; and

WHEREAS, the livestock industry is a primary component of the economy of Montezuma County; and

WHEREAS, predation by wolves of wildlife and domestic livestock is an issue that the voters of Montezuma County did not approve; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the negative economic and social impacts of wolf introduction, wolves can pose a danger to the physical health of household pets and people due to predation and the transmission of disease; and

WHEREAS, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission passed Resolution 16-01 opposing the intentional release of any wolves in Colorado; and

WHEREAS, efforts to introduce the gray wolf to the northern Rocky Mountains have exceeded recovery goals; and

WHEREAS, Colorado is not part of the historic range of the Mexican wolf; and

WHEREAS, Montezuma County Ordinance 1-2014 prohibits introducing non-native animal species into Montezuma County, carrying with the Class 2 misdemeanor a fine of up to 51,000.00 and a jail sentence of up to 12 months.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. Montezuma County is a sanctuary from the artificial and intentional, introduction of wolves into Montezuma County.
2. Lands designated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for reintroduction must not include Montezuma County.

Approved and adopted the 23rd day of March, 2021