Colorado has released its new State Wildlife Action Plan, a decade-long strategy approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in January 2026. The plan guides how the state will protect species and habitats through 2035, shaping priorities for funding, project locations, and conservation responses to threats like drought, development, and climate change. For residents, the plan connects directly to rivers, roads, outdoor spaces, and everyday experiences with nature.
Coordinating Conservation Across Species and Habitats
The plan identifies at-risk species, priority habitats, and major threats while outlining actions to prevent further declines before emergency measures are needed. Colorado Parks and Wildlife leads its development, working alongside scientists, tribal governments, federal and local agencies, and nonprofit organizations. By providing a shared framework, the plan allows multiple stakeholders—including private landowners and public agencies—to coordinate efforts, justify projects, and allocate funding efficiently.
Species are grouped by vulnerability and data availability. “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” face high risks due to habitat loss or climate pressures, while “Species of Greatest Information Need” highlight knowledge gaps that must be addressed to prevent unnoticed declines. Habitat-focused strategies are emphasized because improving landscapes benefits multiple species simultaneously. Key efforts include protecting rivers, wetlands, grasslands, sagebrush areas, forests, and high-elevation environments.
Addressing Migration, Water, and Habitat Connectivity
Colorado’s wildlife plan targets challenges such as highway crossings, water-dependent habitats, and landscape fragmentation. Migration corridors for elk, mule deer, and pronghorn are being restored, exemplified by the I-25 Greenland overpass, North America’s largest wildlife overpass. Rivers and wetlands are prioritized to combat drought, pollution, and altered flows, supporting fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Grasslands and sagebrush areas receive special attention to protect species like the swift fox, while forests are managed to reduce wildfire risk and enhance resilience in high-elevation zones.
The plan also integrates climate adaptation, treating rising temperatures, shifting snowpack, and more frequent droughts as ongoing challenges. Flexible strategies allow for updates as new data emerge, ensuring conservation actions remain effective over time.
Public Engagement and Long-Term Goals
Many priority habitats coincide with public lands, state parks, and wildlife areas, providing opportunities for residents to observe wildlife while supporting conservation goals. Responsible wildlife viewing—maintaining distance, staying on designated trails, and using pull-offs near roads—is emphasized to minimize stress on animals.
Over the next decade, the plan will guide decisions about water use, land development, energy projects, and transportation. While it cannot guarantee specific outcomes, it strengthens coordination and ensures that conservation actions are proactive. With science-driven priorities, Colorado aims to safeguard habitats, maintain migration corridors, and protect vulnerable species before declines become irreversible.
