Continuation of 2017 RFP Pause Discussion

Presentation #4-Trinidad, August 2017

August 11, 2017

Commission Direction from March 2017

1. Suspend 2017 RFP2. Staff Presents PWC full range of options on

how funding could be spent (June/August 2017)3. Fully engage conservation partners• Breckenridge Meeting May 11th

• CDC Strategy Group• Email list

2017 RFP Funding Breakdown$9.3 Million Total (FY 18-19)

$4.5 million Habitat Stamp Funding• No expiration-need to request spending authority• Can “Bank” and allocate as needed

$4.8 million GOCO Funding• When allocated, valid for 3 years• This funding as not yet been allocated (FY18-19)

Habitat Stamp PrioritiesA) Protection of big game winter range and migration corridors

B) Protecting habitat for species of concern

C) Preserving wildlife diversity

D) Acquiring public access to wildlife related recreation

GOCO Wildlife Constitutional LanguageI) Develop wildlife watching opportunities;

II) Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment;

III) Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage;

IV) Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critical areas

Global options for 2017(As Discussed at the May/June 2017 PWC Meetings)

1. Bank the revenue and save it for future RFP investments/easements

2. Make long-term, permanent investments such as: Building highway wildlife crossings, conducting dam maintenance, implementing West Slope Mule Deer Strategy

3. Invest in temporary projects such as: Corners for Conservation, Operations and Maintenance

4. Start the 2017 RFP (PWC decided against this option at the June 2017 Meeting)

Discussion Points(From June 2017 PWC Discussion)

• It is possible to bank this funding and have a larger 2018 RFP investment• GOCO funding would be eligible to pay for dam maintenance (no Habitat Stamp)• Habitat Stamp can only pay for O&M on fee title purchased with HS dollars• Habitat Stamp/GOCO could pay for habitat improvements on CPW properties (i.e.

Mule Deer Strategy Implementation)• Habitat Stamp/GOCO could pay for wildlife crossings (habitat improvements)• Corners for Conservation is currently funded through Habitat Stamp (outside of

the RFP)• RPF continuing in future cycles (projects brought forward were term limited)

Staff Recommended Funding Plan(FY 18-19)

• State FY July 1-June 30th. Current: FY 17-18=2016 RFP

$4.5 million in Habitat Stamp Funds: “Bank” for FY 18-19$4.8 million in GOCO Funding:• $2 million Wildlife Small Capital Program• $1 million Wildlife Crossings partnership with CDOT• $800,000 Habitat Improvements (West Slope Mule Deer Strategy)• $1 million Additional Dam Construction at Havilland and Chief Creek

Future state??

Bank $4.5 Million in Habitat Stamp FundsWhy?• Funds could be available for an RFP in 2018 (FY 19-20)

• RFP could be similar (or larger) in 2018 using this funding source

• Current balance of HS-what else could we be doing with this funding?

• Expanded use of funding: Wildlife Crossings, Habitat Improvement such as Mule Deer Strategy, Term Hunting Access (for programs like BGAP)

• Give staff and PWC more time to engage HSC on program changes

GOCO-Wildlife Small Capital $2 Mil.FY 18-19

Why?• $2 million Wildlife Small Capital-Ongoing Program (only GOCO)

• Need within Regions/Hatcheries for maintenance/upkeep between $5-$100k

• Program would be analogous to the Parks Small Capital Program

• GOCO staff open to the idea

• Addresses needs on the ground

GOCO-Wildlife Crossings $1 MilFY 18-19

Why?• $1 Million Wildlife Crossings-One time or Ongoing Program (GOCO or HS)• There is habitat value for connectivity/overlap with Mule Deer Strategy (CE or

contributing to construction costs)• CDOT Partnership (Identify projects in queue & future needs)• Example Project: US 160/SH151 Wildlife Underpass Project-Southern Ute

Partnership84 accidents in 10 year period-64% wildlife related

GOCO-Habitat Improvement & Dam RepairFY 18-19

Why?$800,000 West Slope Deer Strategy (GOCO or HS)• Currently funded at $500,000 per year• Project could use more funding to do habitat work on CPW properties (also BLM and/or Private Land)

$1 Million Dam Repair (GOCO only)• This funding is above and beyond any slated work• Will complete Havilland Lake outlet rehab and flood study and Chief Creek pipe rehab and hydrology

study• Helps with dam repair needs

Future Program?

• Move forward with 2018 RFP (FY19-20)• Increase RFP grant funding• Continue to use Habitat Stamp and GOCO

funds beyond RFP program (past FY18-19)• Wildlife GOCO funds for Cameo Shooting

Range

Discussion

Staff Recommended Funding Plan(FY 18-19)

• State FY July 1-June 30th. Current: FY 17-18=2016 RFP

$4.5 million in Habitat Stamp Funds: “Bank” for FY 19-20$4.8 million in GOCO Funding:• $2 million Wildlife Small Capital Program• $1 million Wildlife Crossings partnership with CDOT• $800,000 Habitat Improvements (Mule Deer Study)• $1 million Additional Dam Construction at Havilland and Chief Creek

Future state??