Cattlemen's statement on Polis veto of SB23-256 Dear Editor, As a livestock producer in Jackson County, I am beyond frustrated with the Governor’s decision to deny the will of the legislature and veto SB23-256, Management of Gray Wolves Reintroduction. This decision has disregarded the needs of our industry and the voices of producers, like myself.
The fiscal impact statement associated with Prop 114 the reintroduction of wolves estimated the effort would increase state spending by $300,000 in state budget year 2021-22 and $500,000 in state budget year 2022-23.
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Following a call to join Rio Blanco’s Wolf Reintroduction Sanctuary stance, Moffat County commissioners stated that while they remain steadfast in the opposition of wolves, they will not be joining in on Rio Blanco’s resolution, instead focusing their efforts on requesting a local governmental role in the planning process.
Rio Blanco’s resolution stated the county would allow for the natural migration and repopulation of Gray Wolves, but would not allow for artificially introduced wolves, further stating that “designated lands” for artificial reintroduction must not include Rio Blanco County or any other county in the state that adopts the Sanctuary County Resolution.