Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program

The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program is a statewide funding initiative administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, a state agency tasked with conserving wildlife resources and providing sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. The program is authorized by Colorado statute and operates as a voluntary, incentive-based partnership with private landowners. Its central purpose is to protect important wildlife habitats while expanding public access for wildlife-related recreation such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Funding for the program is derived from Habitat Stamp revenues, hunting and fishing license sales, contributions from Great Outdoors Colorado, and occasional federal sources, reflecting a blended public funding model that prioritizes conservation outcomes. The program supports three primary conservation mechanisms: conservation easements, public access easements, and fee title acquisitions. Conservation easements allow landowners to retain ownership while permanently limiting land use to protect ecological values. Public access easements provide the public with access to private lands for recreational purposes. Fee title acquisitions involve full property purchase by the state in exceptional cases. Program policy prioritizes conservation easements and public access easements over full acquisitions. Funding may be used for acquisition costs as well as eligible transaction costs such as appraisals, environmental assessments, surveys, and closing expenses, though indirect costs like staff time are not reimbursed. Eligibility for the program is centered on private landowners, who must serve as the primary applicants. However, proposals may be submitted by qualified third parties such as land trusts, local governments, or conservation organizations acting on behalf of landowners. These third parties must meet legal requirements to hold conservation easements if applicable. The program is inclusive of working farms and ranches, and it encourages projects that demonstrate biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and alignment with state conservation priorities. Certain proposals may require matching contributions, particularly when third-party conservation easements are involved, where a minimum contribution of fifteen percent of the purchase price may be required unless waived under specific conditions. Applications are submitted through a structured Request for Proposals process that includes three required components: a detailed proposal form, a comprehensive budget form, and supplemental documentation. Applicants must follow strict formatting and submission guidelines, including file naming conventions and submission via email or alternative delivery methods such as USB drives if necessary. Required materials include maps, legal property descriptions, and supporting documentation such as appraisals and environmental reports. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff prior to submission to ensure accuracy and completeness, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Proposals undergo a rigorous multi-phase evaluation process conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff and the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee. Evaluation criteria include strategic conservation impact, biological significance, habitat quality, public access benefits, and project feasibility. Additional scoring considerations include funding leverage, partnerships, and alignment with conservation priorities such as protecting big game migration corridors, riparian areas, wetlands, and habitats for species of concern. Projects are ranked and recommended for funding based on these criteria, with final approval granted by the Parks and Wildlife Commission. The application timeline for the current cycle begins with the release of the Request for Proposals in June, followed by a submission deadline in mid-October. Proposals are reviewed over several months, with recommendations developed by early spring and final funding decisions made in May of the following year. Successful applicants are notified after the Commission meeting, and project negotiations and due diligence begin shortly thereafter. Funding becomes available once all conditions are met and agreements are finalized, typically in mid-2027 for the current cycle. The program operates on an annual cycle, with recurring opportunities expected each year. Program oversight includes ongoing stewardship requirements for funded projects, particularly for conservation easements, which must be monitored annually to ensure compliance. Applicants must also be prepared for public disclosure of project details following completion, as required by state transparency laws. For additional support, applicants may contact the program manager directly for guidance throughout the application process. This structured yet flexible program reflects Colorado’s long-term commitment to conserving wildlife habitats while balancing private land stewardship and public access.

Contact CPW staff early ensure proposal completeness align with funding priorities demonstrate conservation impact and public access benefits and verify budget accuracy prior to submission