Colorado wildlife commission action alert: Your voice is needed to protect democracy and wildlife!
This lawsuit isn’t about legality (because it has none); it’s a clear intimidation tactic designed to silence commissioners who challenge the status quo and stand up for ecosystem-based, ethical wildlife management. It’s an attack on democratic principles and the right of public officials to represent diverse perspectives.The commissioners simply expressed their views as individuals in an op-ed about protecting mountain lions, a topic squarely within their role as public servants. Yet, these groups claim the act of signing on to an op-ed violates the state’s open meetings law—a breathtakingly absurd stretch of legal reasoning.
This isn’t about legitimate legal concerns; it’s about silencing dissent. The lawsuit’s real aim is to discourage other commissioners and decision-makers from speaking out against trophy hunting, using the courts as a weapon of intimidation. And it’s part of a troubling pattern: well-funded groups leverage anti-democracy tactics to protect the status quo and stifle conservation efforts.
Public commissions are supposed to represent diverse perspectives. It is extremely concerning that litigation has now become another weapon in the arsenal of extreme hunting groups trying to silence those who don’t agree with them.
1️⃣ Speak Out at the Colorado Wildlife Commission Meeting (Jan. 8-9 in Denver):
- Show up in person to support Jessica, Jack, and ethical wildlife policies. Just grab a blue card that morning to sign up to speak.
- Location: CPW Headquarters – Hunter Education Building, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216
- Can’t attend in person? Sign up to speak virtually using this form by Friday, Jan. 3 at noon.
- Here’s the commission meeting agenda
Talking Points for the Colorado Wildlife Commission Meeting
Support for the Commission and Commissioners Jessica Beaulieu and Jack Murphy against the lawsuit
- Defending Democracy:
- This lawsuit is a clear attempt to intimidate and silence commissioners who prioritize ethical, science-based wildlife management over trophy hunting interests. This undermines democratic decision-making and discourages diverse viewpoints.
- Thank you, Commissioners Beaulieu and Murphy, for standing firm against political pressure and ensuring that Colorado’s wildlife management reflects public values and ecological science.
- Public Interest Over Special Interests:
- Wildlife management must serve all Coloradans, not just a small, vocal minority advocating for trophy hunting. Jessica Beaulieu and Jack Murphy’s work ensures broader public interests and the health of ecosystems are prioritized.
- Efforts to suppress their voices are not only undemocratic but also out of step with the majority of Coloradans who support ethical and sustainable conservation practices.
- Encourage the Commission:
- I urge this commission to stand united against intimidation and to uphold its commitment to ethical, balanced wildlife management.
- Supporting Commissioners Beaulieu and Murphy is critical to maintaining the integrity of this commission and ensuring the best outcomes for Colorado’s wildlife.
Agenda Item 13: CPW Recommendation to Deny Petition to Halt Wolf Reintroduction
- Support the Division’s Recommendation:
- Thank you to the Division for ignoring baseless opposition and upholding the law requiring wolf reintroduction. Science shows that wolves are essential for restoring balance to ecosystems and improving biodiversity.
- The vocal opposition to wolves is based on fear and misinformation, not science. Following through with the reintroduction is critical for Colorado’s leadership in conservation.
- Commit to Reintroduction:
- I urge the commission to follow CPW’s recommendation and deny this petition. Reintroducing wolves is not only legally mandated but also an opportunity to restore ecological balance that has been missing for decades.
Agenda Item 17a: Unlimited Take for Furbearers
- Call for Limits on Furbearer Killing:
- Unlimited take policies are unsustainable and harmful to Colorado’s ecosystems. Wildlife management should be based on science, not exploitation.
- I urge the commission to establish reasonable limits on furbearer take to ensure these species are protected from overharvesting and that their roles in ecosystems are preserved.
- Protect Ecosystems:
- Species classified as furbearers, like foxes and raccoons, play critical roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Unlimited killing undermines this balance and reflects outdated management practices.
Agenda Item 18: Modifying Harvest Limits for Mountain Lions
- Reduce Female Mountain Lion Harvests:
- Female mountain lions are essential for population stability, especially subadult females who are critical for future generations.
- I urge the commission to lower the harvest limits for female lions and include subadult females in the overall quota. Protecting these lions will help ensure a sustainable population and maintain ecological balance.
- Ecological and Ethical Responsibility:
- Mountain lions play a key role as apex predators in Colorado’s ecosystems. Overharvesting females disrupts populations and leads to unintended ecological consequences.
- Adopting stricter quotas will better align management with ethical conservation practices and public expectations.
Closing Statement for All Topics:
- Thank you for your commitment to ethical wildlife management and for considering the voices of Coloradans who value science, sustainability, and the preservation of our natural heritage. Together, we can create a future where wildlife and people thrive.
2️⃣ Write Letters to the Editor Supporting the Commission:
- Share your outrage with your local paper! This lawsuit is a baseless attempt to intimidate commissioners who prioritize public and wildlife interests over trophy hunting agendas. Colorado’s wildlife belongs to all Coloradans. Decisions about their future should be made by leaders guided by science, ethics, and a commitment to public interest, not by the influence of special interest groups.
3️⃣ Email Commissioners Directly:
- Send messages of support to the commission as a whole using this email and to individual commission members. Let them know Coloradans stand with them in defending democracy and wildlife conservation. You can find their emails on the Commissions’ website.
This is OUR chance to show that Colorado values ethical, democratic decision-making in wildlife policy. Together, we can stand strong against special interests and intimidation. 💪