Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants to hear from the people it serves. And it’s not just a formality — this is about shaping the next decade of outdoor life in the state.
With its current strategic plan nearing the end of its run, CPW has launched a statewide call for anonymous public input. Anyone — from anglers and hikers to conservationists and ranchers — has until May 26 to help chart the course for the agency’s future from 2026 through 2036.
Why the timing matters now
Let’s be real — a lot has shifted in 10 years.
Back in 2015, when the current strategy was adopted, there were different worries: fewer wildfires, less crowding, and frankly, less pressure on the state’s natural resources. That plan served its purpose. But 2025? It’s a different story.
“While this plan has guided the agency’s efforts well since then,” CPW officials said in a statement, “it’s no surprise that the world has changed significantly in 10 years.”
That’s putting it lightly.
There’s been surging interest in outdoor recreation. Wildlife patterns have changed. Climate conditions have become more erratic. And there’s more friction between preservation and public access than ever before.
Who’s being asked — and how
This isn’t just a survey slapped on a website and forgotten.
CPW says it’s working hard to reach a wide range of stakeholders — not just the usual crowd. That means:
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Indigenous tribal partners
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Conservation groups
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Farmers and ranchers
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Hunters and anglers
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Backcountry users
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Newcomers to outdoor activities
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And yes, the general public
The goal is clear: gather broad, meaningful feedback. But keep it anonymous, so people speak freely.
All input is being gathered through an online form that’ll stay open through May 26. And no, you don’t have to be a policy expert to fill it out.
What’s actually on the table?
CPW hasn’t locked in a draft yet. This stage is about listening.
But based on public meetings and early discussions, a few key areas are already drawing strong interest. These are expected to shape the backbone of the 2026-2036 plan:
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Balancing public access with conservation
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Wildlife management in changing ecosystems
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Sustainable recreation policies
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Equity in outdoor opportunities
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Climate adaptation strategies
Some residents are pushing for stronger protections in wilderness areas. Others want expanded access for off-road vehicles and remote camping. And of course, the wolves are back — with all the politics and passions that come with reintroduction.
So yeah. There’s a lot to unpack.
The next steps, mapped out
Once the public input phase closes in May, CPW will start building out a draft version of the new plan. That process will include data analysis, stakeholder meetings, and expert reviews. It’ll take time.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens next:
| Phase | Timeframe | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Public Input | Now through May 26, 2025 | Online feedback form open statewide |
| Drafting Phase | Late 2025 – Early 2026 | CPW compiles input and crafts draft plan |
| Public Review | Spring 2026 | Draft plan released for additional comment |
| Final Adoption | June 2026 | CPW Commission votes on new strategic plan |
The full implementation would start soon after the June 2026 approval.
Why it’s not just “another survey”
You might be thinking, “Sure, I’ll give my opinion — but will it even matter?”
Fair question.
In the past, CPW has directly incorporated community feedback into actual changes. Think improved trailhead signage, wildlife corridor protection policies, and adjusted hunting tags based on local herd data.
More importantly, officials have acknowledged the need for deeper community trust, especially when it comes to land use and Indigenous input. That’s a shift from the top-down planning of the past.
This isn’t about rubber-stamping the old plan with new language. It’s about listening to voices that haven’t always been heard.
Outdoor lovers are already weighing in
Even before the form went live, buzz was building in outdoor circles. Hikers in Grand Junction. Campers near Steamboat. Fly fishers along the Arkansas.
It’s clear people care. Deeply.
One user on a western Colorado message board wrote:
“Finally a chance to tell them that over-tourism is killing the experience. Let’s hope they actually hear it.”
Another chimed in:
“I want my daughter to have the same wilderness I had growing up. They’ve got to start planning like we’re running out of time.”
There’s frustration, yes. But there’s also hope.
People want a say. CPW, this time, says it’s ready to listen.
