Lamar, Colorado – After months of extensive research and public input, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (CPW) has unanimously approved a new 10-year management plan for mountain lions residing on the east slope of the Continental Divide. This decision, reached on Friday, marks a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure the health and sustainability of its mountain lion population.

The comprehensive plan, presented to the commission by Mark Vieira, CPW’s Carnivore and Furbearer Program Manager, outlines strategies for maintaining a stable lion population in the region, excluding North Park. It also emphasizes the importance of future research to enhance CPW’s understanding of mountain lion biology and population dynamics.

This initiative follows the successful implementation of a similar management plan for the West Slope in 2020. The shift towards broader, landscape-scale management reflects a growing recognition that this approach is more effective than the traditional localized strategies.

“We’ve learned a great deal from research conducted in other western states,” explained Vieira. “This knowledge has been instrumental in guiding our population assessments and setting harvest limits that are in line with the best available science.”
Public engagement played a crucial role in the development of the East Slope plan. CPW hosted numerous public meetings, attended by approximately 700 individuals, to gather diverse perspectives and address concerns.

The approved plan will serve as a roadmap for CPW biologists and wildlife managers, influencing critical decisions such as license setting, harvest objectives, and strategies to balance the needs of wildlife with recreational opportunities.

“This plan is the culmination of extensive collaboration and represents our commitment to responsible wildlife management,” said Vieira. “It will help us ensure that Colorado’s mountain lion populations remain healthy and thriving for generations to come.”

The East Slope Mountain Lion Management Plan is available for public viewing on the CPW website.

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