Remember to re-up on this year's habitat stamp

Since the Colorado Division of Wildlife began selling habitat stamps, two years ago, the DOW has set aside more than 19,000 acres of land for wildlife and wildlife-related recreation.

Some of the wildlife habitat was purchased by the DOW, but most of it is preserved through permanent conservation easements that protect important winter range and migration corridors for deer and elk. Other acquisitions and easements have set aside critical land for sage grouse and opened up fishing access for anglers.

"What we have seen so far is just the tip of the iceberg," said DOW liaison on the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee Dan Prenzlow.

By combining money collected from habitat stamp sales with grants from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and other sources, the DOW is working on dozens of other projects that could protect up to 65,000 additional acres for wildlife habitat.

The Habitat Stamp Program was started in 2006 as a way to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat around the state. The committee has reviewed dozens of proposals to protect critical wildlife habitat with each receiving a thorough review and ranked according to merits. Final approval comes from the Colorado Wildlife Commission.

"The habitat stamp program was set up to benefit the wildlife of Colorado for future generations," said committee chairman Mark Smith. "Our selection process is designed to protect the greatest number of species possible. As stewards of our resources, the committee's goal is to ensure our grandchildren and their grandchildren will be able to enjoy Colorado's natural resources."

The sale of the stamp will run until 2010, with an option to continue past with authorization from the Colorado Legislature. Under House Bill 05-1266, 60 percent of the money collected must be spent on big game winter range and big game migration corridors. The remaining money can be used on other habitat types critical to wildlife in Colorado, including wetlands, riparian, short-grass prairie, and forest land projects.

"There are many wildlife species that benefit by protecting big game habitat," Prenzlow said. "Protecting the land that is used by big game goes well beyond just helping the deer and elk herds in the state."

Prenzlow said that protecting the big game habitat also helps bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, hawks, eagles, and a variety of grouse, waterfowl, songbirds and other mammal species.

What is it? • The habitat stamp costs $5 with the purchase of each hunting or fishing license up to a maximum of $10 per year. • Non hunters or fishermen can purchase a stamp for $10.25, which includes the Colorado Search and Rescue fee. Anyone between the ages of 19 and 64 is required to have a valid habitat stamp to enter a DOW managed State Wildlife Area.