Following the new law aimed at protecting wild bison that migrate to the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has started the process to draft a management plan for the Book Cliffs bison herd.

Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25-053 in May, establishing a dual classification for bison in Colorado as both wildlife and domestic animals. The law is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, and originated as a priority bill in the American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee. It requires CPW to develop a management plan with the aim of protecting and managing the wild bison that migrate into Colorado from the Book Cliffs bison herd in Utah.

“The Book Cliffs bison are northwest of Grand Junction and southwest of Rangely,” a press release states. “Prior to Senate Bill 25-053, once Book Cliffs bison entered Colorado, they would have been unprotected due to CPW’s classification of bison as domestic animals.”

Now, the management plan will establish a wild bison population objective within a designated management zone, according to the release, in addition to developing strategies and techniques to meet those population objectives while preventing game damage and determining how the agency will manage bison that migrate outside of the management zone. 

“CPW will start the process by conducting a habitat assessment to evaluate the amount of suitable habitat available,” the press release states. “This analysis will look at factors such as the availability of food sources like grasses and leafy plants, as well as water. Additionally, it will consider potential competition with other wildlife, livestock, and free-roaming horses. The information gathered from this assessment will help guide CPW staff in developing a management plan.”

The planning process will include engagement with stakeholder groups, Tribal and Indigenous peoples, local producers, private land owners, and the general public. Once a draft plan has been developed, CPW will invite public for comment on the draft before presenting it to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.

Those who want to stay informed on the herd management plan process and public engagement opportunities can sign up for CPW’s E-Newsletter or visit Engage CPW.

Last month, the Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting also saw proposed regulations to Senate Bill 25-053, including “rules differentiating between wild bison as big game and domestic bison, the future regulated hunting of wild bison, and compensation for damage caused by wild bison.” At the November meeting, the commission will vote to finalize proposed regulation changes to implement Senate Bill 25-053.

Original reporting from Aspen Times