The Moffat County Commission has officially announced that they will not be joining Rio Blanco County in issuing a Resolution concerning wolf reintroduction. Proposition 114 narrowly passed in Colorado last November, mandating the reintroduction of Gray Wolves in the state. Just 13 counties out of Colorado’s 64 counties voted YES for the Proposition and among those opposed, many are demonstrating continued opposition, especially in Western Colorado. In a Moffat County Commission press release it states: On March 16th, Rio Blanco County Commissioners passed a Resolution establishing their County as a Gray Wolf Reintroduction Sanctuary County, stating ‘our County will only accept wolves through natural migration, not a forced reintroduction’. Rio Blanco County has asked other counties to do the same, including Moffat County, prompting our residents to ask if Moffat County will pass the same resolution. Moffat County Commissioners remain steadfast in our opposition to wolf reintroductions. Moffat County feels that making that statement through a coordinated effort may be most impactful, and that continuing to request a local governmental role in the planning process is the most effective use of our resources at this time.” Moffat County actually did pass Resolutions in opposition of Gray Wolf reintroduction in 2004 and 2018 and continue to take action. Their activities surrounding the issue include weekly strategic calls, monthly coordinated planning, testifying on legislation, and Commissioners applying for a place on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Stakeholder Advisory Group. To view the Moffat County Commissioner’s entire press release, visit www.moffatcounty.colorado.gov and click on ‘News and Press’.
