CPW Code 17 Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants
CPW Code 17 Key Terms & Definitions
Bag Limit: The maximum number of game animals or fish that a person is legally allowed to take during a specified hunting or fishing season, as established by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission under the authority of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Colorado Endangered Species List: A list maintained by Colorado Parks & Wildlife that identifies species native to Colorado that are threatened with extinction or extirpation within the state, as defined in § 33-1-102(51) of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW): The state agency responsible for the management and conservation of Colorado's wildlife resources, state parks, and outdoor recreation programs, as established under § 33-9-104 of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission: The governing body of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, consisting of 11 voting members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Colorado Senate, as outlined in § 33-9-101 of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Colorado Wildlife Conservation Planning Toolbox: A comprehensive resource developed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife to assist in wildlife conservation planning efforts, including best practices, case studies, and tools for incorporating wildlife considerations into land use and development decisions.
Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program: A program established in 2020 under the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17 to identify and protect critical wildlife habitats across the state, with implications for the permitting process of development projects in designated areas.
Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp: A funding mechanism for wildlife conservation projects introduced by the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Act of 2018, which requires hunters and anglers to purchase habitat stamps in addition to their regular licenses.
Critical Wildlife Habitat: Areas identified by Colorado Parks & Wildlife as being essential for the conservation and management of wildlife species, particularly those that are threatened, endangered, or of special concern, as defined in the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program Guidelines.
Fishing Regulations: Rules established by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission under the authority of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17 to manage and conserve fish populations, including season dates, bag limits, and restrictions on fishing methods and gear.
Game Species: Wildlife species that are legally hunted or taken for food, sport, or other purposes, as designated by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission under the authority of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Habitat Destruction: The alteration or degradation of natural environments that support wildlife populations, which is prohibited under certain circumstances by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17 and may result in enforcement actions and penalties.
Hunting Regulations: Rules established by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission under the authority of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17 to manage and conserve wildlife populations, including hunting season dates, bag limits, and restrictions on hunting methods and equipment.
Nongame Species: Wildlife species that are not typically hunted or fished for sport or food, but are protected under the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17 due to their ecological, scientific, or educational value, as outlined in Article 2 of the code.
Possession Limit: The maximum number of game animals or fish that a person may possess at any given time, as established by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission under the authority of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
State Park: An area of land or water managed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife for outdoor recreation, conservation, and educational purposes, as defined in § 33-10-102(29) of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
State Recreation Area: An area of land or water managed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife primarily for outdoor recreation purposes, as defined in § 33-10-102(30) of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
State Wildlife Area: An area of land or water managed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife primarily for the conservation and management of wildlife populations and their habitats, as defined in § 33-1-102(43) of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Take: To hunt, pursue, catch, capture, kill, or attempt to do any of these things, as defined in § 33-1-102(43) of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Threatened Species: Any species that is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range in Colorado, as determined by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission under the authority of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Wildlife: Any wild vertebrate or invertebrate animal, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, as defined in § 33-1-102(51) of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Wildlife Management: The active management of wildlife populations and their habitats to maintain species diversity, ecological balance, and sustainable use, as authorized by Article 5 of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Wildlife Management Plan: A document prepared by Colorado Parks & Wildlife that outlines the goals, objectives, and strategies for managing a specific wildlife species or group of species within the state, as required by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Wildlife Sanctuary: An area of land or water managed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife for the primary purpose of protecting and conserving wildlife species and their habitats, with limited or no public access, as authorized by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
Wildlife-Related Activity: Any activity that involves the taking, possession, or use of wildlife resources, including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing, and other forms of outdoor recreation, as regulated by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 17.
A Note to Our Readers: We hope this guide is a valuable resource in helping you better understand the . However, it's not a substitute for professional advice and doesn't cover every scenario. Always consult with regulatory bodies and professionals for the most current advice and project-specific guidance.