Put Sweetwater before the people who set CPW policy.

Subject: Sweetwater Lake — require CPW’s wildlife protections in writing

Dear Commissioners:

I am asking the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to direct CPW staff to provide a public written response on Sweetwater Lake wildlife protections.

CPW’s own Sweetwater record says that “as an agency we should set the example when it comes to development in sensitive habitat.” It identifies Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon nest buffers, seasonal no-surface-occupancy periods, elk winter and calving habitat, and mule-deer fawning habitat. CPW’s 2024 scoping comment also calls for “applying & enforcing” seasonal timing limits and no-surface-occupancy buffers in sensitive wildlife habitat.

Please require CPW to answer these questions publicly:

1. Which site-specific raptor buffers, seasonal restrictions, and closure areas will CPW apply at Sweetwater?
2. Which development locations, access routes, and operating periods will CPW avoid or modify for elk and mule deer?
3. Where will those measures be enforceable, including project authorizations and operating requirements?
4. How will CPW monitor compliance and report results to the public?

Sweetwater deserves the same specificity CPW uses when it asks other projects to protect wildlife.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your town]