2 CCR 406-16
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES CHAPTER W-16 - PARKS AND WILDLIFE PROCEDURAL RULES 2 CCR 406-16 [Editor’s Notes follow the text of the rules at the end of this CCR Document.] _________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE I - MEETINGS #1601 - Conduct of Meetings See Article 4 of Title 24, CRS, for rule making and other applicable meeting and hearing requirements A. Regular Meetings 1. Public Presentation - In addition to normally scheduled opportunities to testify on matters before the Commission, persons or groups wishing to participate in a regular Commission meeting may request to be placed on the agenda by submitting a written request to the Chair through the Commission inbox (dnr_cpwcommission@state.co.us) at least 30 days before the meeting. The public may participate during the meeting at the discretion of the Chair or presiding officer.
B. Adjudicatory Hearings 1. Review of Game Damage Settlements and Claim Denials See §§ 33-3-101 to 204, CRS, for additional detail and requirements a. Game Damage Claims Settled by Agreement Between Claimants and the Division
b. Game Damage Claims Recommended for Denial by the Division
2. License Suspension Appeals See § 33-6-106, CRS for additional detail and requirements a. All license suspensions will be heard initially and decided by a Commission hearing examiner. A copy of the hearing examiner’s initial decision shall be sent to the licensee by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of such person. The hearing examiner’s initial decision shall advise the licensee of their right to appeal the initial decision to the Commission. Any person seeking or otherwise requiring Commission review of the hearing examiner’s initial decision shall file a written notice of appeal within 45 days from the date contained in the certificate of service accompanying the initial decision. The notice of appeal must be sent to “CPW License Appeals” 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216. If a timely appeal is not made to the Commission, the hearing examiner’s initial decision shall become final, effective 45 days from the date contained in the certificate of service accompanying the initial decision. If a timely appeal is made to the Commission, the hearing examiner shall send notice to the licensee of the date of their scheduled hearing before the Commission and advise that the hearing examiner’s initial decision to suspend is automatically stayed pending Commission review and final action.
b. The notice of appeal shall include:
c. Commission review will be based on the notice of appeal and any additional written materials and documentary evidence provided to the Commission by the hearing examiner in response to the notice of appeal, and unless the Commission directs otherwise, there will be no oral presentations or further submittals to the Commission.
d. Except as may otherwise be directed by the Commission, license suspensions will be reviewed at the next regular meeting of the Commission following their receipt, provided the notice of appeal is received by the Commission at least thirty days prior to the meeting. The appeal will be placed on the consent agenda unless the licensee makes an oral presentation to the Commission pursuant to #1601.A.1. The final decision of the Commission is effective upon mailing to the licensee and must contain a certificate of mailing.
e. Written notice of the final decision of the commission shall be sent to the licensee by certified mail to the last known address of such person. The notice shall advise the licensee that he or she may appeal the Commission’s suspension decision to the state district court as provided in § 24-4-106, C.R.S., by bringing an action for judicial review within 35 days after such action becomes effective.
f. When deciding upon the duration of any license privileges suspension term, the hearing examiner will consider the facts of the underlying violation(s) giving rise to the criminal conviction(s) and the administrative license suspension hearing, along with all relevant written materials and documentary evidence contained in the Division’s records, all written materials and documentary evidence provided by the party prior to the administrative license suspension hearing, and all evidence provided during the hearing, and will give specific consideration to the absence or presence of the following factors:
Based on all the evidence presented, the hearing examiner will determine the weight to be given to any factor and that factor’s effect on the duration of the suspension term.
3. Mid-Suspension Review a. Except as specified in subsection b. of this regulation, any person who has had their privilege of applying for, purchasing, or exercising the benefits conferred by any or all licenses issued by the division pursuant to articles 1 to 6 of title 33 (“license privileges”) may file a petition for mid-suspension review seeking to modify the expiration date of their suspension. Such petitions may be filed once every five years either:
b. Applicability
c. Contents of petition for mid-suspension review and course of proceedings
d. Standard of review: The commission, in its discretion, may modify the duration of a previously-imposed license suspension if the petitioner proves the duration of their original suspension no longer serves the remedial purpose of protecting the state’s wildlife. The commission shall consider the totality of the circumstances, which include, but need not be limited to, the following factors:
4. Review of Petitions for Declaratory Orders See §§ 24-4-105(11), CRS for additional detail and requirements a. Any person may petition the Commission for a declaratory order to terminate a controversy or to remove uncertainty as to the applicability to the petitioner of any statutory provision or any rule or order of the Commission.
b. The petition must be in writing and shall include:
c. The Commission will determine, in its discretion and without notice to the petitioner, whether to rule upon the petition. In determining whether to rule upon a petition filed pursuant to this regulation, the Commission will consider the following matters, among others:
d. Commission review, if any, will be based on the petition and any additional written materials and documentary evidence provided to the Commission by the Division in response to the petition, and unless the Commission directs otherwise, there will be no oral presentations or further submittals to the Commission.
e. Except as may otherwise be directed by the Commission, petitions for declaratory orders will be reviewed at the next regular meeting of the Commission following their receipt, provided the petition is received by the Commission at least thirty days prior to the meeting.
f. If the Commission determines that it will rule on the petition, the following procedure will apply:
g. The parties to any proceeding pursuant to this regulation shall be the division and the petitioner. Any other person may seek leave of the Commission to intervene in such a proceeding, and leave to intervene will be granted at the sole discretion of the Commission. A petition to intervene shall set the same matters as required by # 600-4. Any reference to “petitioner” in this regulation also refers to any person who has been granted leave to intervene by the Commission.
h. Any declaratory order or other order disposing of a petition pursuant to this regulation shall constitute final agency action subject to judicial review pursuant to section 24-4-106, C.R.S.
5. Landowner Preference Program (LPP) Disqualification Hearings and Appeals a. If a landowner, the landowner’s agent, or hunter fails to comply with § 33-4-103, CRS or any of its implementing regulations, the Division may disqualify such person (the “Respondent”) from participating in the LPP for up to five years. Disqualification proceedings will be heard initially and decided by a Commission hearing examiner. Respondents shall be given the opportunity to appear and show cause why they should not be disqualified from participating in the LPP. A copy of the hearing examiner’s initial decision shall be sent to the Respondent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of such person. The hearing examiner’s initial decision shall advise the Respondent of their right to appeal the initial decision to the Commission. Any person seeking or otherwise requiring Commission review of the hearing examiner’s initial decision shall file a written notice of appeal with the Commission no later than 45 days from the date contained in the certificate of service accompanying the initial decision. The notice of appeal must be sent to “CPW License Appeals” 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216. If a timely appeal is not made to the Commission, the hearing examiner’s initial decision shall become final, effective 45 days from the date contained in the certificate of service accompanying the initial decision. If a timely appeal is made to the Commission, the hearing examiner shall send notice to the Respondent of the date of their scheduled hearing before the Commission and advise that the hearing examiner’s initial decision to disqualify is automatically stayed pending Commission review and final action.
b. The notice of appeal shall include:
c. Commission review will be based on the notice of appeal and any additional written materials and documentary evidence provided to the Commission by the hearing examiner in response to the notice of appeal, and unless the Commission directs otherwise, there will be no oral presentations or further submittals to the Commission.
d. Except as may otherwise be directed by the Commission, LPP disqualification appeals will be reviewed at the next regular meeting of the Commission following their receipt, provided the notice of appeal is received by the Commission at least thirty days prior to the meeting. The appeal will be placed on the consent agenda unless the Respondent makes an oral presentation to the Commission pursuant to #1601.A.1. The final decision of the Commission is effective upon mailing and must contain a certificate of mailing.
e. Written notice of the final decision of the Commission shall be sent to the Respondent by certified mail to the last known address of such person. The notice shall advise the Respondent that they may appeal the Commission’s disqualification decision to the state district court as provided in § 24-4-106, C.R.S., by bringing an action for judicial review within 35 days after such action becomes effective.
f. When deciding upon the duration of any disqualification term, the hearing examiner will consider the facts of the underlying violation(s) giving rise to the criminal conviction(s) and the administrative disqualification hearing, along with all relevant written materials and documentary evidence contained in the Division’s records, all written materials and documentary evidence provided by the Respondent prior to the administrative disqualification hearing, and all evidence provided during the hearing, and will give specific consideration to the absence or presence of the following factors:
6. All Other Adjudicatory Hearings See §§ 24-4-105 and 33-1-111, CRS for additional detail and requirements a. Unless the Commission directs otherwise, all other adjudicatory matters within the jurisdiction of the Commission will be heard initially and decided by an administrative law judge within the Division of Administrative Hearings.
b. Any person requesting an adjudicatory hearing on a matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission shall file a written request for a hearing with the Commission.
c. The request for an adjudicatory hearing shall include:
d. Except as may otherwise be directed by the Commission, requests for adjudicatory hearings will be reviewed at the next regular meeting of the Commission following their receipt, provided the request is received by the Commission at least thirty days prior to the meeting.
e. The person will be notified of the assignment of the matter to the Division of Administrative Hearings or whether the Commission will hear the matter itself.
f. All further proceedings will be conducted in accordance with §§ 24-4-105, CRS ARTICLE II - IMPLEMENTATION OF HB1158 #1602 - PURPOSE AND SCOPE These rules govern administrative proceedings pursuant to the Commission's obligations under House Bill 1158 as described by Section 37-60-122.2 CRS and Section 5 of Chapter 266, Session Laws of Colorado 1987. This Act, dated July 13, 1987, directs the Wildlife Commission (Commission) and the Water Conservation Board (Board) or the Governor to determine an official State position on a wildlife mitigation plan submitted by an applicant proposing to construct, operate or maintain a water project requiring federal approval. It also establishes State grants to assist in paying for wildlife mitigation and/or enhancement measures. These rules are written to be compatible with the Board's “Rules and Regulations for the Implementation of Colorado's Fish and Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Grant Program.”
These rules apply to all actions required by and taken pursuant to Section 37-60-122.2 CRS, (1984 and 1987 Supp.) and Section 5 of Chapter 266, Session Laws of Colorado 1987. These rules apply to all applicants who file an application for, or receive a permit for, a proposed water project on or after July 13, 1987.
These rules do not apply to the Animas-La Plata Project, the Two Forks Dam and Reservoir Project, the Homestake Water Project or to any project which is eligible for a nationwide permit pursuant to Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act or to any project, except reservoirs, which requires an individual permit pursuant to Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act unless the applicant elects to submit a wildlife mitigation or enhancement plan.
These rules do not apply to actions concerning or carrying out other statutory responsibility of the Commission.
#1603 - DEFINITIONS A. Applicant means any person or entity proposing to construct a water diversion, delivery or storage facility in the state of Colorado requiring an application for a permit, license, or other approval from the United States.
B. Approval means any form of approval which is required from the United States prior to the construction of a project.
C. Board means the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
D. Commission means the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
E. Construction Costs means the best estimate of the physical construction costs of the project as fixed by the Board as of the date of the grant application. Costs are limited to design, engineering and physical construction and will not include the costs of planning, financing, and environmental documentation, mitigation costs, legal expenses, site acquisition or water rights.
F. Construction Fund means the Board's construction fund as established by Section 37-60-121, CRS.
G. Division means the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife and, when necessary, it may be construed as referring to the Commission.
H. Enhancement means the improvement of the total value of fish and wildlife resources affected by the project beyond that required by mitigation and beyond that which would occur without the project.
I. Enhancement Grant means a sum of money or other remuneration awarded to the applicant by the Board, to pay for the State's contribution to the implementation of an enhancement plan.
J. Enhancement Plan means a document describing the measures to be completed by the applicant which will enhance fish and wildlife resources beyond that which would occur without the project. It includes a cost estimate for the implementation of the plan and a schedule for completion.
K. Fish and Wildlife Resources Account means the account established in the Board's Construction Fund to provide funding for mitigation and enhancement grants.
L. License means any license which is required from the United States prior to the construction of a project.
M. Mitigation means any action or measures taken to address undesirable project impacts on fish and wildlife resources which may be accomplished in several ways, including reducing, minimizing, rectifying, compensating, or avoiding impacts.
N. Mitigation Grant means a sum of money or other remuneration awarded to the applicant by the Board to pay for the State's contribution to the implementation of a mitigation plan.
O. Mitigation Plan means a document describing the measures to be completed by the applicant which will mitigate losses to fish and wildlife resources resulting from the project. It includes a cost estimate for the implementation of the plan and a time schedule for completion.
P. Notice means the date the Division receives documents required of an applicant for a mitigation plan.
Q. Permit means any permit, other than a nationwide 404 permit, which is required from the United States prior to the construction of a project.
R. Project means a water diversion, delivery, or storage facility or facilities, and any combination thereof, together with all associated and appurtenant project works.
S. Water diversion, delivery or storage facility means any structure or structures built for the purpose of diverting or transporting water from a stream, lake or reservoir, on or off channel, to any type of a supply system, or any structure built for the purpose of storing water for subsequent application to beneficial use.
#1604 - PROCEDURES FOR ARRIVING AT AN OFFICIAL STATE POSITION ON MITIGATION A. Requirement of Applicants 1. An applicant proposing to construct a water project requiring an application for a federal permit, license, or other approval as described in #1602 shall advise the Division and the Board, in writing, within five working days of submission of an application for federal permit, license or other approval, and provide each agency with a copy of the application and all materials cited in, referenced in, or submitted with the application.
2. When the applicant has prepared a wildlife mitigation plan which is ready for Commission evaluation, the applicant shall give notice to the Commission by submitting 15 copies of the plan to the Division, five of which are to be submitted to the appropriate Division Regional office and ten to the Denver headquarters office; and 15 copies to the Board. The following information shall be prepared within the time sequence and framework of established federal environmental impact review requirements. The mitigation plan shall include:
a. A description of the project.
b. An estimate of construction costs.
c. An assessment of the fish and wildlife resources impacted by the project, measures to mitigate the losses to fish and wildlife resources, a time schedule, and the costs and benefits of the plan.
B. Commission Action 1. Upon receipt of all the information required in #1604.A.2. the Division will respond, within ten working days, to the applicant with a written acknowledgment that the necessary documents have been received. The date of receipt by the Division is the official date of notice to the Division and the 60 calendar day review period will be initiated culminating in a Commission recommendation for a State position.
2. Within 60 calendar days after an applicant gives notice by submitting a mitigation plan to the Division, unless extended in writing by the applicant, the Commission will make its evaluation of the project's impact on fish and wildlife resources and submit its recommendation to the Board.
3. The Commission will make its evaluation regarding the probable impact of the proposed project on fish and wildlife resources and their habitat based on the information submitted pursuant to #1604.A.2. The Commission may consider the following criteria in making their recommendation that the mitigation plan is economically reasonable and reflects a balance between protecting the fish and wildlife resources and the need to develop the state's water resources:
a. The value and significance of the affected wildlife resource.
b. The potential impacts of the project and its alternatives to wildlife.
c. The availability of best existing technology to implement and monitor the success of the mitigation plan.
d. The degree to which the identified impacts are mitigated and the permanence of desired effects of the mitigation measures.
e. The cost of the planned mitigation in comparison to the benefits to the affected wildlife resource.
f. The net benefits of the project and its mitigation plan to the state's wildlife resources.
g. The consistency of wildlife mitigation with other environmental and conservation goals.
h. The legal ramifications of state water law on implementing the proposed mitigation measures.
4. If the Commission and the applicant agree upon a mitigation plan, the Commission shall recommend that the Board adopt the plan at its next meeting as the official state position on the mitigation action required of the applicant.
5. When the Commission and the applicant do not agree upon a mitigation plan, the Commission shall transmit to the Board 15 copies of its report which shall include (1) its evaluation of the project's impact on fish and wildlife, (2) its mitigation recommendations, including an estimate of the costs and benefits of its plan, and (3) its analysis of the applicant's mitigation plan. Documentation will include the significance of the fish and wildlife resources impacted by the project and a comparison of the impacts to the fish and wildlife resources resulting from both plans.
#1605 - Procedures for Granting an Enhancement Grant A. Requirements of Applicants Any applicant who can demonstrate that the project will enhance fish and wildlife resource values over and above existing levels may apply, within two years after the adoption of the official State position on mitigation, for an enhancement grant by submitting ten (10) copies of an enhancement plan to the Division's Denver office and five (5) copies to the appropriate regional office.
The enhancement plan will include:
1. A time schedule for construction of the project and implementation of the mitigation measures.
2. Any significant changes in the project and/or the mitigation plan.
3. A time schedule for the implementation of the enhancement measures.
4. A cost estimate of implementing the enhancement plan.
5. An analysis of the plan's benefits to fish and wildlife.
6. Desired results of the enhancement plan.
7. Impact of the enhancement measures on the surrounding environment.
8. A cost estimate and assignment for the operation and maintenance of the enhancement measures.
9. A plan to monitor the effectiveness of the enhancement measures.
B. Commission Action 1. The Commission will review the applicant's enhancement plan according to the requirements defined in #1605.A. If the Commission approves the applicant's plan it will submit a report to the Board approving the enhancement plan, evaluating the plan's contribution to the state's fish and wildlife resources, approving the cost estimate, and committing the Commission to contribute one-half of the costs. Commission concurrence of the enhancement plan is required before the Board can consider an enhancement grant.
2. If the Board agrees to fund the enhancement plan, the Commission will enter into a contract among the Commission, the applicant, and the Board, prior to the disbursement of the enhancement grant.
ARTICLE III - RULEMAKING PETITIONS #1606 - Citizen Petition Requirements Any person may petition the Commission to initiate rulemaking pursuant to 24-4-103(7), C.R.S. All petitions for rulemaking must contain the following information: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the person requesting the rulemaking; and (2) A copy of the rule proposed in the petition, preferably in redline format, and a general statement of the reasons for the requested rule or revision. #1607 - Implementation of SB 23-267, Chatfield State Park Water Quality Fee A. The Chatfield Watershed Authority may petition the Commission to initiate rulemaking pursuant to SB 23-267, codified at § 33-9-114, CRS, to impose a water quality fee on visitors to Chatfield State Park, provided the requested fee shall not apply to visitors to Chatfield State Park holding an annual or lifetime pass. The Authority’s petition must:
1. Contain a general statement of the reasons for imposing the requested water quality fee, 2. Contain a copy of the proposed rule, preferably in redline format, 3. Identify current or proposed water quality projects within the boundaries of the Authority in need of funding, including an overview of the anticipated costs and benefits of such projects, and 4. Prioritize current or proposed water quality projects in terms of most urgent need and demonstrate financial need for such projects.
B. In the event the Commission imposes a water quality fee on visitors to Chatfield State Park, the Authority must, on or before June 1, 2029, submit a report to the Division detailing how and to what extent the resulting funding supported water quality projects that benefited Chatfield State Park and its recommendation on whether the water quality fee should be increased, repealed or otherwise amended. At least 25% of the funding will be used for water quality projects within the boundaries of Chatfield State Park. If the recommendation is to increase the fee with CPI, the fee may only be increased to the nearest dollar amount.
#1608 - Implementation of SB 23-059, concerning providing funding to local governments to support access to state-owned outdoor recreational lands A. Local governments may petition the Commission to initiate rulemaking pursuant to SB 23-059, codified at § 33-10-117, CRS, to impose a state park access fee on daily vehicle passes for visitors to a state park managed by CPW and open to the public located within the petitioner’s geographic boundaries, provided the requested fee does not apply to visitors to the state park holding an annual or lifetime pass.
1. To satisfy the standing requirements to file a petition, the petitioner must demonstrate that:
a. It is responsible for an existing local access route(s) that provides access to a state park within the petitioner’s geographic boundaries (local access routes include rights-of-way, including bike or pedestrian paths, that are normally used to travel to or from a state park);
b. The existing local access route(s) is located within a 3-mile radius to a state park entrance within the petitioner’s geographic boundaries; and c. 50% or more of the traffic on the existing local access route(s) in the petitioner’s geographic boundaries is directly tied to park visitation measured by one week of time not including a major holiday weekend.
2. If a petitioner satisfies the standing requirements above, they may file a petition for the Commission’s consideration. This petition must:
a. Contain a copy of the proposed rule, preferably in redline format;
b. Contain proof of how the petitioner qualifies as a “local government” pursuant 33- 10-117 (3)(e); and c. Demonstrate how a state park access fee would improve state park access and/or alleviate existing access issues by either:
3. Petitions are due by May 31st annually to be considered during the same year, and if approved, implemented by January 1st the following year.
B. Reporting Requirements – The Commission shall adjust the fee every five years to account for inflation or deflation. The first fee adjustment will occur in 2030 and will repeat every 5 years. If the fee increases or decreases with inflation, the fee shall be rounded to the nearest dollar.
1. Reporting shall be required within 120 days of the end of every 5-year fee adjustment cycle. Reporting shall include at a minimum:
a. Expenditure details b. A description of the project(s) that the local government is currently or is planning to use the disbursed funds on. The local government shall demonstrate how the disbursed funds are being used or will be used to support access to state parks within their geographic boundaries, which may include maintaining and constructing local roads, bicycles lanes, shuttle operations, and multimodal access routes.
c. A description of how state park access has benefited or will benefit from the existing or proposed project(s).
ARTICLE IV – COMMERCIAL USE OF PROPERTY OWNED OR MANAGED BY THE DIVISION #1610 – Definitions A. “Application Fee” means the fee charged by the Division for all permit applications. The Application Fee provides funds to the Division for the review and administration of permits.
B. “Commercial Use” means any commercial purpose of any kind including but not limited to operating a commercial business; soliciting business; providing goods or services for compensation of any kind including trades or bartering; marketing a business or organization; activities or events which charge participants a fee to participate or attendees a fee to view; raising funds for charitable organization; or any other activity where anyone collects a fee or receives other compensation that is not strictly a sharing of, or is in excess of, actual expenses incurred for the purposes of the activity, service, or use. Commercial Use includes scientific, educational, therapeutic, not-for-profit, nonprofit, and community organization uses of CPW Property.
C. “Commercial Use Fee” means the amount that will be charged to the permit holder for the permit itself. Commercial Use Fees will be established as provided by this regulation. The Commercial Use Fee is charged in addition to the Application Fee and Impact Fee.
D. “CPW Property” means any real property owned, controlled, or managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife including but not limited to state parks, wildlife areas, state fish units, recreation areas, state administrative areas, and water rights.
E. “CPW Property Manager” means, for the purpose of this regulation only, the relevant decision making employee for the CPW Property affected by the Commercial Use request. The CPW Property Manager may be a Park Manager, Hatchery Manager, Area Wildlife Manager, or any other local or regional Division staff with delegated decision making authority for Commercial Use on a particular CPW Property.
F. “Impact Fee” means an amount that will be charged to the permit holder to address specific impacts to the Division or the CPW Property as a result of the Commercial Use authorized by a permit. An Impact Fee may not be required in all circumstances and will vary from permit to permit. The Impact Fee is in addition to the Application Fee and Commercial Use Fee.
G. “Incidental Commercial Use” means a commercial activity that may occur on CPW Property that is provided to recreational users when the provider does not advertise or solicit for business specifically for CPW Property, the provider maintains a separate place of business, and the service is not one for which the provider is required by law to obtain a guide or outfitter license. Examples of Incidental Commercial Use include, but are not limited to, emergency vehicle repairs, locksmiths, or tow services; food delivery services; transportation services; dog tracking services; or other similar incidental services.
H. “Property Entry Fee” means the fee established by regulation which every attendee or vehicle is required to pay in order to enter the CPW Property. See CPW Regulations Chapter P-7 and Chapter W-9.
#1611 – Commercial Use Prohibited A. Commercial Use is prohibited on all CPW Property without written permission from CPW as permitted by Commission rule. See §33-6-113.5 & §33-15-114, C.R.S. These Regulations provide guidance on when Commercial Use may be permitted on CPW Property and the process for obtaining written permission for the Commercial Use.
B. Incidental Commercial Use may be allowed on CPW Property by the CPW Property Manager as reasonably necessary to prevent any adverse impact on the CPW Property’s intended purpose(s), CPW’s mission, wildlife resources, or the CPW Property’s primary management objectives, and to protect wildlife, wildlife habitat, and public health, safety, or welfare of property visitors.
C. Commercial Use allowed under specific licensing or permitting requirements provided in different regulations is allowed in accordance with the terms and conditions of those regulations. Any Commercial Use provided for by such regulations must be conducted as required by the regulations and if conducted with the proper licenses as required by the regulations may not need to obtain an additional separate Commercial Use agreement or permit.
1. Commercial fishing is permitted as provided in Chapter W-1 #102. Separate Commercial Use authorizations are not required to put a commercial fishing license to use on a CPW Property.
2. Field trials and training of hunting dogs are licensed as provided in Chapter W-8. A field trial license holder under W-8 #802 must separately obtain a Commercial Use permit to charge participants in accordance with this regulation for all field trial events or hunting dog training events on CPW Property. An individual dog training permit holder under W-8 #803 is not required to obtain separate Commercial Use authorization under this regulation.
#1612 – Agreements A. Commercial Use may be allowed on CPW Property through written agreements as provided by this regulation or as otherwise authorized by law.
B. Concession Agreement 1. A concession agreement is an agreement:
a. between the Division and a private individual or company (concessionaire) b. with a term greater than one (1) year c. for the concessionaire to provide goods or services on a CPW Property.
2. Concession agreements may require investments of infrastructure on CPW Property in order for the concessionaire to provide the goods or services.
3. Concession agreements may be negotiated by the Division.
4. Concession agreements must be issued in accordance with state procurement and fiscal rules.
C. Cooperative Agreement 1. The Commission may enter cooperative agreements with state and other agencies, educational institutions, municipalities, political subdivisions, corporations, clubs, landowners, associations, and individuals for the development and promotion of parks and outdoor recreation programs or wildlife programs. §§ 33-1-105(1)(e) & 33-10- 107(1)(d), C.R.S. Cooperative Agreements that allow cooperating parties to charge third parties fees for participating in the authorized Commercial Use are permissible. Nothing in these regulations impairs the specific authority of the Commission pursuant to sections 33-1-105(1)(e) and 33-10-107(1)(d) C.R.S. to enter into cooperative agreements for the development and promotion of Division programs, or the general authority of the Commission pursuant to sections 33-1-104 and 33-10-106 C.R.S. to manage all CPW Properties for both commercial and noncommercial purposes. The authority granted to CPW Managers is intended to allow them to address events of limited and local impact, and is specifically intended to coexist with, and not to exclude, the Commission’s statutory authorities.
#1613 – Commercial Use Permits A. The Division may allow Commercial Use on CPW Property through Commercial Use Permits as provided in this regulation.
1. Commercial Use Permits may be approved or denied by the Division as reasonably necessary to prevent any adverse impact on the CPW Property’s intended purpose(s), CPW’s mission, wildlife resources, or the CPW Property’s primary management objectives, and to protect wildlife, wildlife habitat, and public health, safety, or welfare of property visitors.
2. Permits should ensure that authorized Commercial Uses will not have an adverse impact on the CPW Property's intended purpose(s), the mission of the Commission and Division, wildlife resources, health, safety, or welfare of property visitors, and should address special planning or scheduling for proper management.
3. Commercial Use Permits should not allow the use of a CPW Property in a manner which exceeds the CPW Property's established capacity or is contrary to the Property's primary management objective(s).
4. Commercial Use Permits may be considered based on a demonstrated need for the goods or services to be provided.
5. Commercial Use Permits should not unreasonably interfere with or degrade the quality of experience for the general public using the property.
B. Commercial Use Permits (Activity Permits and Event Permits) 1. Activity Permits are required for any Commercial Use that will occur on a routine or ongoing basis for up to one (1) year. Activity permits may not be valid for longer than one(1) year.
2. Event Permits are required for any Commercial Use that will occur one time or daily for a short period of consecutive days on specific date(s). If an applicant requests more than one event in a calendar year separated by seven (7) days or more, each request will be handled as a separate event. CPW Property Managers may use Event Permits to authorize events or activities on the CPW Property that are not Commercial Uses but are not allowed under any other regulation. All other requirements for Event Permits in this regulation still apply to event permits for events or activities that are not for Commercial Uses. Event Permits may not be used where a separate regulation otherwise controls the event or activity.
C. Commercial Use Permit Applications 1. An application for a Commercial Use Permit must be submitted to the CPW Property in writing and include the following:
a. Application:
2. Commercial Use Permit Application timing:
a. Activity Permit applications should be submitted at least 90 days before the proposed start date for the Commercial Use. The Division may waive the 90-day application requirement or set an application date schedule in rare circumstances where arrangements can be made in a shorter time or a date schedule will not put undue administrative burden on the CPW Property Manager and the CPW Property Manager deems the shorter time or date schedule appropriate to meet the needs of the CPW Property.
b. Event Permit applications should be submitted to the Division at least 90 days in advance of the proposed event. The CPW Property Manager may consider Event Permit applications less than 90 days in advance where arrangements can be made in a shorter time and the shorter time will not put undue administrative burden on the CPW Property Manager and the CPW Property Manager deems the shorter time appropriate to meet the needs of the CPW Property.
3. The Division may give preference to Activity Permit applications from applicants who have previously held an Activity Permit for the same type of activity and are in good standing when the CPW Property Manager deems such preference is appropriate when evaluating multiple applications for the same Commercial Use opportunity.
4. Commercial Use Permit Approval a. Upon approval of a Commercial Use Permit, a signed and approved permit will be delivered to the permit applicant. The final permit may include additional terms and conditions as reasonably necessary to prevent any adverse impact on the CPW Property’s intended purpose(s), CPW’s mission, wildlife resources, or the CPW Property’s primary management objectives, and to protect wildlife, wildlife habitat, and public health, safety, or welfare of property visitors.
b. Terms and conditions on permits should be tailored to the specific type of Commercial Use authorized by the permit.
c. Terms and conditions may include requirements that the permit holder pay for and provide any services to be used by the participants including but not limited to sanitary services (trash receptacle and removal and portable toilets), signage, security, and EMS.
d. Terms and conditions may include requirements established by the property owner in instances where CPW manages a property through a lease or other agreement with a third party.
e. Approved Commercial Use Permits may include fees as provided by this regulation.
f. Approved Event Permits will require separate vendors for the event to obtain individual Event Permits to participate in the event as a vendor.
5. Transferability a. Activity Permits: Activity Permits are non-transferable without the Division’s prior written authorization.
b. Event Permits: Event Permits are not transferable.
D. Permits may be granted, denied, revoked, suspended, annulled, limited, or modified by the Division if the Division concludes such action is reasonably necessary to prevent any adverse impact on the CPW Property’s intended purpose(s), CPW’s mission, wildlife resources, or the CPW Property’s primary management objectives, or to protect wildlife, wildlife habitat, and public health, safety, or welfare of property visitors. The issuance of a permit is not guaranteed. Examples of reasons Commercial Use Permits may be denied, delayed, revoked, suspended, or annulled include, but are not limited to:
1. The provisions of this regulation #1613.A.1-5.
2. Failure to provide complete application materials.
3. Failure to submit application materials by the relevant deadline.
4. Failure to pay application or other fees required for the permit, including a history of failure to pay fees by the requester.
5. Failure to comply with the terms or conditions of a permit or any prior permit held by the requester. Permit holders may correct previous errors in permit compliance, but the Division is under no duty to issue new permits following corrections.
6. Failure to properly document and report the use of CPW Property as required by a permit.
7. Conducting activities or uses of CPW Property not expressly authorized by a valid Commercial Use Permit.
E. Administrative Procedure 1. A decision to grant, deny, revoke, suspend, annul, limit, or modify a Commercial Use Permit under this regulation is subject to the Colorado Administrative Procedures Act, §24-4-104, C.R.S.
#1614 – Fees A. Agreements 1. Concession Agreement: Fees for concession agreements shall be negotiated by the Division. Fees may include annual administration fees, commission fees based on a percentage of the total gross receipts collected by the concessionaire, property or improvement rental fees, or any other fees deemed appropriate by the Division.
2. Cooperative Agreement: Fees for cooperative agreements shall be negotiated by the Division. Fees may include annual administration fees, fees associated with planned activities under the agreement, property or facility rental fees, or other fees deemed appropriate by the Division. Cooperative agreements may be entered on the basis of trades of goods or services with CPW as deemed necessary by the Division.
B. Commercial Use Permits 1. Application Fee: All permits require a non-refundable application fee for CPW to process the permit application. The application fee shall be:
a. Activity Permit: $150.
b. Event Permit: $50.
2. Property Entry Fee: In addition to any other fees required for a permit, every attendee or vehicle may be required to pay the Property Entry Fee assessed on the public to enter the CPW Property. The Division may establish means to manage any administrative burden that may be incurred by the CPW Property as a result of issuing a permit. The CPW Property Manager may also make permit specific alternative arrangements as allowed by CPW regulations. See CPW Regulations Chapter P-7 and Chapter W-9.
3. Permit Fees:
a. Commercial Use Fee:
4. Fee Waivers: Applicants for a Commercial Use permit may request a waiver of part or all of the fees required for permits. Waivers must be requested in writing with a statement explaining why the waiver should be granted. Fee waivers may be approved by the Division only in limited circumstances outlined below. Approved waivers will be noted on the final permit. Fees may be waived:
a. For errors committed by the Division.
b. For Division sponsored education, outreach, volunteer or safety activities or events.
c. For supporting partner activities or events.
d. For research activities that directly support the Division.
e. For official business by other governmental agencies.
f. The use allowed by the permit aligns with CPW's mission.
g. The use allowed by the permit aligns with or enhances the CPW Property specific management objectives.
#1615 - Cameo Shooting and Education Complex A. Purpose: Cameo Shooting and Education Complex (“Cameo”) is a unique CPW Property. This regulation allows the unique Commercial Uses that occur at Cameo within the same framework provided in this regulation while allowing for the unique nature of this CPW Property.
B. Agreements 1. The Division may allow Commercial Use of Cameo under #1612 as provided in that regulation.
C. Permits 1. The Division may allow Commercial Use of Cameo under #1613 as provided in that regulation and this section.
2. Any Cameo Permit application will also require additional information to allow a vetting process to assure and maintain the legitimacy of a group who plans to hold events at Cameo. The additional information required may relate to firearms safety credentials for individuals in the group (if it involves firearms) or other important information as necessary to provide complete information specific to Commercial Use at Cameo to ensure the protection of public health, safety, and welfare of visitors.
D. Fees 1. The Division shall require fees consistent with #1614 for Commercial Use permits at Cameo with the following modifications.
2. Application Fees for Commercial Use permits at Cameo shall range from $10 - $100 depending on the size of the planned Commercial Use.
3. Property Entry Fees: Property Entry Fees for Cameo Commercial Use permits shall be as established by regulation. See Chapter P-7, #708.
4. Commercial Use Fees: Commercial Use fees specific to Cameo Commercial Uses shall be:
a. Single Bay Use /Location Use - $10.00 per person per day or 10% of gross whichever is greater.
b. Multiple Bay Use - $10.00 per person per day or 15% of gross whichever is greater.
c. Larger Events/ Sanctioned Matches - Pricing based on reasonable rate of return to the Division. Examples: IDPA/USPSA/Multi-gun matches = $20.00/person. 3-D Archery shoot = $10.00/person.
d. Local/State/Federal LEO or Military agencies conducting training and/or qualifications - $10.00 per person per day. No charge for Classroom, Picnic Shelters, or Ballroom if added and otherwise available. LRP: Deposit of $120.00, $10.00 per person per day or $120.00 per day whichever is greater.
e. Security company who's activity generates no income as a result of the use of the facility but who's activity is a necessary part of training or qualification of its employees - $25.00 per attendee per day for single bay, $50.00 per attendee per day for multiple bay, $100.00 per day for classrooms.
f. Youth Consideration - $3.00 per person per day. Qualification: Primarily Youth outreach events or other events that typically charge less for their youth participants.
g. Clays Events: Clays are retail items and the event rate is built into the clays pricing. This is a standard practice nationally –
h. LRP-Long Range Precision –
i. Ballroom (large warehouse/event space) - For stand alone ballroom usage, $2.00 per person or $400.00 whichever is greater. Ballroom use in association with major events for awards or banquets is typically included in the event permit pricing. For minor duration and smaller usage associated with larger events (registration/check in etc.)
j. Classrooms –
k. Picnic Shelters 1 & 2 - $120.00 if event is based primarily on use of the picnic pavilion. Picnic pavilion is Included with larger events using other facilities l. Bullseye Dry Camping - $25.00 per night per spot, $250.00 per night all 12 spots 5. Impact Fees: The Division may require Commercial Use permits at Cameo to include any appropriate Impact Fees.
6. Fee Waivers: The Division may allow fee waivers in accordance with these regulations. ARTICLE V - DIVISION AGENTS See also § 33-4-101, C.R.S. and § 33-12-104 (1) C.R.S., for statutory provisions applicable to Division agents.
#1660 – Definitions A. “Division Product” means any license, pass, permit, or registration which is sold through the Division of Parks and Wildlife integrated system.
B. “Accountable Inventory” means equipment or stock which is assigned to agents and which they are responsible to return to the Division or the system agent upon request. Types of accountable inventory include, but are not limited to:
1. “Division Product Stock” means the specialized paper stock used for the printing of Division products by a Division agent.
2. “Receipt Stock” means the specialized paper stock used for the printing of receipts or affidavits by a license agent.
3. “Point of Sale (POS) Terminal” means all machine components which license agents use to access the Division's electronic licensing system and conduct license transactions.
C. “Automatic Cash Handling” (“ACH”) means the direct electronic transfer of funds from one bank account to another, D. “Division Agent” means a business (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) which is authorized to sell Division products from a specific location as an agent of the Division of Parks and Wildlife. Types of agencies are defined as follows:
1. “Retail Agent” means a business which sells Division products for the Division from its retail store or other location of record.
2. “Consolidated Agent” means a retail agent which sells Division products for the Division from two or more stores or other locations of record and which is licensed to conduct all business with the Division as a single entity.
3. “System Agent” means the company contracted by the Division to operate its integrated parks and wildlife system, including, but not limited to, the provision of any accountable inventory or other necessary materials to retail agents; the maintenance of the electronic system and provision of electronic reports to the Division; the sale of Division products by telephone and through an internet site; the acceptance of applications through the internet site for the limited license drawings; and the printing and distribution of such licenses to the recipients (license fulfillment).
E. “Location of Record” means the street address of the retail store or other specified business location(s) from which an agent sells Division products, as specified in the agent agreement or system agent contract.
#1661 - DIVISION AGENT ESTABLISHMENT - AGENT REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCESSING A. Agent Requirements and Function 1. Division Agent Establishment a. Division agents will be established and authorized to sell Division products from a permanent location of record.
b. Prior to the sale of electronic Division products, all retail agents must enter into a written contract (agent agreement) with the Division which specifies the terms of operation and the services to be provided by the agent and the Division, in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, or policies of the Commission or Division.
c. No Division product may be sold within the same portion of any business, building, or establishment where liquor is sold by the drink.
d. Retail agents open for business must sell all license types available. Seasonal agents may restrict their hours of operation depending on the nature of their business according to their agent agreement.
2. Division Product Sales a. Retail agents must sell Division products from a location of record within the state of Colorado.
b. The system agent may operate from a location of record within or outside of the state of Colorado.
c. Retail agents who provide regular, established business hours will be provided with a minimum of one POS terminal. Consolidated agents who sell licenses to the general public during regular business hours will be provided with a minimum of one terminal per store.
B. Application Processing 1. New applicants for a Division agent must apply to the Division at least 60 days prior to the desired opening date. Provided further, however, that new agent applications are not processed between August 15 and December 31 without demonstration of immediate need. In such cases, applications for transfer of an agency from one owner to another shall have priority.
2. Prior to the processing of any license agent application, the applicant is required to submit the following:
a. A completed application, on forms provided by the Division.
b. Proof of the required financial surety.
c. Proof of property insurance.
d. Verification that neither the applicant, nor any partner, officer, director or substantial shareholder thereof was the individual holder of any company, business, corporation or other entity which was a Division agent and which designation was either suspended or canceled for cause within the two-year period preceding the application date.
e. Except in the case of corporations, proof of lawful presence in the United States. #1662 - FINANCIAL GUARANTY (SURETY)
See also § 11-35-101 - 101.5, C.R.S. for general requirements concerning forms of surety.
A. Amount and Proof of Surety 1. Prior to the establishment of any Division agent, the applicant shall provide proof of financial surety, on forms provided by the Division, for a minimum period of twelve months. The initiation and expiration dates of the coverage must be stated on the surety certificate. A continuation certificate issued by the bonding company or financial institution or proof of other acceptable financial surety shall be required for renewal of the Division agent for each twelve-month period, and must be provided to the Division no later than thirty days prior to expiration. All surety certificates must be originals and signed by both the surety (or their legal designee) and the Division agent.
2. Division agents shall be bonded in the amount necessary to ensure remittance of all funds due the Division. New license agents shall be required to be bonded for a minimum of $2000. After the first twelve months for a new agent, or considering the historical sales records for existing agents, the amount of financial surety required of each agent shall be sufficient to ensure payment for licenses sold for the highest ten consecutive days sales in the current bonding period. Consolidated agents shall be responsible for the remittance of funds collected by their outlets, and shall be required to bond in the amount necessary to cover each outlet in the agency as if they were licensed individually.
3. Division agents shall not sell Division products in amounts that would exceed their bond level. Agents shall be responsible for payment of revenues at more frequent intervals, via ACH, if necessary to restore available bond.
4. Division agents shall have the option to adjust their surety level on a quarterly basis as determined by the highest ten consecutive days in the quarter. Quarters shall begin on the first days of January, April, July, and October. Proof of such adjustment must be posted before sales can be made against the higher bond amount. #1663 - DIVISION AGENT OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS A. Division Agent Operation and Performance Standards 1. Division agents are required to meet the following standards at all times:
a. Maintain the required surety bond level.
b. Display and distribute all public information, such as brochures and placards, provided by the Division, c. Maintain a file of receipts, affidavits, or any other document required in the agent agreement.
d. Keep all paper stock, POS terminals, and any other Division product equipment in a safe place and in good condition at the location of record, as specified in the agent agreement.
e. Obtain insurance adequate to cover replacement of any POS terminals or other Division product-related equipment leased from the system agent.
f. Sell all Division products and collect all donations specified in the agent agreement, and only at the location of record.
g. Sell Division products only at face value, and only to those who are eligible to purchase them, in compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations.
h. Establish an agent bank account with ACH capability which is electronically accessible to the Division.
i. Deposit the state share of all Division product revenues in the agent bank account in the total amount due, in accordance with the schedule in the agent agreement.
j. Immediately report the theft or loss of any accountable inventory.
k. Attend any training required by the Division concerning applicable statutes and regulations and performance of agent duties, at the location specified by the Division.
l. Comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements, all provisions of the agent agreement, and all directives of the Division, including, but not limited to, those provided via direct correspondence or in the Division Agent Manual.
m. Provide reasonable access to any Division officer or other peace officer upon request during normal business hours for the purpose of inspection of equipment, materials, records, or other applicable license agent documents or information.
n. Read and comply by any correspondence sent to the agency by the Division, including, but not limited to: electronic bulletins; agent bulletins; special communications by mail, email, or through the system; and non-compliance letters.
o. Train all staff in the issuing of Division products as well as applicable policies and procedures prior to their use of the system.
#1664 - DIVISION AGENT STATUS A. Termination of Agents 1. Division Agent Termination a. Division agents who wish to terminate their agency shall notify the Division in advance of such termination and the effective date; and shall reconcile with the Division as follows:
B. Transfer of Agencies 1. Division Agency Transfer a. Whenever a Division agent is to be sold, leased, or transferred in any manner, the new owner or person having control of the business may file an application to become a new Division agent. The new agent must qualify to be an agent and independently comply with all other provisions of the statutes and these regulations.
C. Suspension and Cancellation of Agencies See also §§ 24-4-104 C.R.S. for applicable statutes concerning appeals process.
1. Failure to Comply with Performance Standards a. General Performance Standards
b. Performance Standards for Surety and Monies Due the Division
c. Consolidated Agent Suspension or Revocation
#1665 – AGENT COMMISSION RATES See also §33-4-101 C.R.S. relative to CPW agents and §33-4-102(1.6)(b) C.R.S. for price indexing information for nonresident big game licenses.
A. Commission Rates for Retail Agents:
1. Division agents shall be paid a 4.75% commission for each license sold electronically, except for those licenses with commissions as shown below in Table A.4.
2. Division agents shall be paid a 5% commission for each pass sold electronically.
3. Division agents who sell registrations shall be paid a flat rate of $1.00 per registration issued.
4. Other Commission Rates:
Table A.4: 2026 % of license 2025 % of license Division Product Type Commission price in 2026 Commission price in 2025 Second Rod Stamp $ 0.77 6.7% $0.75 6.7% Resident Fishing - 1 day $ 1.03 6.7% $1.00 6.7% Nonresident Fishing – 1 day $ 1.28 6.7% $1.25 6.7% Fishing - 5 day $ 2.57 6.7% $2.51 6.7% Resident Small Game - 1 day $ 1.03 6.7% $1.00 6.7% Nonresident Small Game – 1 day $ 1.28 6.7% $1.25 6.7% Nonresident Deer $ 18.15 3.6% $17.74 3.6% Nonresident Pronghorn $ 18.15 3.6% $17.74 3.6% Nonresident Bear $ 10.79 3.6% $10.55 3.6% Nonresident Mountain Lion $ 30.33 3.6% $29.64 3.6% Nonresident Elk $ 30.33 3.6% $29.64 3.6% Nonresident Rocky Mtn Bighorn $ 101.55 $99.24 3.6% 3.6% Sheep Nonresident Desert Bighorn $ 101.55 $99.24 3.6% 3.6% Sheep Nonresident Goat $ 101.55 3.6% $99.24 3.6% Nonresident Moose $ 101.55 3.6% $99.24 3.6% Nonresident Wild Bison $101.55 3.6% - - All 2025 licenses sold through March 2026 shall be sold at the 2025 license fee and commission rates.
B. Commission Rates for the System Agent: The system agent shall be paid the commissions shown in the Table B.1 below for each license sold through the system:
1. Commission pricing for any CPW Commissionable Product sold through IPAWS Table B.1: Commission Rates IPAWS Products a. Contractor Commission Fee percent commission rate to cover AWO System operation and maintenance cost for those 3.7% products less than $100 and not listed below in c.
b. Contractor Commission Fee flat fee commission rate to cover AWO System operation and maintenance cost for those $4.25 products $100 or greater and not listed below in c.
c.1. All Wildlife Applications, regardless of Product Cost. $4.25 c.2. Parks variable cost products, regardless of actual Product Cost. 3.7% Breakout Costs Contractor credit card fee 2.2% Contractor fulfillment fee $1.45 #1666 – REGISTRATIONS-ONLY AGENTS 1. Registration-only agents: except for agents exempted from surety requirements in accordance with C.R.S. 33-12-104(9) when cash sales are made to financially secured agents they shall be subject to the following conditions:
a. Purchase of accountable inventory registrations shall be made at the designated Division office or by submitting funds by mail to the designated address. Funds submitted for purchase must be in the exact amount of the Division’s share for the number of registrations;
b. All mail orders shall be placed on forms supplied by the Division.
c. Redemption of unsold registrations may be made at the designated Division office or by submitting unsold registrations to the Division by mail.
d. The termination procedures of registration agents who purchase registrations for cash shall include having the agent turn over to the Division or its representative all unsold registrations.
e. Yearly submit final payment and return all unused accountable inventory by no later than November 15. Registrations may be carried over from year to year unless otherwise notified by the Division, in which case instructions will be given as to return/payment deadlines.
ARTICLE VI – Refunds, Reimbursements, Restoration of Preference Points and Reissues #1670 – Refunds, Restoration of Preference Points and Reissues See also §§ 33-4-102 (6) for statutory provisions related to refunds A. General Refund Procedures – Except as provided herein, anyone may request and be given a refund for a license no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the opening day of the applicable turkey season for turkey licenses or thirty (30) days prior to the opening day of the season for which the license was issued for all other licenses, minus a $15.00 processing fee. The $15.00 processing fee will not be charged for refunds requested on youth licenses, in the case of Division error, or if any of the following circumstances prevent the license holder from exercising the intended benefits of the license: extreme medical circumstances involving the license holder or a license holder’s immediate family member, death of the license holder, death of the license holder’s immediate family member, military orders, or jury duty. Requests must have a valid U.S. postmark, or be submitted at a Division office at least fourteen (14) days prior to the opening day of the applicable turkey season or thirty (30) days prior to the opening day of any other season for which the license was issued. Youth are exempt from the (14) days prior requirement for turkey licenses and the (30) days prior requirement for big game licenses and may submit a request up to the day before the start of the season.
1. All refunds shall be requested on a form provided by or in the format requested by the Division.
2. All requests for license refunds must be accompanied by the entire license and carcass tag when applicable.
3. Refunds may be requested by mail or in person at any Division office.
4. Refunds shall only be issued to the person whose credit card was used or name appears on the license.
5. Licenses purchased through non-Division license agents will be refunded at cost less license agent fee.
6. No refunds shall be made in any circumstance where the license holder was hunting in the field during an active season for the license and designated species as specified in Commission rules and regulations.
7. No refunds shall be made on any special licenses listed in 33-4-102(2), C.R.S., or any auction or raffle licenses as provided for in 33-4-116 or 33-4-116.5, C.R.S., or on any exchanged license, or on any license that costs less than $15.00 with the exceptions of resident youth turkey and resident youth big game licenses, or to any person whose license privileges have been suspended by the Commission.
8. When the $15.00 processing fee exceeds the original refund amount, no refund shall be issued and the remainder of the processing fee shall be waived.
9. Until January 1, 2028, all limited licenses returned to the Division for a refund or preference point restoration will be available for reissue after the request has been processed using the current leftover list and following all other license purchase regulations, except for the following limited licenses:
a. Turkey, deer, elk, pronghorn and bear hunt codes which required five (5) or more resident preference points to draw as determined by the current year’s limited license draw;
b. Bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose licenses;
c. All public Ranching for Wildlife licenses.
10. Until January 1, 2028, the following limited licenses returned for refund or preference point restoration will be reissued by the Division manually:
a. Turkey, deer, elk, pronghorn and bear hunt codes which required five (5) or more resident preference points to draw as determined by the current year’s limited license draw;
b. Bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose licenses;
c. All public Ranching for Wildlife licenses.
If the next in line regular draw list applicant accepts one of the aforementioned first choice licenses that has been returned and reissued, all accumulated preference points for that species become void. If a license cannot be manually reissued to one of the first five people on the regular draw list, the license will become available for reissue using the current leftover license list. Public Ranching for Wildlife licenses will not be reissued within fourteen (14) days of the start date for the respective hunt code or be available for sale off the leftover license list.
11. Beginning January 1, 2028, the following processes will be used to reissue limited licenses returned to the Division:
a. All limited licenses surrendered, unpaid for by the payment deadline, or returned to the Division for a refund or preference point restoration after completion of the regular drawing and prior to the secondary drawing application period will be made available for auto reissue. These licenses will be automatically reissued to the applicant next in line to draw the license, by residency, if the applicant has opted-in to accept auto reissued licenses for that hunt code and is eligible to receive the license. Applicants who receive an auto-reissued license will be charged the applicable license fee and, if the license was applied for as a first choice, all accumulated preference points for that species will become void. Applicants who opt-out of the auto-reissue process for that hunt code will be skipped and will not be automatically reissued the license. Licenses that are still remaining after the auto-reissue process is complete will be made available for application in the secondary drawing.
b. All limited licenses surrendered, unpaid for by the payment deadline, or returned to the Division for a refund or preference point restoration after completion of the secondary drawing and prior to the start of leftover sales will be made available for auto-reissue. These licenses will be automatically reissued to the applicant next in line to draw the license, by residency, if the applicant has opted-in to accept auto reissued licenses for that hunt code and is eligible to receive the license. Applicants who receive an auto-reissued license will be charged the applicable license fee, and, if the license was applied for as a first choice in the regular drawing, all accumulated preference points for that species will become void. Applicants who opt-out of the auto-reissue process for that hunt code will be skipped and will not be automatically reissued the license. Licenses that remain after the auto-reissue process is complete will be made available for purchase through the leftover license list and will not require the use of preference points.
c. All limited licenses surrendered or returned to the Division for a refund or preference point restoration after the start of leftover sales and with a season start date two weeks or more from the date of the return, will be made available for auto-reissue. These licenses will be automatically reissued to the applicant next in line to draw the license, by residency, if the applicant has opted-in to accept auto reissued licenses for that hunt code and is eligible to receive the license. Regular drawing applications will be processed prior to secondary draw applications. Applicants who receive an auto-reissued license will be charged the applicable license fee and, if the license was applied for as a first choice in the regular drawing, all accumulated preference points for that species will become void. Applicants who opt-out of the auto-reissue process for that hunt code will be skipped and will not be automatically reissued the license. Licenses that are still remaining after the auto-reissue process is complete will be made available for purchase through the leftover license list and will not require the use of preference points.
d. All limited licenses surrendered or returned to the Division for a refund or preference point restoration after the start of leftover sales and with a season start date less than two weeks from the date of the return, will not be made available for auto-reissue.
12. Requests for refunds after the opening of the season will be accompanied by a signed affidavit that the license has not been used and circumstances precluded the licensee from being able to use the license. In addition, to be eligible for a refund the failure to apply for a refund less than thirty (30) days prior to the opening day of the season for which the license was issued cannot be due to a lack of diligence on the part of the licensee. The Division’s License Administration Manager will render a decision on the refund request on behalf of the Division and the Commission and such decision shall constitute final agency action. Circumstances for which reimbursement will be considered shall be limited to:
a. Extreme medical circumstances involving the license holder or a license holder’s immediate family member;
b. Death of the license holder or death of a license holder’s immediate family member;
c. Active and reserve members of the United States armed forces whose military orders overlap with the season dates of the returned license; or d. Individuals on jury duty whose jury duty service overlaps with the season dates of the returned license.
B. Other Refunds 1. Refunds or antlerless licenses may be issued in any unit approved by the Division for the same species in the same year to hunters who harvest a deer, elk or moose in which Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is detected through the Division’s CWD monitoring or testing programs. Where there is no open season or insufficient time remains to reasonably exercise the benefits of a license granted in the same year, the Division may issue the licensee an antlerless license for the same species in the following year in the same Game Management Unit where the CWD detected animal was harvested, or if antlerless hunting is not permitted in the applicable GMU, the Division may designate a substitute GMU. If the season closes prior to October 31 in the unit, the license will be valid through October 31. The provisions of this regulation shall apply to any hunter who harvests a moose after January 1, 2006 in which CWD is detected. Licenses issued pursuant to this provision shall not be considered part of the quota otherwise established by the Commission for that GMU.
2. Except for cases of Division error, no refunds shall be issued for any annual license, one- day, or five-day license, mountain lion license or preference point fee.
C. Restoration of Preference Points 1. License preference points used to obtain the license will not be restored except as follows:
a. No later than fourteen (14) days prior to the opening day of the applicable turkey season for turkey licenses or thirty (30) days prior to the opening day of the season for all other licenses, preference points may be restored to the pre- drawing level in lieu of a refund at the licensee’s request.
b. Less than fourteen (14) days prior to the opening day of the applicable turkey season for turkey licenses or thirty (30) days prior to the opening of the season for all other licenses, the License Administration Manager may restore license preference points to the pre-drawing level and/or issue a monetary refund if any of the following circumstances prevent the license holder from exercising the intended benefits of the license:
c. Beginning with the 2025 draw season, when a license is not paid for by the payment deadline, the license privilege will be removed from the customer’s account. Any points used to obtain the license will be restored to the pre-draw level.
D. Requests for refunds and/or restoration of license preference points due to extreme medical circumstances involving the license holder or a license holder’s immediate family member, the death of a license holder’s immediate family member, military orders that prevents the service member from exercising the intended benefits of the license or jury duty will be accompanied by sufficient evidence demonstrating that the license has not been used and circumstances precluded the licensee from being able to use the license. In addition, sufficient documentation is required to prove extreme medical circumstances, death, military orders or jury duty service.
E. Time Restriction 1. A refund or preference point restoration will be denied when the request is submitted more than thirty (30) days after the opening of the season for which the license was issued. Provided further that all time limits will be extended for active and reserve members of the United States armed forces whose military service requirements precluded their application for a refund or preference point restoration within said periods.
2. When additional documentation is requested and required by the Division to approve a refund and/or restoration of preference points request, the requestor will have thirty (30) days from the mailing date indicated on the notification letter to submit all the required documentation. If required documentation is not submitted prior to the 30-day deadline, the request will be considered closed and denied. No requests from the previous year will be considered after January 31, annually.
F. Director Disaster Relief Authority 1. When, in the determination of the Director, existing Parks and Wildlife regulations will have a significant negative impact following a natural disaster that displaces persons from their homes, or closes areas to public access and results in a time-critical demand for use of park resources or a complete (or near complete) loss of hunting opportunity, the Director is authorized to take emergency administrative actions, including, but not limited to:
a. Issuance of license fee refunds.
b. Restoration of preference points.
c. Exchange of big game hunting licenses for leftover or over-the-counter licenses.
d. Issue similar guaranteed licenses for another license year.
e. Suspension of length of stay camping limits on Division-owned or controlled properties.
f. Imposition of administrative requirements associated with the application for relief granted under this section.
#1671 – Sponsorships and Waivers A. Area Wildlife Managers may provide state wildlife area access or entry licenses or permits issued pursuant to 33-4-102(3), C.R.S up to $500 in value per fiscal year, per Area, to be used as sponsorships as a part of a fundraiser, promotion or marketing effort for local community supporting partners.
B. Any state wildlife area access or entry license or permit fee issued pursuant to 33-4-102(3), C.R.S. may be waived for Division sponsored education, outreach, volunteer or safety activities (events); for supporting partner activities (events) and research activities that directly support the Division; for official business by other governmental agencies conducted on state wildlife areas or for Division administrative purposes.
#1672 – Reimbursement for processing costs associated with CWD positive animals A. Costs incurred for processing CWD positive animals 1. Hunters may request reimbursement from the Division for the reasonable costs actually incurred when processing any animal that:
a. receives a positive test result from a USDA approved contract laboratory using a USDA approved test;
b. is untestable as a result of any act or omission of the Division; or c. is untestable for any reason and was required to be submitted for testing by regulation.
2. All requests for reimbursement shall be submitted on the forms provided by the Division and accompanied by receipts supporting the amount of reimbursement requested, except that reimbursement for processing shall be allowed without receipts in the amount of $50. Reimbursement with receipts is limited to no more than $100 per animal for private processing supplies or $200 per animal for commercial processing except for moose. The maximum reimbursement for commercial processing for moose is $250.00. #1673 – Alcohol A. Upon recommendation of the park manager or area wildlife manager, the region manager may establish and enforce a temporary closure or restriction on any lands and waters under the supervision, administration, or jurisdiction of the Division to alcohol consumption when the region manager concludes that the closure or restriction is necessary to assure the health, safety and welfare of the public, users or staff, or protection of resources. The park manager or area wildlife manager and the region manager shall consider factors, including but not limited to, the effect or potential effect of alcohol consumption on employee and user safety, property appearance, atmosphere, noise levels, conflicts with other uses or users, the demand for law enforcement, the potential impacts to park or wildlife resources and the demand on Division staff.
B. Whenever such temporary closure or restriction is instituted, the area(s) involved shall be posted indicating the nature and purpose of the closure.
ARTICLE VII - Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities #1680 – Reasonable Accommodations A. The Director shall have the authority to grant variances from the regulations adopted by the Parks and Wildlife Commission, including but not limited to manner of take and access accommodations, for the sole purpose of providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities.
B. Application for such accommodations must be made on a form available from and submitted to the Division at least 30 days prior to the requested effective date.
C. Such applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and supporting documentation may be required. If an accommodation is authorized, the applicant will be provided with a special permit listing the accommodation and any conditions of its use.
1. When shooting from a motor vehicle is authorized, the permittee is authorized to discharge a firearm or release an arrow from a stationary motor vehicle only after all forward motion has ceased and the motor has been turned off or is incapable of forward motion. No shooting may be done from a public road.
D. Permits are free of charge, and valid for the time period designated on the permit. Permits shall be presented for inspection upon request by an officer of the Division.
E. Hunters with permits must be accompanied by another person when necessary to ensure that the wildlife taken is retrieved and properly prepared for human consumption. Such person may dispatch wounded wildlife when so authorized as a condition of the permit.
F. Persons provided with any accommodation under this regulation shall comply with all other applicable laws and regulations. Permits allow variances only from regulations specifically addressed and only in the manner and under the circumstances set forth therein.
G. A service animal is defined as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler’s disability. The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence and the provisions of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition. ARTICLE VIII - Backcountry Search and Rescue #1681. Rules and Operating Procedures for use of funds credited to the BSAR fund pursuant to §33-1-112.5(1)(c)(II) C.R.S.
A. The Backcountry Search and Rescue (BSAR) fund shall be administered by the Division of Parks and Wildlife (Division) pursuant § 33-1-112.5. C.R.S. and these regulations.
B. DEFINITIONS 1. Operational Expenses: Are those reasonable costs incidental to BSAR activities including, but not limited to: fuel, operating costs, repair, maintenance and rental of motor vehicles, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, snowmobiles, boats, horses, generators and any other equipment necessary or appropriate for conducting BSAR activities; reimbursement of mileage at the appropriate state rate; meals and room rental for personnel and any other similar expenses. Operational expenses do not include any salary, overtime or stipend paid to any person permanently employed by a BSAR agency or political subdivision of the state. Operational expenses do not include indirect operating expenses, such as stand-by costs of vehicles and equipment owned by a unit of local government.
2. Eligible agency: Is a public or volunteer association providing specialized search and rescue services and resources authorized by a county sheriff or political subdivision.
3. Eligible person: Is a person in possession of: a current and valid Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) hunting or fishing license; a vessel, snowmobile or off-highway vehicle currently registered through the Division of Parks and Wildlife or a current and valid Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card.
4. Eligible BSAR Incident: Mobilization of persons or agencies with specialized search and rescue skills authorized by a County Sheriff or political subdivision of the State of Colorado for one or multiple purposes in section §33-1-102(1.3)(a),(b),(c), or (f), C.R.S.
5. Eligible Reimbursement Request: Request for payment of operational expenses of an eligible BSAR incident for an eligible person as certified by the sheriff of the county in which the incident took place.
C. LIMITATION OF PAYMENT OF REQUESTS FOR REIMBURSEMENT 1. The Backcountry Colorado Search and Rescue Fund will make no payment for BSAR expenses already paid or reimbursed by another source such as victims compensation, private insurance, or donations made for the purpose of paying for a specific search. Donations of a general nature, not covering expenses of a specific search, shall be excluded from this limitation. Should an eligible agency receive payment from another source after having received payment from the BSAR Fund for the same BSAR Incident, that agency shall reimburse the BSAR Fund an amount equal to the amount of payment received from the other source.
2. No reimbursement requests shall be paid for BSAR activities for which a river outfitter is liable pursuant to the provisions of section §33-32-108(2), C.R.S., unless such liability has been lawfully discharged.
3. Searches for or recovery of property are not eligible incidents and are not reimbursable through the BSAR Fund.
4. The Division shall not make payment when an insurance policy exists that will cover costs incurred. Payments may be used to pay insurance deductibles.
5. The Division shall not make payment to victim’s compensation, individuals, or eligible persons. Payments are solely made to eligible agencies for costs incurred by those agencies or subdivisions in performing BSAR incidents.
a. Costs may include those for contracted resources or expenses incurred and requested for reimbursement by volunteers.
6. The BSAR Fund is not an insurance fund for eligible persons. It does not pay subjects. It does not cover medical expenses or medical transport fees. The use of an air ambulance as a search and rescue incident resource is not considered medical transport. All or portions of air ambulance bills considered elements of an “eligible search and rescue incident” as defined herein, are eligible for payment by the BSAR Fund.
7. The Division will not make payment for the search, rescue, or recovery of persons engaged in illegal activities or persons eluding law enforcement authorities.
D. INCIDENT REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURES:
1. General request provisions:
a. All reimbursement requests from eligible agencies having incurred reimbursable costs in a BSAR incident within the State of Colorado must be filed with the sheriff in the county where the BSAR activities occurred.
b. The sheriff shall be responsible for certifying and submitting the request for reimbursement to the Division, and for the proper distribution of BSAR Fund money to all agencies and political subdivisions approved for reimbursements.
c. All such reimbursement requests must be certified and submitted to the Division within 60 days of the completion of the search and rescue operation.
2. Payment provisions:
a. Upon receipt of a BSAR incident reimbursement request, the Division shall determine if all expenditures requested for reimbursement are eligible. If the Division determines all expenditures requested are reimbursable, it shall submit a request to the Division Accounting Office for issuance of a payment.
b. Partially completed reimbursement requests or requests omitting required reimbursement information will be returned to the Sheriff.
c. At the end of the State Fiscal Year, as funds are available, all eligible reimbursement requests for ineligible persons shall be paid pursuant to §33-1- 112.5(6), C.R.S.
E. BACKCOUNTRY SEARCH AND RESCUE COUNCIL 1. The Backcountry Search and Rescue Council will be composed of the following members:
a. 3 - elected county sheriffs b. 2 - members of Colorado Search and Rescue Association c. 2 - employees of the Division d. 2- At-large members 2. All council members must be appointed to the council by the Division Director 3. The Backcountry Search and Rescue Council shall meet to discuss reimbursements and the distribution of grant funds from the BSAR fund in accordance with §33-1-112.5,CRS, in conjunction with analysis and consultation with Division staff.
a. The Division Director, or their designee, will give final approval for all reimbursements and distribution of funds.
ARTICLE IX - GRAY WOLF INJURIOUS HAZING AND LETHAL TAKE PERMITS #1690 - PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING FOR AND APPEALING A DENIED GRAY WOLF PERMIT A. Applications to conduct activities requiring express authorization from the Division under state law, including Chapter W-10, #1000.A.11 or #1001.B or #1001.C, such as applications for authorization to injuriously or lethally take gray wolves, including retroactive authorization for take of wolves caught in the act of attacking livestock or working dogs, must be filed in the relevant CPW Area Office or via email at wolf.permits@state.co.us on an application form provided by the Division. The relevant CPW Area Office means the CPW office having administrative responsibility over some or all of the lands where the claimed wolf depredation at issue occurred, or is occurring, as shown on the Areas, Districts, and Office Locations map on the CPW website, available at https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Maps/CPW_Districts.pdf.
B. The Region Manager responsible for the lands identified in the application will review such an application promptly and after consulting with the Director of the Division, will issue a written notice of the action taken by the agency. If the application for authorization is denied, the grounds therefor shall be given to the applicant (“Region Manager Decision”). The giving of such notice shall be via mail to the same address as shown on the application. Such notice will be provided via email if the applicant provided an email address on their permit application. If mailed, the Region Manager Decision must contain a certificate of mailing evidencing when the decision was mailed to the applicant and is effective upon mailing. If emailed, the Region Manager Decision is effective upon transmission by the Division.
C. Subject to paragraph G below, if the application is denied in the Region Manager Decision, the applicant may appeal the Region Manager Decision to the Commission by filing a written notice of appeal with the Commission within 45 days from the effective date of the Region Manager Decision. The notice of appeal must be sent to “CPW Wolf Permit Appeals – Attention Commission Appeals” 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216. If a timely appeal is not made to the Commission, the Region Manager Decision shall become final.
D. The notice of appeal must contain contact information for the applicant, state the legal and factual reasons why the application should be granted, and identify the relief sought by the applicant. The notice of appeal must contain all documents and information necessary for the applicant to meet their burden of proof.
E. The Commission will review the appeal at its next regularly scheduled meeting and issue a written decision (“Commission Decision”). Provided, however, the applicant may request an earlier hearing. The Division Director or their designee will notify the applicant of the Commission Decision in the same manner as provided for in the Region Manager Decision. If mailed, the Commission Decision is effective upon mailing. If emailed, the Commission Decision is effective upon transmission by the Division Director or their designee. At the time of filing the appeal, the applicant may provide other written materials in support of their appeal but, unless ordered by the Commission Chair, oral testimony will not be accepted.
F. The Commission Decisions constitute final agency action.
G. Nothing in these rules enables any person to file a notice of appeal over a Region Manager Decision denying a permit application seeking retroactive authorization for take of gray wolves caught in the act of attacking livestock or working dogs pursuant to chapter W-10, #1001.B; such a decision constitutes final agency action subject only to appeal as authorized by § 24-4-106, CRS (judicial review).
_________________________________________________________________________ Editor’s Notes History Chapter 16 recodified as 2 CCR 406-16 on 04/01/2009; for history and versions prior to 04/01/2009, see 2 CCR 406-10.
Rules #1601 A-B.2 eff. 11/01/2012.
Rules #1601 B.5 eff. 03/02/2013.
Rules #160 D, 1603 G, 1670 eff. 03/02/2014.
Rule #1670 eff. 04/01/2016.
Rule #1670 eff. 05/01/2016.
Rules #1601, 1606-1608 eff. 09/01/2016.
Rule #1601 B.2.f emer. rule eff. 09/08/2016.
Rule #1601 B.2.f. eff. 01/01/2017.
Rules #1670 A.8-9 eff. 03/02/2017.
Rules #1601 B.3, 1670 A, 1670 C.1.c, 1671, 1672 eff. 11/01/2017. Rules #1601 A.1, 1601 B.2.e eff. 05/01/2018. Rule #1601 B.5 repealed eff. 05/01/2018. Rule #1673 eff. 01/01/2019.
Rule #1606 eff. 06/30/2020.
Rule #1670 eff. 03/01/2021.
Rules #1601 B.2.a-e, 1601 B.4.d eff. 03/02/2021.
Rule #1601 B.3 eff. 05/01/2021.
Rules #1601 B.1.a.3), 1601 B.1.b.4), 1601 B.2.d eff. 11/01/2021. Rules #1601 B.4-5, 1670 A, 1670 C.1.b, 1670 D, 1670 F eff. 02/01/2022. Article V #1680 eff. 03/02/2023.
Articles VI, VII eff. 07/01/2023.
Article III eff. 05/01/2024.
Article I #1601 B.2.a, B.5, Article III #1608, Article IV, Article VIII #1690 C eff. 07/01/2024. Rule #1601 A.1 eff. 09/01/2024.
Article IV, Articles V-IX renumbered, rule #1665 A eff. 01/01/2025. Article VI, #1670 A,C eff. 05/01/2025.
Rule #1665 A eff. 01/01/2026.