Colorado Outdoors - the Podcast for Colorado Parks and Wildlife

S2E6: 2.6 – LIVE from the Partners in the Outdoors Conference

In this episode, recorded from the Partners in the Outdoors Conference at Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge, we hear from a few partner organizations in attendance and what the theme “We are Better Together,” means to them. First, we talked with Partners Conference organizer Shalana Gray about the two-year effort to reimagine and rebuild the Partners Conference. We learned how sessions were developed and looked ahead to continued growth of the event moving forward. Then, we chat w...

S2E5: 2.5 – Colorado Wolf Reintroduction

In this episode, go behind the scenes with CPW staff from the capture team in Oregon and the release team back in Colorado as 10 gray wolves were translocated to the state in December 2023. While the Colorado gray wolf reintroduction story could take up multiple podcasts, we narrowed our focus in this episode to take listeners behind the scenes and into the minds of our staff and give you their perspective on the capture process in Oregon and from the release sites in Colorado. Th...

S2E4: 2.4 – Species Conservation - A Chat with Tina Jackson

S2E3: 2.3 – Hunter Outreach with Bryan Posthumus - Nov. 15, 2023

CPW Hunter Outreach Coordinator Bryan Posthumus joins the show to discuss the 2023 hunting seasons, CPW's novice hunt program opportunities and how his work fosters the next generation of hunters who help fund CPW's conservation mission.

S2E2: 2.2 - CPW Director Jeff Davis - Oct. 5, 2023

On May 1, 2023, Jeff Davis was appointed to the position of Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife by Governor Jared Polis. He came to CPW from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he had served since 2000 in various roles including most recently as Director of Conservation. Jeff came to CPW with extensive experience working with leadership, legislators, Tribal Nations, the hunting and fishing community and conservation groups. Join us for a conversation about wh...

S2E1: 2.1 - Co-existing with Bears - Aug. 30, 2023

Every year, bears attracted to human food sources damage property, vehicles and even homes. Bears don’t know they’re doing anything wrong. They’re just following their super-sensitive noses to the most calories they can find. Bears that find food around homes, campgrounds and communities often lose their natural wariness of people. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is charged with protecting and preserving the state’s wildlife. Every time we must euthanize a bear, it’s not just the bear...

S1E31: 1.31 - Keep Colorado Wild Pass - July 11, 2022

Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, Colorado residents can get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass during their annual vehicle registration through the Division of Motor Vehicles. As Coloradans, we treasure our outdoor lifestyle and state’s beauty. This new state park pass gives all Coloradans an easy way to invest in Colorado’s outdoors, wildlife and local communities in a meaningful way. Your contribution shows you care about Colorado and want to keep our landscapes healthy for current and futur...

S1E29: 1.30 - NoCo Places 2050 - May 18, 2022

NoCo PLACES 2050 is a broader effort by eight agencies collaborating on ways to address the challenges of high visitation and a growing population in northern Colorado’s foothills and mountains. This collaboration is committed to sustainable solutions, equitable actions, and beneficial land management practices for the long-term conservation of public lands in Colorado and the quality of the visitor experience. Learn about NoCo PLACES 2050.

S1E1: 1.29 - Highline Lake State Park - May 16, 2022

No matter the season, Highline Lake State Park is a diverse and welcome retreat. Park Manager Alan Martinez joins us on this podcast to discuss the state park thta is an oasis in the desert. Connected to miles of trails and close to communities, the park makes an ideal base camp for exploring the Grand Junction area. Whether passing through on mountain bikes, or as an end destination, the park welcomes campers, anglers, families and groups.

S1E28: 1.28 - Rattlesnakes - April 27, 2022

Rattlesnakes have a lot of misconceptions or folklore surrounding them because they are often perceived as mysterious and are generally misunderstood. Colorado Parks and Wildlife species conservation coordinator Tina Jackson has spent the last 20 years learning about snakes, and she shared her knowledge of rattlesnakes in this Colorado Outdoors podcast.

S1E27: 1.27 - Superfund Sites, Gold Mining to Gold Medal Water

Some terms naturally go together like "Colorado Parks and Wildlife" and "world-class fishing." Few would ever add to that list the term “Superfund sites.” That's because Colorado Parks and Wildlife's 42 parks are recreation meccas. Its 350 wildlife areas boast some of the finest wildlife and aquatic habitat in the state. And even in the United States. But they weren’t always so pristine. In fact, CPW's aquatic biologists and research scientists have played a key role in transform...

S1E26: 1.26 - Conserving Winter Range for Wildlife - March 3, 2022

Winter range is what provides those limited resources that wild animals such as deer, elk, pronghorn and sage grouse rely on to survive the harsh winter months. Ultimately it is the most limited habitat, so these animals are moving to winter range as part of their migration process because they are not able to survive in those higher elevations where the snow loads are deep and there is nothing for them to eat. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is placing a big focus on conserving Colorad...

S1E25: 1.25 - History and Insight on Eleven Mile Reservoir - March 2, 2022

Eleven Mile State Park is an expansive high-altitude grassland region of central Colorado. It is a prime location for ice fishing and anglers and writers consistently tout Eleven Mile’s large reservoir for its outstanding fishing. In this podcast episode we learn about its history, unique species and fishery management outlook for one of the great angling opportunities in the state of Colorado. We'll talk with Bryan Johnson, the hatchery manager for CPW's Mt. Shavano Hatchery along ...

S1E24: 1.24 - Discussing Human-Bear Conflicts - Feb. 24, 2022

Over the last three years, CPW has received over 14,000 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears. In 2022, CPW will be offering financial resources to communities in an effort to reduce conflicts with bears across Colorado. We discuss that, the sources of conflict and the behavior of bears in this episode with Area Wildlife Manager Adrian Archuleta.

S1E23: 1.23 - Kokanee Salmon - Dec. 21, 2021

Aquatic biologists Jim White and Dan Brauch join us for a podcast episode discussing kokanee salmon in Colorado. They provide a history of the tasty sportfish in Colorado, its role in the fishing pecking order, how Colorado Parks and Wildlife spawns the fish and the outlook for the fish moving into the future. Daniel Brauch

S1E22: 1.22 - Rescuing the Hayden Creek Cutthroat Trout - Dec. 13, 2021

Cutthroat trout with unique genetics, rescued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists from the Hayden Pass Fire in 2016 - is the story of this Colorado Outdoors podcast episode. CPW is taking extraordinary steps to preserve the Hayden Creek Cuthtroat Trout because they contain genetic markers that match a museum specimen collected from the Arkansas River basin in the late 1800's.  

S1E21: 1.21 - Discovering Sweetwater Lake, Colorado's 43rd State Park - Oct. 22, 2021

In a first of its kind partnership in Colorado to create a state park on U.S. Forest Service land, it was recently announced that Sweetwater Lake will become Colorado's 43rd state park. Sweetwater Lake is located in Garfield County. It is a hidden gem, both as a destination and gateway to the Flat Tops Wilderness and has great potential for even more recreational opportunities in Northwest Colorado. CPW, The White River National Forest and Eagle Valley Land Trust will now come toget...

S1E20: 1.20 - Wildlife Mitigation System along the I-25 South GAP Project - Oct. 20, 2021

The wildlife mitigation system is a major safety improvement element of the I-25 South Gap project, which spans 18 miles and connects Colorado’s two largest cities, Denver and Colorado Springs. On average, over 87,000 motorists drive this route daily. The I-25 South Gap project’s wildlife mitigation system includes four new and one refurbished wildlife underpasses, 28 miles of deer fencing and deer guards and jump-outs. Work on the underpasses is substantially complete, as is the in...

S1E19: 1.19 - Spanish Peaks Habitat Work and Forest Restoration - Aug. 30, 2021

Besides managing wildlife, overseeing hunting and fishing and providing recreational opportunities in 42 state parks and 350 state wildlife areas, Colorado Parks and Wildlife also provides habitat for animals. If a forest is too dense, animals can’t move freely through it. Sunlight won’t reach the forest floor and grasses, forbs and shrubs won’t grow to provide food for wildlife. And a dense forest is at risk to a wildfire that burns intensely and moves rapidly through treetops tha...

S1E18: 1.18 - Explaining Algae & E. Coli in our Lakes and Reservoirs - July 23, 2021

In this episode of Colorado Outdoors we explain how we test for and respond to algae blooms and the presence of E. coli - both of which naturally occur - in our water system. Mindi May is CPW's Water Quality Coordinator and Scott Roush is the Deputy Regional Manager for the Northeast Region - they both share their knowledge on water quality and keeping people (and your dogs) safe while recreating on the water.

S1E17: 1.17 - Bald Eagles of Colorado - July 12, 2021

Colorado Parks and Wildlife along with numerous project partners have embarked on a four-year study to help better understand current population trends, habitat use and impacts of human disturbance on bald eagles along the state’s most densely populated corridor. The study is expected to last four years and will be the most comprehensive bald eagle monitoring project ever done by CPW. We discuss the study and how bald eagles are doing in Colorado in this episode.

S1E16: 1.16 - The Career Of A Storyteller - June 9, 2021

Joe Lewandowski spent 16 years as a public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife out of its Durango office. He recently retired, but before he left our statewide PIO Bridget Kochel sat down with him to hear all of his adventures as a storyteller for the agency.

S1E15: 1.15 - Why Not To Feed Wildlife - May 21, 2021

Don't feed wildlife, that is a statement we preach 365 days a year. We want our wildlife to be wild, these animals are not pets. We are all for people caring for wildlife and wanting to do something to help, but what people may not know is when they put food out for wildlife that is harmful to them in many ways. It is also illegal to feed big game in Colorado and there are human safety risks that come when people feed wildlife. In this episode of Colorado Outdoors we discuss the top...

S1E14: 1.14 - Hunting Colorado - April 30, 2021

In an effort to aid hunters in being as knowledgeable as they possibly can before heading out into the field, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has released videos with wildlife officers addressing the questions they frequently get asked. Hunters can access these videos on CPW’s YouTube page in a playlist titled Hunting Colorado. In this podcast episode, we discuss the creation of this with Area Wildlife Manager Jason Duetsch, who came up with the idea. "In an inclusive effort to better ...

S1E13: 1.13 - CPW's K9 Program - April 26, 2021

CPW has a K9 pilot program it initiated to see how these trained dogs can aid wildlife officers in accomplishing their work duties. All three dogs in the pilot program are certified with the National Police Canine Association. Their main responsibilities are geared to detect the presence of wildlife, aid in wildlife law enforcement, search and rescue missions and are a great tool used in educational outreach that discusses wildlife management. In this episode we talk with the three ...

S1E12: 1.12 - Boating Safety - April 8, 2021

With the warmer weather as spring rolls around, our lakes and rivers start opening up to many and varied water recreation opportunities. In this episode we talk about the different aspects you need to know to keep you safe out on your boat, kayak, raft or paddleboard, and we also discuss our Marine Evidence Recovery Team.

S1E11: 1.11 - Hunter & Angler Outreach - March 11, 2021

Looking to learn to hunt or fish? We have hunting and angling outreach programs that offer clinics, seminars, advice, in-field experiences and educational materials for people of all ages. We explore those opportunities with Pepper Canterbury, one of our Hunting and Angling Outreach Coordinators, in this episode of Colorado Outdoors.

S1E10: 1.10 - Moose, a reintroduction success story - March 1, 2021

In this episode we discuss moose - a reintroduction success story in the Centennial State - and what you need to know if you ever come across a moose in the Rockies. Historical records dating back to the 1850s indicate that moose wandered into northern Colorado from Wyoming, but were transient and never established a stable breeding population. Most of the historic sightings involved hunters seeing and/or harvesting a single bull moose.   In 1978, state wildlife experts transplant...

S1E9: 1.9 - Mountain Lions of Colorado - Feb. 21, 2021

Mountain lions are a fascinating yet elusive animal, but when they do pop on the radar they make for big headlines. Thanks to sound management practices implemented over the years, mountain lions are doing quite well in Colorado and the west. The challenge going forward will be balancing decreasing habitats and our exploding human populations, since we share the same spaces. In this episode we discuss that and more with Mat Alldredge, a wildlife researcher for CPW who is a leading e...

S1E8: 1.8 - Chronic Wasting Disease - Feb. 17, 2020

Many of us have general knowledge of Chronic Wasting Disease. We know it is something that deer get and it is not good for them, but that is about where our knowledge ends. Let's find out more about CWD - its history, what it is exactly, what has been done in the past and where management is headed in the future. Dr. Mike Miller, the Senior Wildlife Veterinarian for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, is perhaps the world's leading expert on CWD and we tap into his knowledge and experience...

S1E7: 1.7 - Ptarmigan Research in Colorado - Jan. 25, 2021

Amy Seglund is a species conservation coordinator based in Montrose who focuses on species that live in Colorado’s Alpine environment. She’s worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife for 14 years. In 2018, she completed a report of a seven-year study of the White-tailed Ptarmigan -- a bird best-known for changing its color to white during the winter so that blends in with snow. The study showed that the bird is doing quite well in Colorado, but Amy is concerned about how climate change...

S1E6: 1.6 - Backcountry Winter Safety - Jan. 21, 2021

In this episode discusses how to get in front of backcountry danger in the winter.  Outdoor agencies across Colorado have seen an increase in park visitation and off-grid winter recreation. Recreating in the backcountry requires certain precautions and equipment to ensure a safe outdoor experience. Podcast host Mark Johnson talks with two CPW experts on winter backcountry recreation. Ben Plankis is the trails coordinator for the northeast region of the agency and Michael Haskins i...

S1E5: 1.5 - Staunton State Park - Dec. 23, 2020

On this episode we will feature Staunton State Park, the second-newest park in the state system, which opened back in May of 2013. Park Manager Zach Taylor tells us about Staunton's myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities at the gorgeous, and expanding, park located just off Highway 285, about an hour west of Denver.

S1E4: 1.4 - Revisiting the lynx reintroduction in Colorado - Dec. 11, 2020

We flash back 20 years ago and discuss Colorado's efforts to reintroduce the Canada lynx in the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado. We'll talk with Senior Wildlife Biologist Scott Wait, who was a part of the original reintroduction efforts as well as Eric Odell, CPW's Species Conservation Program Manager who gives us an update on how lynx are doing now in Colorado. And we ask if there are parallels that can be drawn from the lynx reintroduction to an upcoming wolf reintroducti...

S1E3: 1.3 - Wildfire impacts on wildlife - Nov. 6, 2020

2020 has seen the two largest wildfires in Colorado history and over 600,000 acres have burned across the Centennial State. Along with many of the obvious concerns that come with fires of such magnitude, additional concerns have been expressed towards the effects on wildlife. In the episode of Colorado Outdoors, we'll dive right into the pros and cons of wildfire as it relates to wildlife, aquatic life and the health of our forests. Providing us with the context will be senior wild...

S1E2: 1.2 - Fishers Peak State Park - Oct. 28, 2020

Fishers Peak is a new 19,200-acre state park in southern Colorado by Trinidad that connects grasslands to the east with foothills and mountains to the west, serving as a corridor for wildlife movement. For much of its modern history, the peak has been private property, part of a ranch that was off-limits to the public. But now it is owned by the state of Colorado. And when it opens on Friday, Oct. 30, it will be a place where visitors will be able to hike, hunt, mountain bike, watch...

S1E1: 1.1 - Director Dan Prenzlow - State of the Union on Colorado's Outdoors - Oct. 22, 2020

On this introductory episode of CPW's podcast - Colorado Outdoors - we go in-depth with Director Dan Prenzlow on conservation and balancing that with the explosion in population and thirst for outdoor recreation in Colorado. Prenzlow mentions how the outdoors have been an outlet during COVID and how CPW focused on ‘managing to yes’ to be open to the citizens of Colorado during the pandemic. With that, CPW has seen park visitation hit record numbers and fishing and hunting license sa...