On May 31, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) member Governor John Hickenlooper of Colorado held a bill signing ceremony in Grand Junction to celebrate the adoption of HB 1275, legislation that will allow the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to acquire 1,800 acres of land for the development of a large-scale shooting facility in western Colorado.
For years, CPW has been searching for an opportunity to develop a public shooting facility that can accommodate a wide variety of uses ranging from archery to multiple firearm shooting formats. In addition, the former Cameo Power Plant property located east of Grand Junction, when repurposed, will be able to accommodate organized shooting competitions including regional, state and national events while also providing a home for the agency’s outdoor education and youth programs.
“We see this as a win-win endeavor for Colorado’s sportsmen and women, and the Western Slope,” said Gov. Hickenlooper. “This complex will make shooting sports more accessible, and provide a welcomed economic benefit to the local community.”
HB 1275 was co-sponsored by Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Senator Lois Tochtrop and members: Senators Cheri Jahn, George Rivera and Gail Schwartz, and Representatives Don Coram, Steve Lebsock, Diane Mitz-Busch, Bob Rankin, Paul Rosenthal and KC Becker.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
