NEW FISHING REGULATIONS SUBJECT OF MEETING IN ALAMOSA

There will be another Division of Wildlife meeting on new fishing regulation in Colorado. This meeting will be held in Alamosa. Below is the information from the DOW on the meeting.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is starting its 5-year review of statewide fishing regulations and is asking anglers throughout the state to provide comments and suggestions on regulations and possible changes.

Regulation planning will be discussed at an "Angler Roundtable" meeting, 6-9 p.m., April 6, at the Inn at the Rio Grande in Alamosa. Management and research for various waters will also be discussed at the meetings.

DOW's aquatic biologists continually evaluate fisheries, and every five years the Colorado Wildlife Commission looks at all fishing regulations to ensure that they meet fisheries management objectives and recreation needs for anglers. The regulations set allowable methods of take, season dates, size requirements and bag limits. The regulations include statewide rules that apply to individual waters throughout Colorado.

Besides regulations, DOW biologists will examine biological and social data from state waters. These include fish and creel surveys, research and trend information, water quality issues, stocking activity and angler-satisfaction surveys. Biological information will be considered in the decision-making process for setting new regulations.

"We appreciate public participation in this process," said John Alves, senior aquatic biologist for the DOW's southwest region. "It is important that individuals share their insight, perspective and local knowledge during the discussion to allow for development of appropriate fishing regulations."

Every year more than 600,000 people buy fishing licenses in Colorado. The state offers are wide variety of angling opportunities. Anglers can fish at warm- and cold-water lakes and reservoirs, in numerous big rivers, and in alpine streams and lakes. Every year, fishing in Colorado generates about $1.2 billion in economic benefits.

The DOW requests that most angler comments be received by the end of April. The DOW is also asking for comments from fishing organizations, sportsmen's groups; water resource managers, including ditch companies, conservancy districts, and state and federal government agencies; land management agencies, local governments and private landowners; and businesses and communities that have an economic stake in fishing activity.

After receiving input from anglers and an internal review, draft regulations will be prepared by July and presented for more public comment. The draft regulations will be sent to the wildlife commission in September for review and more public comment will be allowed at that time. New regulations will be adopted formally in November.

For the Montrose area, submit questions or comments to Alves by calling, (719)587-6907, john.alves@state.co.us; statewide-issue comments can also be submitted to Dave Chadwick, (303)291-7174, dave.chadwick@state.co.us.