Wellington wildlife area friends forming new group

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

A group of northern Colorado residents is taking on a watchdog role to protect a state wildlife area east of Interstate 25.

Called Friends of the Wellington State Wildlife Area, the group will monitor proposals and actions of the Colorado Division of Wildlife and inform the community of potential threats to the public land.

A proposed incinerator for burning remains of deer and elk infected with chronic wasting disease is just one of several reasons area residents are getting involved with this particular area, said spokesman Bill Brown, a free-lance outdoor writer and adjacent property owner.

According to another founding member, Jim Woodward, on two occasions in recent months a high-ranking CDOW official implied that the division could sell the SWA if local opposition to the incinerator continued. Woodward said he and the other area resident viewed the comment as a "veiled threat."

Brown noted that although local Colorado wildlife commissioner Phil James stated at a public meeting last October that there will be no incinerator in the Wellington State Wildlife Area, the CDOW is continuing the process of obtaining state and county permits for the facility.

"Their thinking seems to be going awry right now," Brown said. "At this point in time they need to be watched."

A former information manager for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Brown said he has never before been an activist. He said, however, the Wellington wildlife area needs greater attention. The public cannot even get a copy of the area's "ancient management plan," he said.

Watchdog is not the only role the SWA friends want to play. In addition, group members may volunteer for work projects to maintain and improve wildlife habitat, Brown said.

"We have precious little public land on the plains" along the Front Range, Brown noted.

The group will advocate sound wildlife management and habitat improvement, Brown said, but when necessary, the group will challenge proposals that threaten the integrity of the wildlife area.

"We're wanting to work with the DOW to make the Wellington wildlife area a much better area," he added.

Anyone interested in the group and its proposed activities is invited to a Feb. 4 meeting at the Leeper Center, 3800 Wilson Ave. in Wellington at 7:30 p.m. Those wanting more information may call Brown at 568-7920.