01-05-2007, 09:10 PM
Sterling, Colorado was recently recognized by the Wildlife Commission for their decision to lease 188 acres of land adjacent to the Bravo State Wildlife area to the Division of Wildlife (DOW) for 25 years.
The 188 acres of prime river bottom habitat, formerly owned by the Scalva family, was acquired by the City of Sterling about 2 years ago. The DOW approached Joe Kiolbasa, Sterling City manager, to explore opportunities to add the 188 acres to the Bravo State Wildlife Area. After discussions with the City and the public, all were agreed that the property would be a good addition to the State Wildlife Area system.
"The City of Sterling values its western heritage, said Joe Kiolbasa, City Manager of Sterling. "We are proud to share this land with our fellow Coloradoans and to ensure a measure of a successful habitat for years to come. We see this arrangement as a win-win for everyone."
The Sterling city council voted to accept the DOW offer for lease for 25 years. This valuable property will be managed through the Colorado Division of Wildlife reservation limited hunting system and will offer high quality hunting for deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Additionally, wildlife watching opportunities will be offered during the summer months on the property.
Larry Budde, Area Wildlife Manager, added "The DOW continues to provide wildlife-related recreation due to the commitment and dedication of the public. Land leases such as these allow us to continue our mission in maintaining habitat and protecting the health, and our enjoyment, of the many species of wildlife we are fortunate to have in Colorado."
In addition to this parcel, the City also owns crop lands and pasture land adjacent to the river bottom. Working with Ducks Unlimited, they hope to use their water rights to develop seasonal wetlands on this property. The DOW looks forward to a close relationship with the City in the future, and hopes someday to perhaps expand public access for quality reservation hunting onto these lands.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.
The 188 acres of prime river bottom habitat, formerly owned by the Scalva family, was acquired by the City of Sterling about 2 years ago. The DOW approached Joe Kiolbasa, Sterling City manager, to explore opportunities to add the 188 acres to the Bravo State Wildlife Area. After discussions with the City and the public, all were agreed that the property would be a good addition to the State Wildlife Area system.
"The City of Sterling values its western heritage, said Joe Kiolbasa, City Manager of Sterling. "We are proud to share this land with our fellow Coloradoans and to ensure a measure of a successful habitat for years to come. We see this arrangement as a win-win for everyone."
The Sterling city council voted to accept the DOW offer for lease for 25 years. This valuable property will be managed through the Colorado Division of Wildlife reservation limited hunting system and will offer high quality hunting for deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Additionally, wildlife watching opportunities will be offered during the summer months on the property.
Larry Budde, Area Wildlife Manager, added "The DOW continues to provide wildlife-related recreation due to the commitment and dedication of the public. Land leases such as these allow us to continue our mission in maintaining habitat and protecting the health, and our enjoyment, of the many species of wildlife we are fortunate to have in Colorado."
In addition to this parcel, the City also owns crop lands and pasture land adjacent to the river bottom. Working with Ducks Unlimited, they hope to use their water rights to develop seasonal wetlands on this property. The DOW looks forward to a close relationship with the City in the future, and hopes someday to perhaps expand public access for quality reservation hunting onto these lands.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.