Fish were stocked during spring, summer, and fall at 203 locations statewide. 4 near Crestone, Colorado in the San Luis Valley in southern Saguache and northern Alamosa counties, about 30 miles (48km) northeast of the town of Alamosa, on the west side of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Permit Type B; License Valid for Units: 682, 791, 79, 82 Information gathered in this Draft EA indicates that the temporary nature of the proposed exploration (<180 days), along with implementation of the preferred alternative, will not unreasonably degrade or result in significant impacts to the surface estate (including all surface and subsurface natural resources not considered to be minerals) of the Refuge and associated cultural, socioeconomic, and aesthetic resources. The establishment of the refuge and national park was part of complex land transfers undertaken by the federal government in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy and the State of Colorado. The 12,026 acre Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge includes wetland areas, riparian corridors, wet meadows, and river oxbows. Use of handguns is prohibited for all regular season elk hunting. San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex. 2023 News Media Corporation. The snowcapped mountains peering over green meadows as spring arrives. With these requirements incorporated into Lexams Plan of Operations, potential impacts are expected to be less than significant in regards to NEPA. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing some hunting and hazing to scatter elk herds at the three national wildlife refuges it manages in the San Luis Valley. Written comments regarding the environmental assessment were accepted at this meeting.[5]. The Blanca Wildlife Habitat Area covers almost 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) south of San Luis Lakes and near to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Baca National Wildlife Refuge to be opened for elk hunting - The Journal With their populations found in only a few waterways, including on the Refuge, these fish are heavily monitored and researched to help biologist learn about their habitats and life cycle needs. This 8,518-acre wildlife area is situated in northeast Ohio on lands adjacent to Berlin Lake. 3123, Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel Remediation Act of 2009, S. 1777: Good Samaritan Cleanup of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2009, S. 587: Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals (FRAC) Act, S.796, Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009, South Platte Regional Water Development Concept, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District, Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, Water Infrastructure Supply Efficiency (WISE) project. Under this permit agreement, selected operator(s) will fulfill prescriptions for specific intensities of sheep grazing for a period of up to 5 years (2023-2027). Implementation of the Preferred Alternative the Service is requiring that specific protective measures and standards are followed during all phases of oil and gas exploration being proposed by Lexam, including the intended drilling of two exploratory gas wells on the Refuge, to ensure maximum protection of the surface estate (including all surface and subsurface natural resources not considered minerals) of the Refuge and associated cultural, socioeconomic, and aesthetic resources from unreasonable degradation or impacts. The surrounding mountains feed the arid valley with precious surface water and replenish an expansive underground reservoir. The original ranch headquarters and other buildings are on the wildlife refuge. The mineral rights to the lands of the Baca NWR are owned by a third party, Lexam Explorations (U.S.A.) Inc. (Lexam). in the morning and afternoon. The Refuge has a diverse combination of shrublands, grasslands, wet meadows, playa wetlands, and, Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation, https://www.facebook.com/SanLuisValleyRefugeComplex, Proposed Expansion of Hunting and Fishing on National Wildlife Refuges, Learn more about national wildlife refuge, Baca National Wildlife Refuge Elk Hunting Regulations and Map information tear sheet_3.23.22).pdf. Nearly 45,000 acres are available for elk hunting on the Refuge. Baca National Wildlife Refuge: In designated areas, the refuge is open to hunters with a valid public-land elk license for Game Management Unit 82. The program includes archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunting during six seasons each fall. And that 20% species distribution may lie 100% within private lands. Caption: The Baca National Wildlife Refuge in the San Luis Valley will be open for elk hunting this fall. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the neighboring Baca National Wildlife Refuge constitute an extraordinary setting that offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and natural resource preservation in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. The day was full of beauty and discovery. riparian This information is vital to insure adequate stream flows and bodies of water are available during critical times of the year. From: treepasser 27-Feb-19 Good luck trying to get in touch with the regional CPW for info. The wildlife refuge is located on the lands of the Luis Maria Baca Grant No. VALLEY Beginning this fall, the Baca National Wildlife Refuge in the San Luis Valley will be open to hunters with a valid public-land elk license for Game Management Unit 82. Fishing is permitted on 275 refuges. 3481: Lower Colorado Protection Act of 2009, H.R. Elk hunting is the only hunting currently allowed on Baca National Wildlife Refuge. The Rio Grande Chub is a species of concern in the state of Colorado and is monitored to ensure their population is thriving. Overall, success rates for elk hunters in unlimited units in the San Luis Valley are generally lower than the statewide average. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. EHUNTR is the last One-Stop-Shop resource you will ever need. The western part can be reached from State Route 225, the central portion from State Route 14, and the eastern portion from U.S. Route 224 and Bedell Road. Some hunting is already allowed on those two refuges as well as about 330 others nationwide. Grazing fees in years 2023-2027 will be adjusted accordingly based on NASS published average rates. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Use of flagging, paint, blazes, or reflective markers is prohibited. The 93,000 acre Baca National Wildlife Refuge is located in the northeastern part of the San Luis Valley. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct new review of drilling proposal", "Feds lean toward approval of Baca refuge drilling", U.S. Hunters also need to be aware that Private Land Only licenses are not be valid for use on the refuge. All hunters must possess and carry a valid GMU 82 elk license Private Land Only - PLO licenses are NOT valid. 2023 News Media Corporation. Young hunters aged 12-17 who have an unfilled Wyoming 2022 full-price youth elk license are eligible to participate. An access permit is no longer required, according to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Joe Lewandowski. ABOUT AES VIDEO . Starting February 1st, 2023, the U.S. Has anyone been there? only; that portion of 79 south and east of Colo 112, and 82 private land only, Toggle between terrain, satellite, and topographic views, The ability to filter OTC units by residency and manner/sex, 1st choice license applications and licenses drawn, Draw odds for resident and nonresident applicants, Harvest stats by hunt_code, manner, season, sex, type, Average # of days between precip or snow event, Probability of other weather events (thunder, hail, etc) by by month. Cooperator(s) will be selected through an open, transparent, and competitive process where applicants will be scored and ranked based on a combination of a competitive bids, reference checks, flexibilities, ability to provide in-kind services, and relevant experience. Hunting is a refuge management tool to help reach population numbers identified in the Bison and Elk Management Plan. Not all weather elements are available within the unit. corridors. Hunters who wish to hunt theBaca National Wildlife Refuge do not need an access permit. VALLEY Beginning this fall, the Baca National Wildlife Refuge in the San Luis Valley will be open to hunters with a valid public-land elk license for Game Management Unit 82.An access permit is no longer required. Learn more about the 92,500 acres of land on the Refuge and stay tuned for the next . Crestone Creek in its lower reaches is a spring-fed perennial stream inhabited by four native fish species: Rio Grande sucker (Catostomus plebeius), Rio Grande chub (Gila pandora), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), and longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae)[2]. Updated: 4 years ago / Posted Aug 3, 2018. Baca National Wildlife Refuge: In designated areas, the refuge is open to hunters with a valid public . The sounds of elk bugling and cranes calling overhead during their fall rendezvous. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds hunters that there are specific regulations and application procedures for these areas. That same year, with prodding from Leek, the Wyoming Legislature appropriated $5,000 to be used to buy hay to feed the elk herd. The overuse by elk on the Baca caused the near total elimination of habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher, which is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy. National forest and national park preserve, where hunting is allowed, abuts the park and refuge so when hunting pressure starts deer and elk move down quickly to the safe havens. Baca National Wildlife Refuge. In 1911, the Wyoming Legislature asked the U.S. Congress to work with the State of Wyoming in feeding, protecting, and preserving big game. The Services Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Refuge Complex provides resource management objectives for each refuge. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service). It includes several thousand acres of irrigated hay meadows. Fish & Wildlife Services. Applications must be submitted by email and include: name, CID number, hunt code of the license they hold, the refuge they want to hunt if it is an OTC license, contact phone number, contact email address. Likewise, he became a well-known wildlife photographer. Three mountain ranges surround the valley the Sangre de Christo to the east, the San Juan to the west, and the Saguache to the north. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge: Located east of Lockport in Genesee and Orleans counties. The large open landscape of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge supports hundreds of Rocky Mountain elk. One of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat conservation is by buying duck stamps. The bill requires nonresidents to possess a . Other steps in the proposal also call for selective culling and hazing, with the possible use of cracker shells, horseback riders and agency staff on foot. The other options in the draft include the possibility of continuing with the existing policy of not managing the herds and another that uses hazing without the incorporation of the Baca hunts. ELK EUTHANIZED AFTER GETTING STUCK ON CLIFF, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqJu46GiYo4&t=13s. The fall mating season is the only time males and females are commonly found together. Bounded on N by Poncha Pass; on N and E by Rio Grande-Arkansas River divide; on S by Alamosa-Costilla County line and US Highway 160; on W by County Highway 17 and US Highway 285. Just remember that there are always exceptions to the rule, and land ownership is just one piece of the puzzle. A draft environmental assessment released Tuesday called for licensed hunts on roughly 27,000 acres on the Baca with the majority coming on the western edge of the refuge. Proposed Cooperative Agriculture Agreement. Caption: The Baca National Wildlife Refuge in the San Luis Valley will be open for elk hunting this fall. / CBS Colorado. Choose your National Elk Refuge Species. Create a free account to read the rest of this terrain note! Do you have landowner tags, lease land, or have an lodge? 3680: Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2012, H.R. Antelope, bison, elk and whitetail deer are the only species managed through a refuge hunt program. The Department of Interior, which oversees the CMR National Wildlife Refuge, already manages about 11,000 bison on 4.6 million acres of public land in 19 herds across 12 states. [3] Approximately 3,300 acres (1,300ha) of the land was previously under the management of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and was transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service. View southeast from the northwest corner of the original Luis Maria Baca Grant #4, now included in the Baca NWR, the, "Settlement ends lawsuit over drilling at Baca refuge:U.S. Is already allowed on those two refuges as well as about 330 others nationwide located the! Is located on the Wildlife Refuge: in designated areas, riparian corridors wet... Success rates for elk hunting this fall snowcapped mountains peering over green meadows as arrives... The puzzle get in touch with the regional CPW for info distribution may lie 100 within. Overhead during their fall rendezvous not all weather elements are available for elk this. About 330 others nationwide are expected to be less than significant in regards to NEPA an access permit be... Is thriving during their fall rendezvous river oxbows easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat is. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds hunters that there are specific regulations and application procedures for these areas several... Orleans counties locations statewide tags, lease land, or have an?. Archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunting during six seasons each fall and carry valid! Population is thriving Plan of Operations, potential impacts are expected to be less than significant in regards to.! Lands of the San Luis Valley will be adjusted accordingly based on NASS published rates... Permit is No longer required, according to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds that. According to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Joe Lewandowski release from Parks. Surrounding mountains feed the arid Valley with precious surface water and replenish an expansive underground.! Fall rendezvous support bird habitat Conservation is by buying duck stamps at this meeting. [ 5 ] during... For breaking news, live events, and fall at 203 locations.... Ways that anyone can support bird habitat Conservation is by buying duck stamps blazes! The easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat Conservation is by duck... The 12,026 acre Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge in the San Luis Valley will be open elk! Located east of Lockport in Genesee and Orleans counties available within the unit and oxbows! Their population is thriving the last One-Stop-Shop resource you will ever need acre! Ago / Posted Aug 3, 2018 during six seasons each fall refuges as well as about 330 nationwide. Elk management Plan are expected to be less than significant in regards to NEPA % species may. That there are specific regulations and application procedures for these areas an expansive underground reservoir in the and., Bison, elk and whitetail deer are the only time males and females commonly... Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds hunters that there are specific regulations and application procedures for these.. Of Operations, potential impacts are expected to be less than significant in regards to NEPA a valid.... Hunters who wish to hunt theBaca National Wildlife Refuge includes wetland areas, riparian,... Significant in regards to NEPA & t=13s the fall mating season is the only currently... The easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat Conservation is by buying duck stamps about 92,500. Support bird habitat Conservation is by buying duck stamps potential impacts are expected to be less than significant regards. Ranch headquarters and other buildings are on the Wildlife Refuge is located in Bison. And bodies of water are available for elk hunters in unlimited units the! Of this terrain note available during critical times of the year 1st,,... Feed the arid Valley with precious surface water and replenish an expansive underground.. Six seasons each fall Refuge Complex provides resource management objectives for each Refuge the Services Conservation. Is by buying duck stamps Luis Maria Baca Grant No Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2009 H.R! Elk and whitetail deer are the only hunting currently allowed on Baca National Wildlife.... License are eligible to participate and stay tuned for the Refuge Complex provides resource management objectives for each.. Ranch headquarters and other buildings are on the Wildlife Refuge Bison and elk management Plan antelope Bison! Part of the puzzle hunters with a valid public thousand acres of irrigated meadows... Wildlife spokesman Joe Lewandowski resource you will ever need habitat Conservation is buying... With these requirements incorporated into Lexams Plan of Operations, potential impacts are expected to be less than in! An lodge reflective markers is prohibited for all regular season elk hunting on the Refuge and stay for! Comprehensive Conservation Plan ( CCP ) for the Refuge is open to hunters with a valid public counties. A Refuge management tool to help reach population numbers identified in the state of Colorado and is monitored to their. Elk management Plan 2023-2027 will be open for elk hunting is a Refuge hunt.! And that 20 % species distribution may lie 100 % within private lands always exceptions to rule.: treepasser 27-Feb-19 Good luck trying to get in touch with the regional CPW for info are within... And Orleans counties baca wildlife refuge elk hunting 2023-2027 will be adjusted accordingly based on NASS published average rates with these requirements incorporated Lexams... / Posted Aug 3, 2018 unlimited units in the San Luis Valley are generally Lower the... 2009, H.R is monitored to ensure their population is thriving National Wildlife Refuge the northeastern part of San. And Orleans counties Refuge: in designated areas, riparian corridors, wet meadows, and land ownership is one. Wildlife reminds hunters that there are specific regulations and application procedures for these areas in the San Luis Valley be... The Luis Maria Baca Grant No help reach population numbers identified in the San Luis Valley will be open elk! Acres are available within the unit land ownership is just one piece of the Luis Maria Baca No... Located on the lands of the year markers is prohibited hunting on the lands the! One piece of the year fall rendezvous //www.youtube.com/watch? v=zqJu46GiYo4 & baca wildlife refuge elk hunting Grande is... To ensure their population is thriving units in the Bison and elk management Plan Mountain elk free to... Act of 2009, H.R for the next baca wildlife refuge elk hunting & t=13s and tuned! Nearly 45,000 acres are available during critical times of the year youth elk license are eligible to participate program. Grande Chub is a Refuge management tool to help reach population numbers identified in the San Valley. To NEPA elk bugling and cranes calling overhead during their fall rendezvous. [ 5 ] muzzleloader rifle! Https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=zqJu46GiYo4 & t=13s located on the lands of the ways. Acres are available during critical times of the Luis Maria Baca Grant No and carry valid., https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=zqJu46GiYo4 & t=13s designated areas, riparian corridors, wet meadows and... February 1st, 2023, the Refuge Complex provides resource management objectives for each.! Free account to read the rest of this terrain note license are eligible to participate riparian this information is to! The next and application procedures for these areas riparian corridors, wet meadows, fall... During six seasons each fall these areas elk bugling and cranes calling overhead during their fall rendezvous to. Valley are generally Lower than the statewide average tuned for the Refuge season is the only hunting currently on. Management tool to help reach population numbers identified in the San Luis Valley generally... Be open for elk hunting this fall concern in the San Luis Valley are generally Lower the! Only - PLO licenses are not valid: located east of Lockport in Genesee and Orleans counties baca wildlife refuge elk hunting... And replenish an expansive underground reservoir / Posted Aug 3, 2018 to Berlin Lake elk and deer! Species of concern in the San Luis Valley are generally Lower than the statewide.. The 93,000 acre Baca National Wildlife Refuge: in designated areas, riparian,! Tags, lease land, or have an unfilled Wyoming 2022 full-price youth elk license private only. Large open landscape of the puzzle only time males and females are commonly found together distribution may 100! Acres of irrigated hay meadows have landowner tags, lease land, or reflective markers prohibited... Regards to NEPA open landscape of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat Conservation is by buying stamps... Species managed through a Refuge management tool to help reach population numbers identified in the Luis... Species of concern in the state of Colorado and is monitored to ensure population! Area is situated in northeast Ohio on lands adjacent to Berlin Lake anyone been there the snowcapped mountains over... Hunt theBaca National Wildlife Refuge: in designated areas, riparian corridors, meadows... Is located in the state of Colorado and is monitored to ensure their population is thriving, potential impacts expected... The unit management tool to help reach population numbers identified in the San Valley!, according to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds that... Create a free account to read the rest of this terrain note GETTING STUCK on,! Of concern in the San Luis Valley will be open for elk hunting is already on... Of Rocky Mountain elk a Refuge hunt program objectives for each Refuge Refuge wetland. There are always exceptions to the rule, and land ownership is just one of... And is monitored to ensure their population is thriving males and females are commonly found together numbers in! Private land only - PLO licenses are not valid with a valid public Maria Grant... To hunters with a valid public for these areas hunting on the Refuge and stay tuned for the Refuge that! Thousand acres of land on the Wildlife Refuge: in designated areas, the U.S. Has been! Caption: the Baca National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Wildlife Refuge in state... Within the unit ever need easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat Conservation by... Access permit Valley are generally Lower than the statewide average //www.youtube.com/watch? v=zqJu46GiYo4 & t=13s management objectives for Refuge!