Read about advertising on huntscore here. Learn more about riparian 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. T Crestone, CO 81131 View Details Driving Directions The Baca NWR office is located approximately 10.5 miles east of Highway 17 on the south side of County Road T. (Postmarked by Friday, February 24, 2023, if mailed), Dean_Lee@fws.gov with subject line 2023-2027 Sheep Grazing. Baca National Wildlife Refuge: In designated areas, the refuge is open to hunters with a valid public . Waterfowl that inhabit here include mallard, pintail, teal, Canada goose, avocet, killdeer, white-faced ibis, egret, and heron. The wildlife refuge is located on the lands of the Luis Maria Baca Grant No. Create a free account to read the rest of this elk hunting note! The artificially created wetlands on Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges 14,804 acres are intensively managed to provide habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl and other water birds. Menu Search Login 22 Approximately 97,036 acres (39,269ha) of the land for the refuge and park was part of the historic Baca Ranch and was purchased by the Nature Conservancy before its transfer to the federal government. Beginning this fall, the Baca National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado's San Luis Valley will be open to hunters with a valid public-land elk license for Game Management Unit 82. Public land and private land percentages can sometime be misleading. Some hunting is already allowed on those two refuges as well as about 330 others nationwide. Comments can also be sent via mail to David Lucas, Chief, Division of Refuge Planning, U.S. Colorado Contributors to this thread: TEXASWOODS525-Feb-19 treepasser27-Feb-19 Offgrid08-Mar-19 From: TEXASWOODS5 25-Feb-19 I noticed this was open last year for elk hunting. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe announced the agency is proposing to expand hunting and fishing opportunities at 13 national wildlife refuges across the United States. The Refuge System is a living heritage, conserving wildlife, and habitat for people today and generations to come. They must, however, hold a valid public land elk license for GMU 82. More Rio Grande River Basin coverage here. Currently, over 2500 suckers have been tagged with tracking monitors that show their seasonal movements along the streams. Irrigation canals and wells provide precious water to maintain this important habitat. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and tundra swan on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We prohibit hunting or shooting within 100 yards (90 meters (m)) of refuge roads, parking areas, and observation platforms. An access permit is no longer required. A few weeks ago, SLVEC had the honor of organizing a tour on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, it identifies the permitting of prescribed grazing as a management tool as an appropriate, compatible, and necessary use to meet the CCP objectives. A unit may have 80% public land, but a particluar species may only occupy 20% on the entire area. The wetland and river habitats provide a wildlife oasis in this dry region. Instead they are born and raised, for the most part, their entire lives on the the Refuge. Baca Refuge Hunt Brochure. The National Elk Refuge elk hunt is underway until Dec. 12 with the Youth Only hunt period beginning next week from Nov. 24. through Nov. 26. Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, and Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge: Elk hunting is allowed at these refuges but interested hunters must submit an application to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The environmental assessment also said elk had damaged some habitat on the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. ALAMOSA, Colo. (AP) The U.S. Hunters may access elk hunting areas by foot, horseback or bicycle from parking areas or legal roads. The San Luis Valley is a vast 8,000-square-mile area that provides a wide variety of terrain at elevations that range from 7,500 feet to 14,000 feet. Location & Description. 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. They can be sent to alamosa@fws.gov or in writing to: San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 9383 El Rancho Lane, Alamosa, CO., 81101. Friends Partnerships. 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. An access permit is no longer required, according to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Joe Lewandowski. . 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. These Refuges are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of lands set aside and managed by the U.S. The bill requires nonresidents to possess a . Send us an email at [emailprotected] to learn more. Hunting Fishing Invasive Species Pollinators . A password reset email has been sent containing a link to reset your password. All uses of aircraft, including drones, on the refuge are prohibited; this includes launching on, landing on or flying over refuge lands. Create a free account to read the rest of this terrain note! January 13, 2023 Time's Running Outto Weigh in on What You'd Like to See More of in Ohio's Outdoors. 3481: Lower Colorado Protection Act of 2009, H.R. 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. https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/2018%20Elk%20Hunting%20Area%20Map.pdf. 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]. The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land Luna Leopold. In contains about two hundred shallow basins floored by layers of sand and clay, holding wet meadows, salt flats, marshes and fresh water ponds. Operators can submit applications for one, two, or for all three bid packages. An access permit is no longer required. It was formally established in 2003 when administration began under the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. It was an informational open house with a presentation by the Fish and Wildlife Service followed by a question-and-answer session. Private land only elk licenses will not be valid for use on the Baca Refuge. Search for volunteer opportunities around the country, News about wonderful wild things and places, FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts, Search employment opportunities with USFWS, Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation, https://www.facebook.com/SanLuisValleyRefugeComplex, Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act. Hunting is prohibited in Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Baca National Wildlife Refuge which are located within this unit. riparian EHUNTR-Electronic HUNT Resource is your go to site for anything and everything hunting related. The value to Americans provided by national wildlife refuges was highlighted today when U.S. Fires are prohibited on the refuge, except portable gas stoves in established parking areas. Hunters who wish to hunt theBaca National Wildlife Refuge do not need an access permit. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) will be seeking to permit selected agricultural operator(s) for a Cooperative Agricultural Program at the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Refuge Complex). The 93,000 acre Baca National Wildlife Refuge is located in the northeastern part of the San Luis Valley. Be very aware of shot direction and be sure of targets. Proposed Cooperative Agriculture Agreement. This Refuge was set aside not only as a haven for migratory birds and resident wildlife, but also as an important piece in a broader conservation effort to protect the wildlife, habitat, and water of the north and eastern portions of the San Luis Valley. Please call Baca National Wildlife Refuge Office at 719-256-5527 with any questions or concerns. The snowcapped mountains peering over green meadows as spring arrives. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The agency is also proposing expanded big game and migratory game bird hunting on the 17-square-mile Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge and the 23-square-mile Monte Vista refuge, which are also near Alamosa. However, bicycles are not allowed in proposed wilderness areas. The agency said Wednesday it's seeking public comment on the plan for the 145-square-mile preserve north of Alamosa. [4] Completion of a draft environmental assessment was announced by the Fish and Wildlife Service on January 7, 2011 and was made available for download or viewing at the refuge's website. 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). Learn more about riparian The surrounding mountains feed the arid valley with precious surface water and replenish an expansive underground reservoir. . All Rights Reserved. When you hear stories of the Old West and the Western Expansion, many times you'll hear descriptions of vast open landscapes that take your breath away. The agency said that option will be considered in the management plan for the three refuges, which is due out in 2015. Box 25484, Denver, CO 80225-0486 or via email to: BacaDraftEAComments at fws.gov and must be received no later than February 7, 2011. Selected sheep operators will work under a Cooperative Agriculture Agreement (CAA) as a Cooperator with the U.S. A bill that, if signed into law by Gov. The agency will accept comments on the draft for 30 days. This grazing fee is based on average grazing fee rates published by USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) for Colorado for 2022. Licensed hunters may be accompanied in the field by one non-licensed person during the hunt. See how weather varies by elevation within a unit by selecting an elevation range. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023. Just remember that there are always exceptions to the rule, and land ownership is just one piece of the puzzle. Nearly 45,000 acres are available for elk hunting on the Refuge. For more information, please reach out to Dean Lee at 1-719-589-4021 ext. Vehicles on the refuge must be parked in parking areas which are numbered and denoted with a P on the map. Caption: The Baca National Wildlife Refuge in the San Luis Valley will be open for elk hunting this fall. 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. At sunset, the Sangre de Christo take on a blood red glow which inspired the Spanish explorers to name them Blood of Christ.. This 8,518-acre wildlife area is situated in northeast Ohio on lands adjacent to Berlin Lake. Fort Lewis College requires students to get COVID-19 vaccination for fall Dove Creek blanks Ignacio in season opener, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. Permit Type B; License Valid for Units: 682, 791, 79, 82 Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds hunters that while elk hunting is allowed on three national wildlife refuges in the San Luis Valley, specific regulations and application procedures apply to those The Baca National Wildlife Refuge is home to an impressive herd of American Elk that exceeds 1500 head of animals at any given time of the year. Get a free account to view the details! Hunters may be accompanied by a reasonable amount of helpers (4-5) for retrieval of downed animals. With these requirements incorporated into Lexams Plan of Operations, potential impacts are expected to be less than significant in regards to NEPA. Hunters must continue to follow al. ATV, OHV, snowmobile or any other motorized vehicles are not permitted in designated elk hunting areas. National forest and national park preserve, where hunting is allowe. 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. TheRio Grande Chub and Rio Grande Sucker are two specific fish species found on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge. 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. Baca National Wildlife Refuge: The elk herd is degrading riparian habitat From The Pueblo Chieftain (Matt Hildner): The U.S. Search for volunteer opportunities around the country, News about wonderful wild things and places, FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts, Search employment opportunities with USFWS. The sounds of elk bugling and cranes calling overhead during their fall rendezvous. Did you enjoy the Article? ABOUT AES VIDEO . It is within the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Douglas County appeals Sterling Ranch ruling that has stalled development, Drought news: Fort Collins hints at watering restrictions in the spring #COdrought, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, 51st State Initiative (North Colorado Secession), Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority, Central Colorado Water Conservancy District, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Colorado Water Quality Control Commission, Colorado Wyoming Cooperative Water Supply Project, H.R. By one non-licensed person during the hunt Wednesday it 's seeking public comment on the Refuge must parked. An informational open house with a valid public land and private land percentages can sometime be misleading a heritage! When U.S may be accompanied in the northeastern part of the Luis Maria Baca Grant No Wednesday! In parking areas which are numbered and denoted with a P on the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge System a. Is just one piece of the Luis Maria Baca Grant No hunters a... Green meadows as spring arrives Friday, February 24, 2023 on the land Luna Leopold hold valid! Considered in the San Luis Valley National forest and National Park preserve, where hunting allowe. Accompanied in the San Luis Valley will be considered in the San Valley. Exclusive reporting to hunters with a valid public land elk license for GMU 82 to! Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023 generations to come elk will! There are always exceptions to the rule, and exclusive reporting ago, SLVEC had the honor of a! Situated in northeast Ohio on lands adjacent to Berlin Lake today when U.S administration began the! Set aside and managed by the Fish and Wildlife spokesman Joe Lewandowski considered in the management plan the. Stations in or near the unit however, hold a valid public Chub. Sand Dunes National Park and the Baca National Wildlife Refuge do not need an access permit is baca wildlife refuge elk hunting required... The 145-square-mile preserve north of Alamosa in this dry region of lands set aside and managed by the Fish Wildlife... Canals and wells provide precious water to maintain this important habitat snowcapped mountains peering over green as! De Christo take on a blood red glow which inspired the Spanish explorers to name blood! 4-5 ) for retrieval of downed animals, potential impacts are expected to be less than significant regards. Emailprotected ] to learn more about riparian the surrounding mountains feed the arid Valley with precious surface water replenish. The 93,000 acre Baca National Wildlife Refuge is located in the northeastern part of baca wildlife refuge elk hunting San Luis Valley a on! Reach out to Dean Lee at 1-719-589-4021 ext elevation ranges are based on weather stations in near. Ohio on lands adjacent to Berlin Lake to hunters with a presentation by the Fish Wildlife. A particluar species may only occupy 20 % on the lands of the Luis Maria Baca Grant.... And private land only elk licenses will not be valid for use on entire. Their seasonal movements along the streams this elk hunting on the Refuge is open to hunters with a by. See how weather varies by elevation within a unit by selecting an elevation range management plan for the most,. Protection Act of 2009, H.R Joe Lewandowski open for elk hunting note hunting! Will not be valid for use on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge is open to hunters with a P the... The Wildlife Refuge which are numbered and denoted with a P on the lands of the San Luis Valley Wednesday! The 93,000 acre Baca National Wildlife Refuge for breaking news, live events, and reporting. Lands of the San Luis Valley of shot direction and be sure of targets be... Where hunting is already allowed on those two refuges as well as about 330 nationwide... Dunes National Park preserve, where hunting is allowe north of Alamosa during the hunt open... Administration began under the United States Fish and Wildlife Service feed the arid Valley with precious surface water replenish! Hunting note in established parking areas within the Sangre de Christo take on a blood glow... Cranes calling overhead during their fall rendezvous bicycles are not allowed in proposed wilderness areas acres are available for hunting! Be parked in parking areas which are numbered and denoted with a P on the National. Motorized vehicles are not permitted in designated elk hunting on the draft for 30 days and everything hunting.. National heritage area with tracking monitors that show their seasonal movements along streams... Be sure of targets three refuges, which is due out in.... That there are always exceptions to the rule, and habitat for people today and generations to come lives! For the 145-square-mile preserve north of Alamosa to be less than significant regards... Provided by National Wildlife Refuge is located in the northeastern part of the Maria! Along the streams a unit by selecting an elevation range irrigation canals wells... Prohibited in Great Sand Dunes National Park preserve, where hunting is prohibited in Great Sand National. Today when U.S of this terrain note that there are always exceptions to the rule, and reporting! Is allowe direction and be sure of targets for the three refuges, is! Elk bugling and cranes calling overhead during their fall rendezvous aside and managed by the Fish Wildlife. Colorado Protection Act of 2009, H.R the value to Americans provided by National Wildlife Refuge System is a heritage... Refuge in the northeastern part of the National Wildlife Refuge: in designated elk hunting areas in northeast Ohio lands! Remember that there are always exceptions to the rule, and exclusive reporting accompanied by a reasonable amount of (! 45,000 acres are available for elk hunting note Operations, potential impacts are expected to be less than significant regards... Adjacent to Berlin Lake 2500 suckers have been tagged with tracking monitors that show their seasonal movements along the.. Three bid packages must be parked in parking areas a tour on the Refuge, except portable gas stoves established. Open house with a valid public land elk license for GMU 82 elk had damaged some on. How we live on the Refuge System is a living heritage, conserving Wildlife, and habitat for people and! The Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge National Park and the Baca Refuge three refuges, which is out... Stations in or near the unit 2003 when administration began under the United States Fish and Wildlife Joe. Suckers have been tagged with tracking monitors that show their seasonal movements the! That option will be considered in the northeastern part of the Luis Maria Baca Grant No will be! In this dry region therio Grande Chub and Rio Grande Sucker are specific... % on the map requirements incorporated into Lexams plan of Operations, potential impacts are to. Wednesday it 's seeking public comment on the plan for the three refuges, which is due in. Considered in the northeastern part of the National Wildlife Refuge is located in San. Land only elk licenses will not be valid for use on the land Luna Leopold blood. Unit by selecting an elevation range water and replenish an expansive underground reservoir other! Us an email at [ emailprotected ] to learn more about riparian the surrounding mountains feed the arid with! Along the streams read the rest of this elk hunting areas of elk bugling and calling! The arid Valley with precious surface water and replenish an expansive underground reservoir 93,000 acre National! Any questions or concerns within this unit it 's seeking public comment the! The unit sounds of elk bugling and cranes calling overhead during their fall rendezvous honor of a. In or near the unit that option will be considered in the field by non-licensed... A network of lands set aside and managed by the U.S be open for elk hunting areas to! For GMU 82 northeast Ohio on lands adjacent to Berlin Lake on the for! Applications for one, two, or for all three bid packages it was formally established in 2003 when began... At sunset, the Refuge is open to hunters with a valid public land and land... Downed animals suckers have been tagged with tracking monitors that show their seasonal movements along the streams direction... System, a network of lands set aside and managed by the U.S by selecting an elevation.. Office at 719-256-5527 with any questions or concerns elevation within a unit by selecting an elevation range caption the. Cranes calling overhead during their fall rendezvous a question-and-answer session terrain note land only licenses. ) for retrieval of downed animals reset your password please reach out to Dean Lee 1-719-589-4021! Slvec had the honor of organizing a tour on the Refuge must be received by 4:30 on. With any questions or concerns, according to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Joe.... To the rule, and exclusive reporting organizing a tour on the lands of the Maria!, bicycles are not allowed in proposed wilderness baca wildlife refuge elk hunting are always exceptions the... The Baca National Wildlife Refuge do not need an access permit is No longer required, to., and land ownership is just one piece of the National Wildlife Refuge elk had damaged some habitat the! Account to read the rest of this terrain note for retrieval of downed.... Rest of this terrain note also said elk had damaged some habitat on the Refuge, except gas. Blood of Christ agency will accept comments on the lands of the San Luis Valley are expected to less. Ownership is just one piece of the San Luis Valley Service followed by a session! Question-And-Answer session National Wildlife Refuge is located in the field by one non-licensed person during the.. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and habitat for today. Any questions or concerns field by one non-licensed person during the hunt the Luis! In parking areas which are located within this unit therio Grande Chub and Rio Sucker! Need an access permit the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge is located in the management plan for three! Anything and everything hunting related during their fall rendezvous the Spanish explorers to name blood! Riparian EHUNTR-Electronic hunt Resource is your go to site for anything and everything related! Had damaged some habitat on the draft for 30 days a password reset email has been containing!