Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s conservation mission – The Fort Morgan Times

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The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (NAMWC) is the cornerstone of modern wildlife conservation across the U.S. This revolutionary model was formed around the turn of the 1900’s when sportspeople realized that market hunting was taking an undeniable and potentially irreversible toll on North America’s wildlife. Looking toward the future these visionaries determined that, to ensure the health and longevity of all wildlife, a structured system needed to be created.

What is Conservation? Conservation is the wise use of a resource. For natural resource and wildlife management, this means the planned and regulated use of our resources to prevent exploitation, destruction or extinction.

What is the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation? The model is governed by two basic ideals and seven conservation principles. In its most basic form, the model rests on the guidelines that:

Fish and wildlife are for the non-commercial use of citizens. They should be managed in such a way that sustains their populations forever. Funding Wildlife Conservation and Management Conservation efforts require funding, and the NAMWC funding model is the most successful wildlife management funding model in the world.

The NAMWC is implemented throughout the United States. In Colorado, the model has helped species like lynx, moose, black-footed ferrets, elk, and turkeys among many others. The millions of dollars generated by hunters and anglers — through license sales as well as excise taxes on equipment and firearms — are the reason this model works.

In short, the revenue generated from hunting and fishing activities constitutes around 70 percent of our wildlife management funds. For almost two centuries, this model has been a large part of the reason why Colorado’s wildlife is so healthy and abundant.

The “Seven Sisters” The “Seven Sisters” guidelines serve to provide more definition and clarity to these conservation concepts.

1. Wildlife in the Public Trust

The public trust doctrine means that wildlife belongs to everyone. Natural resources and wildlife on public lands are managed by government agencies to ensure that current and future generations always have wildlife and wild places to enjoy.

2. Elimination of Markets for Game

Commercial hunting and the sale of wildlife are prohibited to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations.

3. Allocation of Wildlife by Law

Wildlife is allocated to the public by law, as opposed to by market principles, land ownership, or other status. Hunting and fishing laws are created through the public process, meaning everyone has the opportunity and responsibility to develop systems of wildlife conservation and use. Democratic processes and public input in lawmaking help ensure that access is equitable.

4. Wildlife Can Only Be Killed for a Legitimate Purpose

The killing of game must be done only for food, fur, self-defense, and the protection of property (including livestock). Laws restrict against the casual killing of wildlife merely for antlers, horns or feathers (ie trophy hunting).

5. Wildlife is an International Resource

Wildlife and fish migrate freely across boundaries between states, provinces and countries. Many positive agreements and cooperative efforts have been established among the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and other nations for conserving wildlife.

6. Science is the Basis for Wildlife Protection

The North American Model recognizes science as the basis for informed management and decision-making processes. Research and tracking help us to best conserve our resources.

7. Democracy of Hunting

By law, every citizen of good standing has the opportunity to hunt and fish in the United States and Canada.

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