Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT

Drafting Number:

Prime Sponsor(s):

LLS 99-0701

Rep. Johnson

Sen. Wattenberg

Date:

Bill Status:

Fiscal Analyst:

February 1, 1999

House Agriculture

Steve Tammeus (866-2756)

 

TITLE:            CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE ACTION REQUIRED BEFORE AN ENDANGERED SPECIES UNDER THE FEDERAL "ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973" MAY BE RELOCATED TO COLORADO.



Summary of Assessment


            For any species not found, or no longer found, in this state and that has been placed on the federal endangered species list, this bill requires the General Assembly to specifically name the species and specify the manner of introduction before that species may be introduced or reintroduced into the state. The bill will become effective October 15, 1999, unless a referendum petition is filed.


            The Division of Wildlife in the Department of Natural Resources currently has management authority for 16 aquatic and terrestrial species that are federally listed as threatened or endangered. Of the 16 federally listed species, four are considered to be extirpated (not or no longer found) in Colorado. Those four species include the bonytail chub, the black-footed ferret, the grizzly bear, and the gray wolf. Of these four, the division is planning to reintroduce the black-footed ferret and the bonytail chub during FY 1999-2000 and FY 2000-01.


            The division is planning to breed bonytail chub in captivity at the new Native Aquatic Species Facility, and release fingerlings into selected waters in the Colorado River drainage. The construction of the facility has not yet been completed and the division has not yet acquired broodfish or eggs to accomplish the reintroduction in spring or summer 2000.


            The division is also planning to release an experimental population of black-footed ferrets in the state in November, 1999. The division is currently holding a small population of black-footed ferrets in acclimation pens at the reintroduction site. Per the provisions of this bill, the reintroduction of the black-footed ferret would be subject to the adoption of authorizing legislation before November, 1999.


            If authorizing legislation is not adopted during the 1999 regular session, the division will incur additional cash fund expenditures of approximately $39,000 annually to hold and maintain the animals until authorizing legislation is adopted. If authorizing legislation fails to be adopted, the division will be required to determine appropriate disposition of the animals.


            The division indicates these additional costs can be absorbed within existing resources. This bill will not require additional state appropriations and will not affect local government revenue or expenditures. Therefore, the bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact.


Departments Contacted


            Natural Resources