CPW discussing management of “furbearers”; Towards Justice alleges unlawful collaboration with Federal Immigration Authorities from Garfield County Sheriff

Headlines Wednesday, March 4, 2026

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    CPW discussing management of “furbearers”; Towards Justice alleges unlawful collaboration with Federal Immigration Authorities from Garfield County Sheriff KGNU News

CPW discussing management of “furbearers”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife commissioners are discussing the management of a group of wildlife known as furbearers at their meeting in Denver today and tomorrow.

The agency currently manages 16 furbearer species, including beavers, foxes, bobcats and coyotes. Changes to how these animals are hunted and trapped for recreation on public lands are under discussion.

Delia Malone with the wildlife advocacy group Colorado Wild was part of the furbearer working group convened by the agency last year to develop new policy recommendations. The group included both opponents and proponents of hunting and trapping. Members on both sides of the issue said more science and data are needed in the rule making process.

Commissioners will also consider a citizen petition requesting mandatory checks for bobcats, swift fox and beaver…  and another petition that would prohibit the sale of furbearer furs, with some exemptions. CPW staff have recommended that both petitions be denied.

The meeting runs today and tomorrow at the agency’s headquarters in Denver and is being live streamed on the agency’s YouTube channel.

 

Towards Justice alleges unlawful collaboration with Federal Immigration Authorities from Garfield County Sheriff

Last week, Towards Justice served Sheriff Lou Vallario and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office with a cease and desist letter alleging violations of state laws that limit local collaboration with ICE.

Colorado statutes prohibit law enforcement from detaining someone solely on a civil immigration hold without a judicial warrant and from sharing non-public personal information for federal immigration enforcement purposes.

The group cites documents obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act, along with body camera footage and witness accounts, claiming deputies helped transfer individuals to ICE custody despite no active criminal warrants.

David Seligman, Executive Director of Towards Justice, said, “Sheriff Lou Vallerio has shown a shocking disrespect for state law. For someone who’s taken an oath to uphold those laws, his statements and conduct are deeply troubling.”

 

Ruby Hill Rail Yard closes for the season

The urban snow terrain park at Ruby Hill has closed for the winter season after a brief run.

The Ruby Hill Rail Yard first opened on February 1st with newly designed rails, boxes and features for snowboarders and skiers and offered free snowboarding lessons in partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation and Winter Park Resort.

Officials announced the closure on March 3rd, citing unseasonably warm weather across the Denver metro area this winter that limited snow conditions and shortened the season.

Ruby Hill Rail Yard, known as one of the nation’s first urban terrain parks, draws locals and visitors alike for accessible snow sport fun right in the heart of the city. Parks officials say they’re already looking forward to next winter’s season and planning ways to keep rail riding alive for the community.

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Bill targeting high prices at stadiums and airports is shot down

A proposal to end high prices at stadiums, airports, and other captive audience venues has stalled at the Capitol. House Bill 1012, championed by state lawmakers who argued that fans and consumers shouldn’t face sky-high costs for basic items like food, beverages and souvenirs where there’s little choice, was rejected Tuesday in a House Judiciary Committee vote.

Critics of the bill said it would unfairly burden businesses and didn’t account for the higher costs of operating in places like arenas and airports, where vendors often pay steep fees and limited competition exists. The bill’s sponsors wanted prices in those settings tied to average costs in the surrounding county and transparency for delivery apps showing in-store versus app prices.

Despite support from some Democrats, committee Republicans and several Democrats joined to vote down the measure.

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You can hear daily headlines on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show, with coverage of local and regional public affairs and news with headlines and commentary. Click here to listen to full episodes of the Morning Magazine.

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