Colorado: CPW Offers $1 Million in Grants to Reduce Human-Bear Conflicts in Local Communities

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DENVER ~ Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced the opening of a new round of grant funding aimed at reducing human-bear conflicts in local communities. The Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program, with an application deadline of May 30, 2025, will provide resources to help Coloradans and bears coexist peacefully in the state's high country and beyond.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his support for the program, stating that Colorado's diverse wildlife and outdoor spaces are enjoyed by both humans and animals. He believes that by investing in conflict reduction strategies, property damage can be minimized and successful coexistence can be achieved.

This year, CPW is offering $1 million in grant funding for projects that aim to reduce conflicts with bears in local communities. The program seeks to encourage innovative solutions that can be replicated in other parts of the state and support efforts to reduce conflicts across all communities in Colorado. The funding will be distributed through a competitive grant process this spring.

The program was initially made possible through House Bill 21-1326, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Polis in 2021. Due to its popularity and success, CPW has decided to continue the program in partnership with Governor Polis.

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A wide range of entities are eligible to receive funding, including local governments, NGOs, HOAs, community groups, businesses, tribes, universities, and individuals. Grants between $50,000 and $500,000 can be applied for.

Travis Long, CPW Grant Manager, emphasized the importance of collaboration between local communities, wildlife managers, and individuals for successful human-bear conflict reduction measures. He also expressed excitement about the high level of interest from the public and how many communities have taken advantage of this funding opportunity to implement projects aimed at reducing conflicts with bears.

The grant aims to provide resources to communities that lack the necessary means to address human-bear conflicts. It also serves to facilitate discussions around conflict reduction and bring stakeholders together to find solutions.

Projects that help meet the goal of reducing conflicts between local communities and black bears are eligible for funding. These include measures such as reducing the availability of attractants or disincentivizing bears from entering areas of high conflict, garnering local community support, being cost-effective and sustainable, and utilizing proven techniques or exploring innovative approaches.

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Applications can be found on CPW's website and must be submitted by May 30, 2025, at 5 p.m. For any questions or assistance with the application process, interested parties can contact CPW Grant Manager Travis Long at travis.long@state.co.us. The successful grant recipients will be announced later this year.

In 2019-24, CPW received over 26,913 reports of bear sightings and conflicts in Colorado. Of the 5,022 reports received in 2024 alone, over half resulted in property damage. Trash cans and dumpsters were identified as the primary attractants for bears, making them a key focus area for grant funding. Other sources of conflict include birdfeeders, livestock, open garages, and unsecured human-originated items.

Human-bear conflicts not only lead to property damage but also place a strain on CPW and local government resources as they respond to these incidents. By expanding existing conflict reduction efforts or developing new approaches, impacts on bear populations and community resources can be reduced while improving public safety.

Bears that have access to food from trash or garbage can become conditioned to consuming it and may return to homes or vehicles in search of more food. This can lead to property damage and potentially dangerous encounters between bears and humans. Additionally, consuming garbage can negatively impact a bear's health.

To learn more about CPW's other grant programs, visit cpw.state.co.us/grant-programs.

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