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<br />U00549 <br /> <br />STATEWIDE FISH MANAGEMENT POLICY <br /> <br />1.0 GENERAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES <br /> <br />To help provide an overall framework for specific fishery management statements, the <br />Wildlife Commission would like to express and affirm the following general management <br />policies: <br /> <br />1.1 Aquatic wildlife, other than that lawfully acquired and held in private ownership, are <br />owned by the people of Colorado, held in trust by the Division of Wildlife, and <br />managed for recreational and other legitimate benefits to the people of this State and <br />its visitors. <br /> <br />1.2 The paramount goal of this Policy is that the Division of Wildlife will be <br />committed to the integrity of the environment and naturally reproducing fish <br />populations. The Division's fish management programs will reflect an <br />awareness of the connected nature of aquatic environments, the uniqueness <br />and inter-relatedness of various parts, the impact and influence of man-made <br />habitats, and a commitment to maintain and improve the health of aquatic <br />systems. <br /> <br />1.3 Using the concept of river basin management planning, the Division od Wildlife shall <br />routinely seek angler and citizen involvement and input; as well as public, private and <br />Agency partnerships at the local, regional and state levels. The purpose of these <br />partnerships is to facilitate understanding and participation in the development of <br />sound fishery management actions. Managing fishery resources in geographic areas <br />of the state through Basin Management Plans will be the tool for integrating the <br />Policy statements contained in this document. <br /> <br />1.4 The Division of Wildlife is obligated by Colorado statute, Federal law and consensual <br />agreement to preserve, protect, enhance and manage native aquatic wildlife species <br />and their environments including threatened and endangered fish species. <br /> <br />1.5 The Division will maintain both "recreational angling" and "native fish" management <br />programs. <br /> <br />1.6 The Division will apply scientific information from biological and human dimension <br />studies in making resource decisions. Division programs will utilize scientific data <br />collection and research that expands factual knowledge related to aquatic species <br />and their environments. <br /> <br />6 <br />