Laserfiche WebLink
<br />These expenditures from the trust fund total $1.1 million. This level of expenditure is <br />consistent with the department's goal of treating the $10 million fund as an annuity, with <br />the principle and interest being paid out over 15 years, as contemplated in BB 98-1006. <br />The increasing number of at-risk, threatened or endangered species in Colorado will <br />present a great challenge to the state in the coming years. As growth continues, the <br />problem of decreasing habitat will only get worse. HB 98-1006 is a good first response <br />and a valuable tool to address this challenge. Our goal should be to retain Colorado's <br />ability to control its own destiny with regard to native species. <br />It is in that spirit that I commend to you the attached project list for funding. <br />Finally, I would like to reiterate the department's firm belief that more funding is needed <br />for the Native Species Conservation Trust Fund. The $10 million appropriated in 1998 <br />was less than half the amount DNR estimated was necessary simply to meet the state's <br />obligations under existing interstate native species programs. It is far from what is <br />needed to address the decline of yet-unlisted species. <br />Therefore, if the state is to stay in control of endangered species issues and avoid federal <br />preemption of state and local control, the General Assembly should appropriate <br />additional funds to augment those already appropriated under BB 98-1006. There is <br />much more work to be done, and none of it will be easy. It will, however, be important <br />and essential. <br />Sincerely, <br />?C <br />Wade Buchanan <br />Acting Executive Director <br />cc: Greg Walcher, Executive Director-designee, DNR