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<br />fJJ2~ ,3 <br /> <br />.\ <br /> <br />A PROPOSED PROCESS TO DEVELOP A <br />WILDLIFE COMMISSION POLICY <br />FOR MANAGEMENT OF WHIRLING DISEASE <br /> <br />1. Definition of the Problem <br /> <br />To fulfill its' mission the Division's Long Range Plan provides <br />direction and sets priorities by describing key goals and <br />initiatives. Specific goals related to the definition of this <br />problem are: Goal 3 - protect, enhance, and restore aquatic and <br />terrestrial habitats for all wildlife species in Colorado. Goal 5 <br />protect wildlife species that may be at risk of becoming <br />threatened or endangered. Goal 12 - provide a diversity of fishing <br />opportunity, increase participation in fishing as the state's <br />population grows and simultaneously increase the level of angler <br />satisfaction. Goal 20 - On an ongoing basis and as major policy <br />issues arise, obtain objective information on public desires, <br />values, expectations regarding wildlife, its habitat and its <br />management. <br /> <br />Based on the above, CDOW will protect the wildlife resources of the <br />state while providing an increase in fishing opportunities and <br />angler satisfaction. Recently acquired evidence indicates <br />whirling disease (WD) is, at the minimum, a factor in the loss of <br />one to four year classes of rainbow trout in a variety of waters <br />across the state. In addition, there are opposing opinions about <br />the impacts of continued stocking of WD suspect fish in already- <br />infected waters and further research is needed to determine the <br />level of risk. Alternatively, if trout stocking is reduced, <br />angling recreation days and angler satisfaction would also be <br />reduced since trout stocking accounts for approximately 80% of the <br />angling recreation days generated in the state. Criteria <br />restricting the stocking of WD suspect fish through 1995 have been <br />implemented. This proposed policy will provide management guidance <br />for 1996 and beyond. <br /> <br />Defining an acceptable relationship between goals for resource <br />protection and angling opportunity is needed. Unregulated stocking <br />of WD suspect fish can contribute to the spread of the parasite and <br />can place some wild self-sustaining trout--including native <br />cutthroat trout--populations at risk of becoming infected. Reduced <br />stocking of WD suspect fish will reduce angling opportunities and <br />satisfaction. A policy to guide Division activities to achieve <br />LRP goals of protecting the aquatic wildlife resources of the state <br />and increasing fishing opportunities and satisfaction is the <br />objective. <br /> <br />2. Proposed Course of Action' <br /> <br />This dilemma is a major policy issue and as stated in LRP Goal 20 <br />the Division will obtain objective information on public desires, <br />values, and expectations regarding such issues. An attempt will be <br />made to identify all stakeholders. Their desires, values and <br />expectations will be assessed through human dimensions surveys, <br />