Initiative 35: FAQ

1. Isn't this ballot measure too little too late? Not at all, it's actually right on time. We've already seen the problems with wolves that have been brought in: lost livestock, disrupted wildlife populations, and wasted taxpayer money. Initiative 35 prevents further damage by stopping wolf imports after 2026. This isn't a delayed reaction. It's quick action to stop a growing crisis and protect Colorado's ranchers, wildlife, and rural communities before things get worse.

2. Who is supporting this ballot measure campaign?  Why should I? Initiative 35 is financially supported by hundreds of people who are dealing with wolves every day: local ranchers, hunters, and community members. Many individual ranchers strongly support ending further imports. The measure provides better protection through expanded livestock compensation and practical wildlife management. We're asking you to stand with the folks who are living with this reality on the ground.

3. Will the State retaliate by releasing more wolves or denying reimbursements? No chance. Compensation for livestock losses is guaranteed by law, and Initiative 35 keeps that protection in place. The State can't legally or politically punish citizens for exercising their democratic rights. Our initiative ensures that wolves already here will be managed responsibly, and ranchers will continue to receive fair reimbursement without any interruption.

4. Will ending wolf imports harm zoos or wolf sanctuaries' scientific research? Not at all. Initiative 35 only stops releasing wolves into the wild. It doesn't affect research or sanctuary activities in any way. Zoos, sanctuaries, and educational programs can continue as normal. Researchers can still study captive wolves or the wild wolves that are already here. By stabilizing wolf populations, initiative 35 creates better conditions for reliable scientific research instead of unpredictable field experiments.

5. Wolves are needed for a healthy ecosystem. Why oppose that? Healthy ecosystems need careful balance, not forced experiments. Colorado already has thriving wildlife that's been responsibly managed without imported wolves for generations. The current reintroduction ignores the realities of human-wildlife conflict and is harming livestock and local wildlife. Initiative 35 ensures ecosystem health through practical management that protects wildlife balance, ranching communities, and public safety.

6. Can ranchers prove livestock losses due to wolves? Absolutely. Colorado wildlife officials have documented dozens of confirmed wolf kills of cattle, sheep, working dogs and other livestock. Many losses remain unconfirmed but are widely recognized by the state. These documented kills, stress-induced herd reductions, and taxpayer-funded compensation programs all confirm that wolf depredation is real, costly, and getting worse by the day.

7. Why not just improve wolf management instead of stopping imports? Wolves can’t be effectively managed if new wolves keep arriving in their territory. Importing wolves indefinitely creates endless conflict, economic loss, and taxpayer burden. Initiative 35 stops further wolf imports, which finally enables real management of the existing population. It's like the difference between managing a controlled problem versus fighting a never-ending battle caused by continual imports.

8. Why remove wolves' "non-game" status? Does this legalize killing wolves? Removing the "non-game" status gives wildlife managers more flexibility. But don't worry, Initiative 35 doesn't legalize indiscriminate killing. Wolves will remain protected wildlife. This change simply allows future controlled management similar to other wildlife species. It provides practical options to handle conflicts humanely and effectively, rather than locking Colorado’s wildlife managers into a rigid policy that harms communities.

9. Does Initiative 35 jeopardize the wolf compensation or management funds? Not at all. Initiative 35 completely preserves compensation and management funding for wolves. It even expands protection to include livestock guard animals like working dogs. Compensation for rancher losses remains fully intact, and management resources stay available. By ending imports, initiative 35 makes compensation funds more sustainable by avoiding the escalating costs of an uncontrolled wolf population.

10. What happens to wolves already in Colorado after 2026? Existing wolves will stay and be managed responsibly. Initiative 35 only stops new imports; it doesn't remove current wolves. Colorado wildlife officials will continue monitoring, managing conflicts, and maintaining wolf populations naturally. Our initiative transitions Colorado from forced reintroduction to sustainable, practical management of the wolves that are already here.

11. What stakeholder engagement led to Initiative 35 and why was it formed? Initiative 35 came from extensive local input from ranchers, county officials, outfitters, and wildlife advocates whose concerns were ignored during the original wolf reintroduction. After state processes failed to address severe impacts on rural communities, these stakeholders created Initiative 35 as a practical, community-driven solution to protect their livelihoods and wildlife balance.

12. Does Initiative 35 repeal Prop 114 entirely? Why not simply pause wolf releases? Initiative 35 amends Prop 114 (passed in 2020), stopping further wolf imports without eliminating key provisions like livestock compensation and wolf population management.  A temporary pause wouldn't prevent future imports or provide stability. This ballot measure permanently and democratically corrects the policy based on proven harm. It ensures responsible wildlife management, economic protection, and respects voters' original intent.