Colorado's Wildlife Story
From the eastern prairie to the Rocky Mountains and the western plateau country beyond, Colorado enjoys a rich abundance of wildlife. Protecting this heritage has been a challenge, and Colorado's success is due to the efforts and cooperation of people like you.Early settlers described the West as a vast land filled with wildlife. But by the late 1800s, population growth, uncontrolled hunting and fishing, and changes in land use had taken their toll.I desire to say a word in favor of protecting our game--birds, beasts, and fishes--all of which are being wastefully destroyed...and unless some law is passed...the buffalo, elk, deer, antelope and trout will soon become extinct, and Colorado will be robbed of the many attractions she today possesses.
Colorado Territorial Governor Edwin M. McCook, 1872For some species we've changed the land too much. The buffalo, the grizzly bear, and the gray wolf may never return. But wildlife is important to the people of Colorado. With governments, citizens, landowners, hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists working together, many wildlife species have recovered dramatically.Today, the challenge of protecting wild animals and their habitats continues. Enjoy Colorado's wild heritage, and help us keep all wildlife a part of our future.
Marker is at the intersection of Interstate 76 and U.S. 385 on Interstate 76.
Courtesy hmdb.org
