Colorado funds first wildlife projects from oil and gas fees

DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Friday announced the first round of projects funded through Senate Bill 24-230, which created new fees on oil and gas production to address impacts on wildlife and habitat.

The initial funding will support seven projects focused on habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring and land and water conservation. The program is funded through production fees tied to oil and gas activity in the state.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife director set the first fee level in October 2025. The fee generated $5,477,765 in production revenue between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2025.

The first round of funding includes:

• $1.5 million for habitat enhancements at Barr Lake State Park
• $1,174,111 for the initial phase of a beaver restoration program
• $300,000 for pollinator gardens in state parks
• $100,000 for wildlife movement coordination
• $125,000 for wildlife tracking system maintenance
• $85,000 for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse translocation
• $600,000 for water acquisition efforts

State officials said the funding is intended to address habitat fragmentation, climate impacts and ecosystem degradation linked to oil and gas development.

“SB24-230 provides an important new tool to invest directly in the health of Colorado’s wildlife and habitat,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Laura Clellan.

The law established two production fees, one administered by the Clean Transit Enterprise and another by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for wildlife and land remediation efforts. Fee levels are set within a statutory range based on quarterly oil and gas prices published by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission.

Supporters said the program directs revenue from oil and gas development toward mitigation efforts.

“The science is clear that climate change is negatively impacting Colorado’s wildlife and the ecosystems on which they rely,” said Tarn Udall, a senior attorney at Western Resource Advocates.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said additional projects will be announced as more revenue is collected.