Section 33-2-102 - Legislative declaration(1) The general assembly finds and declares that:(a) It is the policy of this state to manage all nongame wildlife, recognizing the private property rights of individual property owners, for human enjoyment and welfare, for scientific purposes, and to ensure their perpetuation as members of ecosystems;(b) Species or subspecies of wildlife indigenous to this state that may be found to be endangered or threatened within the state should be accorded protection in order to maintain and enhance their numbers to the extent possible;(c) This state should assist in the protection of species or subspecies of wildlife that are deemed to be endangered or threatened elsewhere; and(d) The general assembly should make adequate funding available to the division annually by appropriations from the general fund.(2) The general assembly also finds and declares that:(a) Rare plants and invertebrates are necessary elements of healthy and resilient ecosystems;(b) It is the policy of this state to:(I) Protect and enhance biodiversity and resilient ecosystems in the face of population growth, development, and climate change;(II) Protect and conserve rare plants and invertebrates as members of ecosystems;(III) Support the wildlife that depends on rare plants and invertebrates; and(IV) Prevent the decline of rare plants and invertebrates before their continued existence in the state is imperilled;(c) The division should study and determine the conservation needs of rare plants and invertebrates found in this state and implement voluntary programs to protect these species.Amended by 2024 Ch. 188,§ 4, eff. 8/7/2024.L. 84: Entire article R&RE, p. 862, § 1, effective 1/1/1985.This section is similar to former § 33-8-102 as it existed prior to 1984.
2024 Ch. 188, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3). For the legislative declaration in HB 24-1117, see section 1 of chapter 188, Session Laws of Colorado 2024.