Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy

A Draft Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy is now open for public input through December 17, 2025. Please share your input by using the feedback form below.

Background and Purpose

Beavers occupy a broad range across North America, including Colorado. Today, a major wildlife conservation movement is emerging to prioritize the ecosystem benefits from this species and increase occupation in appropriate habitats. As Colorado’s wildlife management agency, CPW has managed beavers for decades, and staff, stakeholders, and the public have increasingly called for a more proactive and coordinated approach.

The purpose of the Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy (BCMS, or the ‘Beaver Strategy’) is to increase and sustain the prevalence of beaver and beaver-influenced wetlands in suitable habitats for the benefit of Colorado’s stream and wetland ecosystems and the array of wildlife species that utilize them.

Strategy Overview

The Beaver Strategy provides a framework for greater leadership, coordination, and resources to support beaver conservation and management in Colorado. The Beaver Strategy is intended as a higher-level foundational document for beaver management, articulating major goals, needs, and recommended actions.

Key topics include:

• Population and Habitat Status and Monitoring

• Beaver Harvest Management

• Beaver Restoration Opportunities

• Living with Beaver: Nonlethal Conflict Resolution

• Translocation Policy and Protocol

Draft Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy Feedback Form

Share your feedback on key topics to inform the final Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy through the feedback form below. Public input will be accepted through December 17, 2025.