Grand Mesa bear management plan released for review

The draft plan for black bear management on the Grand Mesa will be available on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website from July 1-31. By providing them online, the public will have the opportunity to provide written comments regarding several possible population objectives and management strategies for the bear population in Game Management Units 41, 42, 421, 52, 411, 521, 53 and 63.

The area, also known as Data Analysis Unit B-17, includes portions of Mesa, Garfield, Delta, Gunnison, and Montrose Counties.

The draft management plan was developed with both research and information compiled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and with public input gathered at four presentations held by the agency in May 2012. Attendees were given the opportunity to offer comments through a survey after they heard details about the historic status of bears on the Grand Mesa, including current population estimates.