Editors: Reporters may attend the workshops free of charge. For more information call Jeannie Patton at (303) 492-1288.
The Natural Resources Law Center at the CU-Boulder School of Law will host a series of five workshops beginning in April and running through mid-September designed to help individuals and state and federal officials understand the complexities of the Endangered Species Act.
Called "Living with the Endangered Species Act in Colorado," the series will explore the ecological challenges facing Colorado as it continues to grow.
"There are 33 species in Colorado that are now listed for protection, and with more likely to be added, conforming to the law is no small task," said Larry MacDonnell, organizer of the series and former director of the NRLC. "As growth places pressure on the remaining habitat, development almost anywhere in the state will likely encounter the legal responsibilities of the Endangered Species Act."
The workshops will be held at the Denver Renaissance Hotel, located at 3801 Quebec St., and will run all day on April 24, half-days on May 29, June 19, July 15 and all day on Sept. 19.
Established by Congress in 1973, the Endangered Species Act mandates protection for endangered species and their essential habitats.Ìý
"Among the challenges that we in Colorado face is balancing our water needs with those of threatened fish species native to the Colorado River system, the Platte River Basin, and other Colorado rivers and streams," said MacDonnell.
"This series examines how we have met this challenge to date. We also offer a session on the legal requirements for protection of the Preble's Meadow jumping mouse, found only in riparian corridors along the Colorado and Wyoming Front Range and we'll address the state's effort to protect areas in the eastern plains for the black-tailed prairie dog and the challenge of re-establishing a viable population of Canada lynx."
Fees for the workshops range from $50 to $150 and Continuing Legal Education credit is available for each of the workshops.
For information and registration details go to the Web site at or call (303) 492-1288.