A massive slice of Colorado’s public lands is set for another decade of intense restoration under a renewed pact designed to protect the state’s most iconic wildlife while cutting down wildfire risks.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) announced they are extending their landmark partnership through 2035. The deal renews a collaboration that has already rehabilitated over 10,000 acres of critical habitat along the Western Slope and Northwest Colorado since 2015.
Backed by an initial BLM investment of $244,000, the new agreement aims to expand operations significantly. The focus isn’t just on preservation; it’s about active management. Over the last decade, crews have removed dense pinyon-juniper stands that fuel wildfires, planted native sagebrush, and modified fencing to help migrating herds move freely.
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“Colorado is home to the largest mule deer population in North America, and we value the Bureau of Land Management’s continuing commitment to MDF as a partner to help tackle their most pressing habitat challenges,” said Greg Sheehan, President and CEO of the MDF.
Sheehan noted that the long-term nature of the contract allows for real agility, letting them hire local contractors and deploy funds exactly when and where they are needed most.
The partnership, originally signed in 2015, marked the first time BLM Colorado utilized its authority to greenlight a decade-long mitigation project. That experiment appears to have paid off. By teaming up with private energy companies in the Piceance Basin, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the agencies have managed to stretch federal dollars further than they would go alone.
“Together, we are creating resilient landscapes that benefit local communities, wildlife, and all public land users,” said Doug Vilsack, BLM Colorado State Director.
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The renewed push comes at a critical time for the species. Mule deer in the region are currently battling a “perfect storm” of pressures, including severe winter conditions, persistent drought, and shrinking habitats.
Under the 2025-2035 plan, local offices will continue to design specific projects annually, ranging from invasive weed control to installing wildlife water sources, ensuring the work meets the specific needs of Colorado’s rural landscapes.
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