Colorado Solon Backs
Tax To Help Species

NORTHGLENN, Colo. — At least a few people in Colorado may be onto something — the radical notion that people who clamor for "endangered species" protection should help foot the bills.

Environmental activists have long cherished the notion that no cost is too great for their pet projects as long as someone else has to pay it, but one Colorado legislator now says the state may ask voters to help protect wildlife as rapid growth threatens habitat.

So far, property owners have carried that burden alone.

The state is under pressure to protect dozens of species, from the humpback sucker in the Colorado river basin to the swift fox in the northeastern plains, said John Mumma, Colorado Department of Wildlife director.

"As Colorado's phenomenal growth continues, more species are going to be impacted," Mumma said during a recent conference on endangered species.

The conference was sponsored by 28 industry, agricultural and local government groups. Many of the speakers were critical of regulations stemming from the federal endangered species act, complaining that landowners must bear the cost of a program passed for the benefit of all Americans.

State Sen. Don Ament, R-Iliff, who chaired the conference, said he would support a tax proposal to pay for wildlife if it brings relief to the agricultural community.

While just one percent of Coloradans are part of the agricultural community, they own most of the land inhabited by wildlife, said Ament, who is a rancher.

"The people demanding recovery of these species, demanding habitat, are going to have to reach in their pockets and make choices — we're not going to do this recreational activity, we're not going to the movies — we're going to reach in our pockets and pay for habitat recovery," Ament said.

A vote on such a proposal would demonstrate, at least, who is really serious about "endangered species."