Wildlife, parks merger up for lawmakers’ review

By The AP
Thursday, March 31, 2011

DENVER — A money-saving proposal to merge the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State Parks is up for its first review by state lawmakers.

A Senate committee planned to start work on the proposal this afternoon. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper says the divisions should be combined to save money, but some sportsmen have raised issues with the merger.

Hickenlooper has said the merger could save the state $3 million to $4 million a year. He said about 25 positions could be lost over the next two years but those employees could help the department find other ways to save money. If approved, the change would take effect this summer.

Online:
Senate Bill 208: http://goo.gl/V3dXE