Overhunting of common prey (especially elk) and an increase in livestock numbers forced them into conflict with ranchers.

[5] While the agency is responsible for wildlife management and hunting, ballot initiatives have allowed Colorado voters to weigh in on some issues.

[8] With a November 2020 ballot measure, voters directed the Commission to develop a plan to begin to restore and manage wolves by the end of 2023, somewhere on the Western Slope and offer fair compensation for any livestock killed by the predators.

[9] As of 2023[update], there were forty-three State Parks open to the public, including the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex.

As of 2016[update], the Colorado Natural Areas Program had 93 designated sites which protected more than 250 endangered, rare, or threatened species.