DENVER - Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), in coordination with The Keystone Center, will hold a West Slope Mule Deer Summit in Glenwood Springs, Colo., Aug. 9.

The summit agenda includes presentation of a draft of the West Slope Mule Deer Strategy slated to be released early next month.

The event is free and open to the public. CPW and The Keystone Center invite public review and comments on the West Slope Mule Deer Strategy draft as it serves as a guide to future CPW efforts to increase mule deer populations in Western Colorado.

The summit is in response to recent mule deer population declines across the Western U.S. and specifically, several areas on the West Slope, including the White River National Forest

"The declining mule deer population concerns our agency and many stakeholders across the state," said CPW Wildlife and Natural Resources Assistant Director, Chad Bishop."The West Slope Mule Deer Summit is intended to bring people together to identify shared strategies that ensure one of Colorado's most cherished species remains abundant for future generations."

CPW and The Keystone center have facilitated seven public meetings, including two on Colorado's Front Range and five on the West Slope, so far this year. Discussions between sportsmen, landowners, outfitters, biologists, wildlife managers, other state and federal agencies, local elected officials and interested members of the public have focused on issues facing mule deer and possible solutions.

Ron Velarde, CPW Northwest regional manager recognizes the value of this diverse problem-solving group.

"The experience and ideas we have heard really help us move forward in trying to increase mule deer to a healthy population number," said Velarde. "The summit will finalize our strategy for restoring and preserving mule deer on Colorado's West Slope."

Colorado West Slope Mule Deer Strategy Summit
August 9, 2014 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Ramada Inn, 124 W. 6th St., Glenwood Springs Colorado 81601

Register online at http://keystone.org/muledeerstatesummit to attend or be notified of when the draft Colorado West Slope Mule Deer Strategy is available. Learn about Colorado's Mule Deer Story at http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/CO-MuleDeerStory.aspx.

For more news about Colorado Parks and Wildlife go to: http://cpw.state.co.us