While Colorado Parks and Wildlife is prohibited from commenting on ballot initiatives, a group of agency employees is speaking out as Proposition 127 — a measure that would ban the hunting of mountain lions, bobcats and bobcats — is on the ballot in November should take place.

The board of directors of the Colorado Wildlife Employees Protective Association signed a resolution Oct. 9 expressing that wildlife decisions should be left to the science-based experts at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The association currently represents approximately 200 wildlife officials, biologists, wildlife technicians, aquatics personnel, administrative assistants, and agency education and outreach personnel. In total, Parks and Wildlife employs over 1,000 people, with park employees represented by another association.

“Colorado's wildlife history is made thanks to our membership, and those who came before us have dedicated their careers to pursuing the best available research and proven wildlife management strategies,” said Casey Westbrook, president of the association and district wildlife manager at Parks and Wildlife, in a news release. “Collaborating with wildlife managers is key to protecting Colorado’s wildlife for future generations.”