Attention all Colorado Wildlife Control Professionals!
Here’s the latest from the Colorado Wildlife Control Operators Association (CWCOA). I’ve enclosed information on our mission, membership, code of ethics, criteria for membership, and criteria for our referral listing. I’ve also included a membership application and information on our “Tenth Annual CWCOA Conference,” February 15, 2013.
In spite of our troubled economy, the private wildlife damage control industry continues to evolve and grow rapidly across the U.S. It’s exciting to be a part of it. Human conflicts with wildlife in urban and suburban environments are increasing steadily. The academic/research side of the industry is aggressively researching the phenomenon. New technology is developing in all aspects. New businesses are starting up all over. The pest control industry is seizing the new market opportunity that nuisance wildlife provides. As an association our goal is to keep abreast of these developments, pass them on to you and be a voice in the direction they take here in Colorado.
As usual, both in Colorado and nationally, there are internal and external forces/issues affecting our industry and trade associations. We need your input/involvement in these matters so that we can have a united and influential voice in the outcomes. I hope you will give serious consideration to joining our membership. We want you and we need you. And I firmly believe you will benefit greatly. An application is enclosed for your convenience. Reminder to current members: It’s time to renew your membership for 2013! New this year: Regular membership includes a subscription to WCT Magazine! Also, check out our website (CWCOA.org).
Whether you join or not, plan to attend our conference on Friday, February 15, 2013, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. It will be at The Ramada Plaza Denver Central, 4849 Bannock St, Denver (303-292-9500), 10 blocks south of DOW Headquarters on the NW quadrant of 48th Ave and I-25. You do not have to be a member to attend. Bring an associate or your spouse. Details and a registration form are enclosed.
We have a great line up of topics and speakers again. Perhaps the best ever. Our main speaker is Dr Robert Timm, Director and Extension Wildlife Specialist at the University of CA’s Hopland Research & Extension Center. He’s chairperson of the Vertebrate Pest Council and past chairman of the WDM Working Group of The Wildlife Society. He’s been a speaker, consultant, writer and editor in wildlife issues literally around the world. In addition to our usual agency updates (CDA, CPW (DOW), USDA-WS and COPH&E), we’ll have Dr Stewart Breck, NWRC, give us a report on the urban coyote project underway in the Denver area and Thia Walker, CSU Extension Specialist, give us the latest on Endangered Species Bulletins for Colorado. We’ll also have Daniel Ettinger, Media Director for CAACO, give us his perspective on the interface between ACO’s and WCO’s. The hottest topic might well be a panel/debate on “Euthanasia, Dispatch and Wildlife Control.” We have several very qualified participants lined up: Dr Lisa Wolfe (CPW), Dr Jeff Baier (CUMA), Daniel Ettinger (CAACO) and Dr Tom Deliberto (NWRC). There may be others. This will be a timely, vital discussion. Don’t miss it.
We will again offer continuing education credit! We’ve applied for CEC from CDA for those who are Commercial Applicators. We should be approved for 1 core credit each for Laws & Regs, Pesticides & Their Families, and Environmental Protection.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for education and camaraderie. Send in your registration soon, preferably by February 8 so we can get a meal count. But it’s okay to register at the door if you give us a heads-up.
Cordially,
Claude Oleyar
President
719-471-0739
