(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — A new round of grant funding is available to local governments, HOAs, businesses, and more to help reduce human-bear conflicts in the community. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recently opened applications for funding and resources through the Human-Bear Conflict Reducti on Community Grant Program. CPW said the grant program strives to foster innovative solutions to human-bear conflict that can be replicated in other parts of the state and bolster those efforts in all communities in Colorado. “Colorado is known for our diverse wildlife and inspiring outdoors, which both humans and animals enjoy," said Governor Jared Polis. "By utilizing human-bear conflict avoidance grants and investing in conflict reduction strategies, we can reduce property damage and help Coloradans and bears successfully coexist in our high country, and across the state.” Courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Funding for the program was first made available through House Bill 21-1326, which passed the General Assembly and was signed by Governor Polis in 2021. CPW said the success and popularity of the program inspired the agency to continue offering it. “Human-bear conflict measures cannot be successful without collaboration between local communities, wildlife managers, and individuals,” said CPW Grant Manager Travis Long. “We are excited about this program because interest from the public is high, with many communities taking advantage of the opportunities this funding provides and implementing projects to help reduce conflicts with bears.” CPW said local governments, NGOs, HOAs, community groups, businesses, tribes, universities, and individuals are all eligible to receive funding. Those interested can apply for grants between $50,000 and $500,000. The funding is intended to help communities that want to reduce conflicts with bears but lack the needed resources. Applications are due by May 30, 2025, at 5 p.m. ...read more read less