Join PDAWG

Current Vacancies

  1. There are no current openings on the Prairie Dog Advisory Working Group (PDAWG). Future openings will be posted here, and will also be listed on the City of Lafayette Volunteer page. Thank you for your interest in serving our community! View other ways to get involved:

Overview

The Lafayette Prairie Dog Advisory Working Group (PDAWG) is appointed by City Council to provide advice and information to assist the City in the protection and humane treatment of prairie dogs on public and private land. Working group members do not represent the City when communicating individually or in subgroups with the general public. The role of members does not include enforcement of policy or ordinance. The group itself can propose recommendations but does not have the authority to bind City staff to any decision.

Details

  • Up to seven members will serve two-year terms.
  • Meetings will be held as often as the group deems necessary and practical. Meeting dates can be found on the City Boards and Commissions Calendar

The Group is established to serve in an advisory capacity to City Council and actively participate in the following matters:

  • Provide advice and information about methods for prairie dog relocation (passive and active), including adaptable management practices
  • Research current information about habitat enhancement and protection of the prairie ecosystem
  • Develop and distribute advice and information about minimizing human neighbor conflicts with prairie dog colonies
  • Provide support to create an accurate map of Lafayette's colonies
  • Researching relocation areas and land acquisition opportunities and provide updates regarding relocation efforts
  • Develop educational information about the prairie ecosystem, prairie dogs in an urban context and provide training workshops regarding habitat, treatment and relocation
  • Regularly monitor local colonies to identify emerging situations and issues that may negatively impact prairie dogs within City limits
  • Communicate about emerging issues and strategize solutions with appropriate staff contacts
  • Provide review and comments on LOSAC's proposed revisions to the Lafayette Prairie Dog Policy (2017) on best practices for management purposes
  • Provide input on draft regulations pertaining to prairie dog protection and management of private land in Lafayette, following a process determined by the City Council, City attorney and staff.
  • Report findings and accomplishments and work products to City Council, LOSAC, Planning Commission, and staff.

Desired Qualifications or Interests

  • Enthusiasm for urban wildlife, land conservation, passive recreation, and the natural world
  • Knowledge of basic Colorado prairie ecosystem, wildlife terminology and best management practices
  • Knowledge of basic Colorado real estate law
  • Familiarity with the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan (PROST) and City of Lafayette Comprehensive Land Use Plan
  • Participate in review/development of new Wildlife Management Plan
  • Active community outreach, and volunteerism.

Member Responsibilities

  • Engage in meaningful and productive dialogue
  • Actively participate
  • Become knowledgeable and focus on current discussion at hand
  • Speak up if in opposition to a proposal
  • Provide an explanation for all objections
  • Avoid destructive language and personal attacks
  • Read materials prior to meetings and come prepared
  • Proactively work to keep constituents, colleagues, and managers informed about the groups work
  • Disclose conflicts of interest.

Learn More

Contact Staff Liaison

For more information, contact Rob Burdine, Open Space Superintendent.  Phone: 303-661-1310 


  1. Requirements & Duties

    • Registered voter
    • Attend scheduled meetings
    • May be required to attend other meetings or volunteer at special events to promote work of the committee.

  1. About the Process

    The City of Lafayette posts candidate applications (with personal information redacted) online for open positions and candidates currently being considered.  Full applications and supplemental documents (such as resumes) are available from the City Clerk according to the Colorado Open Records Act.

    View redacted applications for recently closed positions (as available)