W.O.L.F. Sanctuary moving over flooding concerns

9NEWS, 5/18/14. 

KUSA - W.O.L.F Sanctuary, home to 30 rescued wolves at any given time northwest of Fort Collins, plans to relocate after being flooded six times since the High Park Fire.

The facility barely escaped the fire in June 2012. But the surrounding landscape changed. "It burned so hot that the land actually became burned over like glass. And so it's completely impermeable to water," said Shelley Coldiron, the executive director of W.O.L.F.

Their Rist Canyon location resembles, geographically speaking, a funnel. And the sanctuary is at the bottom of the funnel, Coldiron says.

Since July 12, water has destroyed their roads during flooding numerous times. "What we're doing is using our precious resources to try and stay ahead of Mother Nature," said Coldiron.
She says experts tell her that their location will experience similar flooding for the next three to five years.

The sanctuary is working on plans to move higher up the mountain. Coldiron says they are working with the county right now and with their supporters to raise money. "It is spectacular," she said, looking down from the future location toward the trees below. "I just see endless possibilities, and I see a bright future for us."

More information about W.O.L.F. can be found at their website.

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