The Bear Working Group will hold a public forum on human-bear conflict from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in the Pine and Florida Rooms.

"This forum brings together the public and stakeholders in human-bear conflicts with a focus on the areas covered by La Plata County," organizers said. "Through civil dialogue, information sharing, a panel and small groups, participants will learn.  Also, everyone will have the opportunity to develop collaborative solutions for reducing human-bear conflict."

A panel discussion will be followed by small breakout sessions designed to develop collaborative solutions for reducing human-bear conflict. Panel speakers include:

. Bryan Peterson, Bear Smart Durango

. Steve McClung, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

. Maureen Keilty, Living with Wildlife Advisory Board

. Sheriff Sean Smith,  La Plata County Sheriff's Office

. Aran Johnson, Southern Ute Indian Tribe

. Ray White, Waste Management

This forum is specifically covering jurisdiction issues outside of the City of Durango so as not to interfere with the five-year study being conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife within the city and adjacent lands. This study, "Black Bear Use of Urban Environments: Testing Management Solutions and Assessing Population Effects," is available at: http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/ResearchMammalsRP-02.aspx.

Formed in 2011, the Bear Working Group has provided a coordinated approach for responding to human/bear conflicts through creative community-based solutions. 

Current goals of the group include increasing the amount and use of bear-resistant trash containers, targeted education and effectiveness, and improving knowledge of and compliance with of city and county ordinances.   

Standing members of the Bear Working Group include Bear Smart Durango, City of Durango, Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Healthy Community Food Systems, La Plata County, La Plata County Humane Society, La Plata County Sheriff Department, Living With Wildlife Advisory Board of La Plata County, San Juan National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office

RSVP to mporternorton@gmail.com or 247-8306 by Sept. 1 to plan for food, handouts and seating.

A light pizza dinner will be served, and a contribution of $2 is requested.