Last week, the CO Senate AG Committee gave a NO VOTE on 2 of the 3 CPW Commission nominees.  Now this decision has moved to the full CO Senate which will be heard on Friday, March 8th.  Please read below, inform yourselves, and voice your concerns in the action below.

Read about appointees here

The symbiotic relationship between Colorado's economy and the stewardship of public and private lands and wildlife is profound. Outdoor recreation, hunting, angling, and agriculture are economic lifelines that significantly contribute to our state's prosperity, both socially and financially. These sectors support tens of thousands of jobs and sustain both rural and urban communities, illustrating the vital connection between the health of our public lands and wildlife as well as our collective social and economic well being.

Partnerships with CPW and local agricultural communities are a testament to the importance of maintaining the delicate equilibrium between economic growth and environmental conservation.  These collaborations are essential for preserving science based wildlife management, outdoor recreation opportunities, and our agricultural heritage. It is through this perspective that we emphasize the critical role of the CPW Commission in securing a sustainable future for Colorado.

CPW Commissioners are trustees of our shared natural resources and must have a deep understanding and broad experience managing the complex interactions between wildlife, land use, recreation, and conservation. Their decisions have far-reaching implications for the livelihoods of Coloradans, the health of our wildlife, and the promotion of outdoor recreation. As such, our expectation is that, in addition to being ambassadors of CPW for the state, they also adequately represent the constituencies for which they were appointed.

Our objections to the current nominees for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (CPW) arise from a critical examination of their collective qualifications and perceived biases, which may hinder their ability to effectively fulfill the Commission's diverse responsibilities and serve as equitable trustees of CPW. The underlying issue is not just the individual backgrounds of these nominees, which, while impressive in certain areas, lack the comprehensive experience necessary for appropriate management of parks, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. The nominees' lack of broad recreational management experience, demonstrated objections towards holistic science-based wildlife management and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and limited engagement and experience with the relationship between private land management, are of significant concern.

These concerns reflect a broader concern about the Commission's future direction, governance, and transparency. The CPW Commission needs to be a balanced entity with individuals who possess a comprehensive understanding of the intricate balance between conservation, recreation, economic impact, and community needs in Colorado. Moreover, the CPW Commission's effectiveness hinges on its ability to represent and integrate diverse interests and expertise of Colorado's communities and stakeholders. A balanced commission is not only enriches decision-making processes but also ensures that CPW's actions are equitable, sustainable, and supported by the public. Such a holistic approach is indispensable for the conservation and enjoyment of Colorado's natural resources now and into the future.

Managing Colorado's natural resources depends upon commissioners, who bring a wide range of experiences and a profound commitment to sustainable management practices that serve the interests of all Coloradans. It is crucial that the nominees demonstrate a harmonious blend of conservation ethics, economic insight, and a foundation of science based wildlife management understanding, and respect for the traditions and livelihoods integral to our state's identity.

In conclusion, we urge members of the Colorado Senate to reject the three nominees for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, due to concerns about their qualifications, backgrounds, potential biases, and underlying concern regarding the public’s trust in CPW’s ability to manage our shared public resources in a manner that will provide the same opportunities we have today for future generations.

Talking Points on Nominees and Concerns for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission

Nominees:

• Jessica Beaulieu of Denver, Colorado

  • Role: Representative of outdoor recreation and parks utilization
  • Background: Manager and attorney with the University of Denver’s Animal Law program, advocating on behalf of “non-human animals.”

• John (Jack) Murphy of Aurora, Colorado

  • Role: Representative of outdoor recreation and parks utilization
  • Background: Co-founder and president of Urban Wildlife Rescue, a Wildlife Control Operator using non-lethal and humane wildlife management methods.

• Gary Skiba of Durango, Colorado

  • Role: Representative of sportspersons and a member West of the Continental Divide
  • Background: Biologist and wildlife manager for the San Juan Citizens Alliance, former director of the La Plata Humane Society, credited author of the state's wolf reintroduction ballot measure. Noted for lacking ties to sportsperson's organizations and not being an advocate for hunting or angling.

Main Points of Contention and Concern:

• Skiba's Appointment Controversy

  • His background as a biologist with no ties to hunting or angling communities has drawn criticism, especially given the importance of hunters and anglers in wildlife conservation and habitat preservation.

• Criticism from the Sporting Community

  • Concerns about the appointments potentially sidelining hunters and anglers from wildlife management, risking the integrity of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and reducing hunting opportunities for Coloradans.

• Economic and Environmental Impact

  • Outdoor recreation, hunting, angling, and agriculture are critical economic drivers for Colorado, supporting thousands of jobs and sustaining communities. The symbiotic relationship between these sectors and the stewardship of public and private lands and wildlife underscores the importance of a balanced approach to environmental conservation and economic growth.

• Expectations from CPW Commissioners

  • Commissioners are seen as trustees of Colorado's natural resources, expected to have a deep understanding of wildlife, land use, recreation, and conservation. Their decisions have significant implications for the state's social, economic, and environmental wellbeing.

• Concerns about Nominees' Qualifications and Biases

  • The collective qualifications and perceived biases of the nominees are seen as potentially hindering their ability to serve as equitable trustees of the CPW. Their backgrounds, while impressive in some areas, lack comprehensive experience in park, wildlife, and outdoor recreation management. Concerns also include a perceived limited engagement with private land management and holistic science-based wildlife management practices.

• Need for a Balanced Commission

  • A balanced CPW Commission is deemed essential for integrating diverse interests and expertise, ensuring equitable, sustainable, and publicly supported actions. The effectiveness of the Commission relies on representing the wide range of Colorado's communities and stakeholders, emphasizing the need for commissioners with diverse experiences and a profound commitment to sustainable management practices.

Conclusion:

• Urge the Colorado Senate to reject the three nominees due to concerns over their qualifications, potential biases, and the broader implications for public trust and the effective management of Colorado's natural resources. The goal is to ensure the CPW can continue to provide opportunities for future generations through a balanced and holistic approach to conservation and resource management.

Update: March 7th, 2024: Watch this video

NEW DEADLINE TO TAKE ACTION IS END OF DAY TUESDAY MARCH 12th.

  If you are having issues using the email or call feature below, please use this link as a temporary fix.

https://leg.colorado.gov/find-my-legislator