UPDATE: Just confirmed, Laura Clellan has been appointed as the new director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) following a unanimous vote by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission on December 4, 2023. Clellan, who has served as the interim director since December 1, steps into this pivotal role amid pressing challenges for the agency.
This appointment comes as CPW grapples with significant controversies, including the contentious reintroduction of wolves mandated by voters. Clellan’s leadership will be crucial as she navigates these issues, including a response to challenges from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the reintroduction program.
“I look forward to taking on this challenge,” Clellan stated after the commission’s swift four-minute meeting. Her leadership is expected to guide CPW through ongoing wildlife management and conservation efforts, which are vital for the state’s ecosystems and economy.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife plays a critical role in managing the state’s wildlife species, overseeing hunting and fishing programs, and operating 43 state parks and 350 state wildlife areas. The agency generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually, highlighting its importance to Colorado’s economy and natural heritage.
In her interim position, Clellan effectively managed the agency’s strategies concerning invasive species, such as the zebra mussel infestation threatening the Colorado River, and initiated planning for the reintroduction of wolverines. Her previous experience as the adjutant general of the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs equips her well for the challenges ahead.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed confidence in Clellan’s abilities, stating, “Her leadership over the last few months has been critical for this important state agency, and I look forward to seeing the great work ahead.”
Clellan’s extensive military background includes over 30 years of service, having joined the U.S. Army in 1989 and later transitioning to the Colorado National Guard in 1998. Her experience in leadership and employee development with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be instrumental in her new role.
The previous director, Jeff Davis, resigned in late November after being presented the option to move to a different role or face termination. He has since taken a position as the deputy director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
As Laura Clellan embarks on this new chapter, the focus will remain on implementing effective wildlife management practices while addressing the pressing issues facing Colorado’s natural resources. The community will be watching closely as she leads the agency into a new era of conservation and public engagement.
What’s next? Clellan’s immediate priorities will include engaging stakeholders in the reintroduction of wolves and other wildlife management strategies, making her leadership a focal point in Colorado’s environmental dialogue. Stay tuned for updates on her initiatives and the agency’s progress on these critical fronts.
