Colorado wildlife policy has become more controversial than ever, and we need a Parks and Wildlife Commission that is up to the task. For the sake of reducing the temperature, I ask that Sen. Simpson vote to confirm the entire slate of commissioners, all of whom support scientific wildlife management, hunting and fishing, and agriculture.
As a range scientist, former ranch manager, and hunter, who has dedicated a career to reducing human-wildlife conflict, I am deeply concerned that wildlife restoration has become so divisive, and that division has been used to political ends by some on the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
It is an irony rich indeed to have a Senate committee chair accuse commissioners of not being sufficiently independent of political influence, and then to vote against approving two of those commissioners on Mar. 14 based on how they voted on a matter in which the committee chair has a differing opinion.
Commissioners May, Jacober, and Tutchton all manage ranches. May and Tutchton are actively restoring the prairie ecosystem and Jacober is raising grass-finished beef. Tutchton increases the Commission's scientific credibility. All four have worked to support ranchers during the wolf reintroduction, including the most generous livestock compensation program ever created.
Some politicians may not support wildlife restoration, but that is not an appropriate reason to oppose well-qualified individuals. To do so sends a clear message that politics is more important than science.
The issues are complex and require people with a background in wildlife or ecological science, experience with regenerative agriculture, and can represent all Coloradans.
Matt Barnes
Dolores
