BREAKING: In a surprising move, Jeff Davis has stepped down as the director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife after just 2.5 years, state officials confirmed today. Effective December 1, 2023, Laura Clellan, the executive director of the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, will take over as acting director.
Davis’ tenure was marked by the contentious gray wolf reintroduction program, which narrowly passed in November 2022. Under his leadership, the agency oversaw the release of 25 wolves into the Colorado wilderness, a move that has sparked significant debate and backlash from ranchers and rural lawmakers.
Officials from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources announced that Davis will transition to a senior policy advisor role in the executive director’s office, focusing on key initiatives. His departure comes at a critical juncture for the state’s wildlife management efforts, especially as the agency faces rising costs and public opposition to the wolf program.
The wolf reintroduction has already cost the state over $3 million, exceeding initial budget projections by $2.2 million, raising alarms among livestock groups. These groups have initiated campaigns to halt the reintroduction, citing inadequate transparency from the agency.
The program remains controversial, with opponents arguing that it threatens livestock safety and disrupts local ecosystems. Just last month, federal authorities informed Colorado that wolves could no longer be imported from Canada, complicating future releases.
In December 2023, the state successfully reintroduced 10 wolves captured in Oregon, followed by another release of 15 wolves from British Columbia in January. As of now, these wolves have formed four packs, producing at least 10 pups, but the program has also seen losses. Eleven wolves have died or been killed since the first release, including a year-old pup put down after being linked to multiple livestock attacks.
The agency’s efforts to conduct a third wolf drop this winter are now in jeopardy. Washington state recently denied a request for additional wolves, citing a lack of public support and concerns over the species’ endangered status.
Officials are set to begin a formal search for a permanent director for Colorado Parks and Wildlife soon. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for the latest developments on this pressing issue impacting Colorado’s wildlife management and agricultural community.
