Urgent: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Resigns Amid Controversy

BREAKING NEWS: Jeff Davis, the director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), has resigned to avoid being fired, according to newly released documents. The resignation, effective December 1, 2023, was confirmed through a settlement obtained by The Denver Post under Colorado’s open records laws.

Davis’s resignation comes just days after he was placed on paid leave starting November 21. In an unexpected turn, he will transition to a new role as a senior policy advisor to Dan Gibbs, the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources, until May 15, 2024. This development raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his departure from CPW, particularly as it relates to the highly contentious wolf reintroduction program that Davis has overseen.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The wolf reintroduction initiative, mandated by Colorado voters in 2020, has faced significant backlash from ranching groups and rural communities. Under Davis’s leadership, CPW has released 25 wolves into the state over the past two years, igniting fierce debates about wildlife management and agricultural impacts. The implications of his resignation may reverberate through ongoing discussions about the program’s future.

According to the settlement, Davis agreed not to pursue legal action against the state, but it does not specify the reasons behind the push for his termination. Official statements from the Department of Natural Resources emphasize their appreciation for Davis’s expertise, stating, “We are delighted that Jeff is voluntarily choosing to stay with DNR in a new capacity,” reflecting a positive tone amidst the shakeup.

Davis’s new role will involve developing positions on local, state, and federal policy, focusing on biodiversity, tribal engagement, and climate resilience. His position will not include supervisory responsibilities, but it has been created in response to an increased workload for the Executive Director’s Office.

In the wake of Davis’s resignation, Major General Laura Clellan has been appointed as the interim CPW director. Clellan, who previously led the Colorado National Guard, will oversee the agency until a permanent successor is identified.

WHAT’S NEXT: As Colorado navigates the complexities of wildlife management and community concerns, observers will closely watch how Davis’s departure affects the wolf reintroduction program and the state’s conservation efforts. The Department of Natural Resources is expected to announce further developments and potential candidates for the permanent CPW director role in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and engage with us on social media to share your thoughts on the impact of these changes in Colorado’s wildlife policy.