Dallas May was born and raised in Colorado in a ranching and farming family.

When he was young, he started a herd of purebred Limousin cattle from one heifer calf given to him by his grandpa on his thirteenth birthday. That began a lifelong quest to protect native grassland and wildlife habitat.

Today, he sells purebred breeding stock all over the United States and Mexico, and also operates an irrigated farm operation raising alfalfa and corn. His three grown children and their spouses are actively involved in the operation.

As he was growing up, May watched most of the remaining ranches around be converted to farmland. This had a profound effect on him as wildlife habitat disappeared in order for families to find a way to survive economically. This shaped his philosophy in searching for ways in which farming, ranching and the preservation of wildlife and associated habitat could coexist.

Ranchers and farmers were basically on their own in achieving sustainability by being able to support their families and provide a dependable and affordable supply of food for the growing population, while protecting the environment that they loved and worked for. If not for ranching and ranching families, very few if any pristine native grass ranches would be in tact today. This is the reason ranchers are the ultimate conservationists.

Today is a different environment. Even though the economic pressures are still daunting there are an extraordinary number of organizations and people who are seeking to form collaborations to achieve these important goals.

Several years ago, May partnered with Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Western Landowners Alliance and several other groups to place a conservation easement on his ranch.

His desire has always been to conserve wildlife, wildlife habitat, water, property rights, working lands and ranching and farming families. This has to be done from the ground up, literally. May’s ranch strives to maintain maximum diversity from the ground up and believe that an all-natural balance is important from the tiniest lifeforms in soil to the largest species of wildlife.

May serves on several boards and committees associated with water issues to protect water rights and keep local communities viable and give them the opportunity to thrive.

Richard Reading, Ph.D. is the Vice President of Science and Conservation at Butterfly Pavilion. He serves as an Adjunct Professor within the Department of Biology at the University of Denver; Affiliate Faculty with the Department of Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University; and a Fellow with the University of Nebraska’s Center for Great Plains Studies. Dr. Reading received a Ph.D. and three Master’s degrees from Yale University in Wildlife Ecology and Human Dimensions of Wildlife and an Honorary Doctorate from the National Education University of Mongolia. In 2020, Rich was honored to receive the Order of the Polar Star, the highest honor from the Mongolian National Government for expatriates, for contributions to conservation. He has conducted or overseen projects in dozens of countries, working primarily on grassland and arid ecosystems on six continents, with a focus on the Great Plains of N. America, the steppes and deserts of Mongolia, the savannahs and deserts of Botswana, and the Altiplano of Peru. His work focuses on developing pragmatic, effective, and interdisciplinary approaches to the conservation of wildlife and protected areas through research, capacity development, and working with local people and governments. Dr. Reading serves on the boards of directors or advisors for several non-profit organizations in the U.S. and overseas; serves as an associate editor for 5 scientific journals; has published over 230 scientific papers and book chapters; written dozens of popular articles; and written or edited 9 books

Karen Bailey, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is an interdisciplinary scientist interested in understanding how human-environment interactions impact human health and well-being and natural resources and conservation. Her work is focused in conservation landscapes and climate-vulnerable communities in rural landscapes across the world, with a particular focus on southern and East Africa. She is interested in sustainable livelihoods, wildlife conservation, global change, and coupled human-natural systems. She also has a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in science and natural resource management and conducts research to amplify the voices of those most impacted by environmental change.

Jessica Beaulieu is an active attorney and the manager of the University of Denver’s Animal Law Program. She grew up in the Southeastern United States, passionate about wildlife and wild places. Pursuing that passion, she began studying Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida. Through her studies, she also spent time in Australia studying the impact of species such as dingoes and cane toads on ecosystems.

Realizing the importance of law and policy to conservation efforts, Jessica then pursued a Juris Doctorate at Stetson University College of Law, where she focused on environmental and animal law. Enchanted by the Western United States, she interned with the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service’s Sacramento Office her first year, and with an environmental nonprofit in Washington State her second year.

After graduating with honors, her law school offered her a funded opportunity to work with a nonprofit in Denver. Seeing the parallels between environmental and human welfare, Jessica began practicing as a public interest attorney in the field of dependency and neglect at the law firm Muhaisen & Muhaisen, LLC. And after several years of practice, she returned to her focus on wildlife and wild places by managing the University of Denver’s Animal Law Program.

In her spare time, Jessica is a fitness instructor, a Board Member of the Colorado Environmental Film Festival, and an Executive Council Member of the Colorado Bar Association Environmental Law Section.

Marie Haskett is the owner and operator of JML Outfitters and Horse Crazy camp for kids. She is a 3rd generation outfitter, taking over the business from her mother. Marie started Horse Crazy Camp for Kids and has introduced hundreds of children to horses, riding and the great outdoors. JML provides services to hunters, fishermen and recreationalists alike.

Ms. Haskett spends most daylight hours, 365 days a year, outdoors -- riding horses, fishing, hunting and watching wildlife are professional and personal pastimes.

She is a long-time supporter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Colorado Outfitters Association (COA). Over the years, Marie has volunteered through the COA by hosting kids’ camps teaching archery, horseback riding, fishing and general outdoor activities, as well as participating in CPW’s Cast, Blast ‘n Twang days.

Ms. Haskett is an active Board Member of the Colorado Outfitters Association, and the Northwest Colorado Outfitters Association. She is a past board member of the Meeker Chamber of Commerce, White River Neighborhood Group, Platte River Chapter of the COA, and served 8 years on the DORA Outfitter Licensing Board.

Marie holds a Bachelors degree from Metro State University in Accounting. With over 20 years experience in the field, she brings her financial sense to the commission table.

Marie believes that children and wildlife are our collective future. Her time is spent making memories for people and protecting the future of wildlife for everyone.

Tai Jacober of Carbondale was appointed to serve on the Commission as a representative of agriculture producers west of the Continental Divide, with a term expiring July 1, 2027. Jacober is a distinguished rancher and owner of Phoenix Ranching, a thriving cattle operation across multiple counties. Once the largest producer of grass-fed beef in Colorado, Jacober brings a robust background in production agriculture to the Parks and Wildlife Commission. His ranch also produces organic hay, which supplies his own cattle herd. Tai and his wife also operate an agritourism lodge, where they raise sheep, chickens, and pigs and maintain several greenhouses, and also provide educational agriculture classes for children. Jacober is also an avid lifelong sportsman and outdoor recreation. 

Jack is a co-founder and president of Urban Wildlife Rescue which provides humane solutions to wildlife conflicts, wildlife education and wildlife rehabilitation. Jack and his late wife Penny became licensed wildlife rehabilitators in 1988. In 1991 they formed the non-profit organization Urban Wildlife Rescue which has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of animals over the last few decades.

 

Jack is a Wildlife Control Operator who resolves wildlife conflicts using only non-lethal and humane methods of wildlife eviction and exclusion techniques when education and/or co-existence are not a viable option.

 

Jack is the author of "Humane Solutions to Wildlife Problems" which was written in the early 90's as a self-help guide for those who wish to resolve certain wildlife conflicts on their own. He has also written and lectured on numerous topics involving wildlife rehabilitation, living with wildlife, wildlife conflict resolutions, humane capture and handling techniques and more. Jack also provided educational programs to the Wildlife Masters programs for the CSU Extension Service.

 

Jack was a co-founder and board member of the Colorado Council for Wildlife Rehabilitation and was made a lifetime member and appointed to the advisory board. Jack has also served on the Colorado Nongame Conservation and Wildlife Restoration board, served on the board of The Colorado Wildlife Control Operators Association as the secretary and vice president and served on the board of Colorado Animal Protectors.

Jack has taught classes for the Colorado Animal Control Officers Association and served on the Rabies Taskforce. In the 90's, Jack was a visiting science teacher through Metro State University which involved providing wildlife education programs throughout the metro Denver school systems. He was also an instructor for volunteers and new recruits for the Colorado Division of Wildlife teaching humane capture and handling techniques and wildlife conflict resolutions.

Jack is dedicated to protecting and preserving our wildlife and our environment for everyone.​

Born and raised in western Colorado, Gabriel is a fourth generation Coloradan, avid sportsman and conservationist.

Otero’s deep connection and appreciation for nature and wildlife was instilled in him at an early age. He grew up living farm to table and because of Otero’s family history stretching back multiple generations he has developed an appreciation for farming and ranching.  

Passionate about volunteering his time, Gabriel collaborates with public, nonprofit and private organizations to serve his community. He currently serves as a board member for the Riverside Educational Center. It is a nonprofit that provides Mesa County students with high-quality academic and extracurricular experiences during out-of-school time to foster individual growth and to create community within a safe, diverse, equitable, inclusive environment. He also volunteers at Homeward​Bound of the Grand Valley and has coached youth sports, being a father, he has gained a tremendous devotion to children and their future.

Otero is the Director for Equitable Funding Policy for The Wilderness Society. He has a combined 15 years’ experience working in the oil and gas energy sector and conservation. He’s worked on efforts that provide equitable access to nature, national monument designations, land management plans, resource management plans and oil and gas development.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends in nature.

Murphy Robinson of Littleton was appointed to serve on the Commission as a representative of sportspersons, with a term expiring July 1, 2027. Murphy’s childhood passion for fishing and bird hunting evolved into big game hunting during his time as a police officer in a region with a strong hunting culture. Robinson previously served as the Deputy Mayor and Executive Director of the Department of Public Safety for the City and County of Denver where he oversaw the police, fire and sheriff departments. He has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, leadership and administration. Today he owns a portfolio of security technology companies and serves as trustee for the National Western Stock Show.
 

Jay Tutchton is the Preserve Manager for the Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT) based in Bent County, Colorado. He spends his days managing SPLT’s reintroduced bison herd and improving its 32,000-acre network of protected lands for the benefit of all native wildlife species. Together with SPLT, Tutchton strives to persuade people to fall in love with the lesser-known half of Colorado, the prairie, and join the organization in restoring a small portion of what has been aptly termed a lost “American Serengeti.”

Born in Arapahoe County, at a time when it was a much more rural area, Tutchton grew up playing outside and became captivated by the idea of protecting nature from rapidly expanding urban sprawl. He only willingly left the state to attend college and law school, at the University of Notre Dame and UCLA respectively, graduating with honors from both institutions, and then promptly returning home to protect the wild creatures and places he enjoyed as a child.

As a lawyer Tutchton spent 27 years litigating in the Federal Court system throughout the United States, typically representing environmental organizations and individuals seeking to protect the environment. Tutchton also helped to start the Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law and has taught a variety of courses on Wildlife, Animal, and Environmental Law. Among his greatest joys is introducing young lawyers to the possibilities of pursuing careers advocating for wildlife protection and a clean environment.

An avid outdoor recreationist, and one committed to taking the road less traveled, Tutchton hopes to ensure that less-traveled paths remain available to future generations and that Colorado becomes the best state in the country to be a wild animal.

Born in the middle-east to a mixed north-African-Afghani-Iranian family and raised in the highlands of Colorado, Eden Vardy experienced first-hand the dramatic impacts of climate change his whole life, and is dedicated to solving them.

With that goal, he founded The Farm Collaborative, a collaboration for regeneration, in 2008. This innovative NGO regenerates the local food system from all angles with programs ranging from youth education to farmer financing. Under Vardy's leadership, the organization merged five entities into one, including the 2Forks Club; a "regenerative philanthropy" nonprofit that makes 0% interest loans to burgeoning farmers, the award winning edibleAspen magazine, and Seed Peace: a farmer training and production innovation nonprofit. The group is now building a first of its kind learning campus in Aspen that will showcase integrated agriculture while pioneering a farmer "renaissance" of young leaders dedicated to a better future, as well as a multi-stakeholder state-wide support ecosystem to grow new farmers.

In 2019 Colorado Governor Jared Polis appointed Vardy to the state’s Parks and Wildlife Commission to represent production agriculture. Vardy was appointed for a second term in July 2022, and was confirmed with 100% bipartisan support in congress.

In 2021, Vardy was selected as the Eisenhower Agricultural Fellow and met with policy makers, farmers, and community leaders in France and Brazil to discuss best practices for enabling the next generation of agriculturalists to thrive.

Vardy was selected into the inaugural group of the Food Leaders Fellowship at the Aspen Institute in 2022, where he is exploring systemic solutions to food system challenges with leaders across the industry. 

As Executive Director, Dan Gibbs leads the development and execution of the Department’s initiatives for the balanced management of the state’s natural resources. Dan works on an array of issues pertaining to all of Colorado’s natural resources, including water, wildlife, state lands, oil and gas and mining.

Dan is a respected collaborator and a strong proponent of building partnerships across agencies, nonprofits and private-sector organizations to improve the productivity and success of government operations and services.

Prior to joining the Department of Natural Resources, Dan served as a Summit County Commissioner from 2010-2018. As County Commissioner, Dan successfully pushed for wildfire preparedness, affordable workforce housing, lower health insurance costs, and protection and improvements to transportation infrastructure.

Prior to his tenure as a Commissioner, Dan served in the Colorado House of Representatives and in the Colorado State Senate where he served on the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. His legislative accomplishments include securing funding for wildfire mitigation and forest health, creating the Colorado Kids Outdoors grant program, supporting watershed health initiatives, and increasing environmental protections for wildlife from oil and gas development.

Dan is a certified wildland firefighter and is affiliated with the ROSS system, through which he is on call to fight wildfires throughout the United States. He chaired the statewide Wildland Fire and Prescribed Fire Matters Advisory Council, and represented county governments on the Forest Health Advisory Committee. Dan has served on a variety of civic boards including: Search and Rescue Advisory, Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, Tourism Office, Youth Corps Association, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District and the Keystone Science School.

Dan is a graduate of Western State Colorado University and completed the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program. He is also a Marshall Memorial Fellow.

Dan enjoys all that living in the high country has to offer, including skiing, running, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. He is a resident of Breckenridge, Colorado, where he lives with his wife, Johanna; daughter, Grace; and son, Tate.

Kate Greenberg was appointed the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture by Governor Jared Polis in December 2018. As commissioner, Greenberg will lead the department’s daily operations, direct its 300 employees, and oversee the agency’s seven divisions: Animal Health; Brand Inspection; Colorado State Fair; Conservation Services; Inspection and Consumer Services; Markets; and Plant Industry.

“For the last ten years, I have dedicated my work to those who work the land. Throughout that time, I have sat around dozens of kitchen tables, worked with hundreds of farmers and ranchers, and have been a fierce advocate for family agriculture and its essential role in what we value most about Colorado,” said Greenberg. “I have worked the land, and worked on behalf of those that work the land. I have no delusion that the challenges family agriculture faces in this state and nation are deeply complex, or that the responsibility to deliver smart, innovative, and bold ways forward for Colorado agriculture is urgent.”

Jeff Davis joined Colorado Parks and Wildlife as Director in May 2023. Prior to leading CPW, Jeff had a nearly 23-year career with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, serving as an Area Habitat Biologist, a Forest and Fish Section Manager, the Deputy Assistant Director and the Assistant Director of WDFW’s Habitat Program.

In his role as Director of Conservation Policy, Jeff led salmon recovery, served on the Forest Practices Board, and coordinated interdisciplinary internal teams on a variety of conservation initiatives. Jeff brings extensive experience working with leadership, legislators, Tribal Nations, the hunting and fishing community, conservation groups, and other constituencies to CPW. He has crafted legislation and regulatory approaches to habitat and biodiversity conservation, and engaged in climate resiliency, sustainability and land use/management issues similar to those facing Colorado. Jeff also led efforts to reform and improve agency engagement with a diverse public, championed internal diversity and equity priorities and successfully navigated complex budget and personnel issues.

Jeff received his BS in Biology, Wildlife Management from Central Washington University. He also attended the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, where he studied Wildlife Management. Jeff has a deep passion for the outdoors. He is an avid outdoor recreationist and strongly believes in conserving nature for future generations to enjoy.