Governor Polis appoints two new members, reappoints two members to the Parks and Wildlife Commission

Travis Duncan
Public Information Supervisor
720-595-8294 / [email protected]

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis made appointments to the Parks and Wildlife Commission that bring agricultural production expertise, represent rural communities, and emphasize the importance of equity and access in outdoor recreation.

“Today I appointed and reappointed Coloradans to the Parks and Wildlife Commission who bring their strong lived experience and perspectives to these critical commissions. These boards help protect and improve access to Colorado’s iconic outdoors, and I'm confident these Coloradans will help us continue to preserve and enhance the Colorado way of life,” said Governor Polis.

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. 

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 recreator. 

In addition, today, Governor Polis reappointed Dallas May and Jay Tuchton to the Parks and Wildlife Commission, with terms expiring July 1, 2028.  

May is the current Chair of the Parks and Wildlife Commission. Born and raised in a Colorado farming and ranching family, May began his first herd from a heifer calf given to him on his 13th birthday. He now sells purebred breeding stock across the U.S. and Mexico, and operates an irrigated farm operation raising alfalfa and corn, which is a family operation. May will continue to serve as a representative of agricultural producers. 

Tutchton is the Preserve Manager for the Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT) based in Bent County, Colorado, He manages SPLT’s reintroduced bison herd and works to improve its 60,000-acre network of protected lands for the benefit of all native wildlife species. As a lawyer, Tutchton spent 27 years litigating. He will continue to serve as a representative of a nonprofit organization that promotes conservation and recognizes non-consumptive wildlife use. 

“Colorado Parks and Wildlife is excited to welcome our newest Parks and Wildlife Commissioners, Murphy Robinson, Bobby Massie, and Tai Jacober, and welcome back Jay Tutchton and Dallas May, current PWC Chair,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “We look forward to working together to further our mission of perpetuating the wildlife resources of the state, providing a quality state parks system and providing enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreations opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado natural resources.

“I would also like to thank our outgoing commissioners for their dedication to representing their particular interests, the Commission as whole, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s mission. This is a volunteer position, and I appreciate your hard work and willingness to go above and beyond in your commitment to this role. I look forward to working with our new and current commissioners to further Colorado Parks and Wildlife's mission for current and future generations.”

The Parks and Wildlife Commission is responsible for perpetuating the wildlife resources of the state, providing a quality state parks system and providing enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreations opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado natural resources.

The Parks and Wildlife Commission is a citizen board, composed of 11 governor-appointed members, which sets regulations and policies for Colorado’s state parks and wildlife programs. For more information on the Parks and Wildlife Commission and existing members, visit cpw.state.co.us.