Murphy Robinson, a former deputy mayor and chief of Denver's public safety department, has been appointed to the state's wildlife commission.
Gov. Jared Polis announced Robinson's appointment on Friday.
He will represent sportspersons — hunters and anglers — on the parks and wildlife commission.
"Our Colorado parks is one of the biggest draws to our state and the best assets of our state," Robinson told Colorado Politics. "I am proud to be able to support and steward the use and longevity of our parks to be enjoyed by our residents and our visitors.”
Robinson's appointment comes at a crucial juncture in Colorado's wildlife management history. The state had re-introduced wolves in December, fueling political tension and straining relationships between ranchers and the Polis administration.
The ranchers and livestock association had accused state officials of lacking transparency in reintroducing the wolves and failing to heed their pleas. Many have said they will no longer work with the state on conservation issues. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials, as well as the head of the Department of Natural Resources, have promised to "do better."
The governor also appointed Tai Jacober, a rancher and owner of Phoenix Ranching, to the commission to represent agriculture producers west of the Continental Divide, and also reappointed Dallas Laverne May and James Jay Tutchton to the body.
In addition, Polis appointed Bobby Massie the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund Board of Directors. An avid fly fisher, outfitter and the co-founder of Wanderland Outdoors, Massie was an offensive tackle for the Broncos, Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears. He will represent the Fourth Congressional District on the board.
Robinson, who owns a portfolio of security technology companies and who has been in the public eye for years, is an avid hunter. Robinson will serve as a representative of sportspersons.
He was exposed to hunting in his teens but became a "hardcore" hunter about 14 yeas ago. He had a lot of help — and mentorship, including from a police commander who took him under his wings, he said.
He initially hunted pheasants and quail, but has been going after big game in recent years. Meat from the hunt is now his preferred food for his family, he said.
"I'm really excited to one day take my first elk," he said.
Robinson said Colorado voters have spoken about bringing wolves back to the state. But it's just as important to listen to the communities affected by policies approved by the people or by political leaders, he said.
"It’s our duty to hear from the people that our polices are affecting," he said. "While it was the will of the people to make sure wolves are reintroduced, we have to make sure that the ag community is heard."
