November 19, 2007
Denver, Colorado - Thomas E. Remington was named the new
director of the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW), said Harris
Sherman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural
Resources (DNR).
Remington has been manager of DOW's terrestrial section since 2004,
overseeing the research programs that guide management of mammals
and birds. He also administered hunting recreation and species
conservation programs.
"Tom's selection as director of the Colorado Division of Wildlife
will benefit the state's hunters, anglers and wildlife viewers,"
Gov. Bill Ritter said Monday. "His varied career in the division
will well serve both the division, wildlife and the public."
The vacancy was created when former DOW director Bruce McCloskey
retired in May.
"At a time in Colorado's history when residential and energy
development have significant impacts on wildlife habitat, Tom will
have his work cut out for him," said Sherman. "We're confident that
Tom is the best person to protect and enhance the state's wildlife
resources that we all treasure."
Remington graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree
in wildlife biology. He later earned a masters degree in the science
of wildlife management from Colorado State University and a
doctorate in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin at
Madison.
He started work for the Colorado Division of Wildlife in 1989 as a
wildlife researcher, documenting the impact of habitat quality on
the survival of pheasants. He also documented the willingness of
pheasant hunters to pay for access that led to the Walk-In Access
permit fee program.
Remington became the avian research leader, managing the program
including the Cooperative Habitat budget, the conservation effort
for declining bird species and the successful transplant of Gunnison
sage grouse to Poncha Pass.
"This is the culmination of a career in wildlife management and I'm
absolutely delighted," said Remington. "I grew up in a family that
hunted and fished. That early exposure to the environment convinced
me that I wanted a career that would maintain that resource."
As terrestrial section manager for DOW, Remington oversaw the
programs for Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance, Lynx Restoration,
Ranching for Wildlife and big game management.
In 2007, the Colorado Chapter of the Wildlife Society honored
Remington as the Wildlife Administrator of the Year.
"My mission is the division of wildlife's mission: to perpetuate the
wildlife resources of the state and provide people with the
opportunity to enjoy them," said Remington.
Tom Burke, chairman of the Colorado Wildlife Commission, said
Remington won the unanimous support of the commissioners.
"We had a good pool of qualified applicants. Although it was a
difficult decision, I think we selected the best guy to leader the
division of wildlife at this time in history," said Burke.
"He's eminently qualified and well-versed in the particular nuances
of the division of wildlife. I'm pleased and excited," Burke said.
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