Thomas E. Remington has been named the new director of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, according to Harris Sherman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
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. “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,” Sherman said. “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 master’s 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,” he said. “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.”
Meeting in Montrose. The Colorado Division of Wildlife staff will explain the new Colorado Birding Trail to public lands officials at a meeting Nov. 28.
The 10 a.m. meeting will be conducted at the Montrose DOW office, 2300 S. Townsend Ave. A representative of the Rocky Mountain Bird observatory also will be on hand to answer questions.
For more information, call 970-375-6704.
