The National Wildlife Federation’s Rocky Mountain Regional Executive Director, Brian Kurzel, has been appointed to Colorado’s wolf stakeholder advisory group by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Brian brings years of collaborative conservation experience to the advisory group and will work to bridge diverse perspectives to find enduring, science-based conservation solutions that respect wildlife and people.

The stakeholder advisory group will represent diverse wolf management interests that will convene to support the development of the gray wolf reintroduction and management plan for Colorado by the end of 2023.

“I have long believed that successful conservation relies on collaboration, listening, science and shared values and Colorado’s wolf reintroduction plan will benefit from this approach,” Kurzel said. “In re-establishing wolves in Colorado, we have an opportunity to build bridges among stakeholders that will not only create conditions for successful wolf populations, but build a foundation for enduring conservation in our state. This is a historic initiative to be a part of and I am honored to help it succeed.”

“We want to thank all of those that submitted an application or considered an offer to participate in these important advisory groups,” said CPW Director Dan Prenzlow. “While this is certainly an opportunity to share perspectives and expertise, it’s important to note it is also a significant commitment of time and energy, and we greatly appreciate all those who volunteered their time. We are now eager to get to work with those selected to move forward with us on the implementation process.”

Brian joined the National Wildlife Federation in 2015 and has more than 20 years of experience developing conservation policy, leading on-the-ground conservation efforts and actively engaging adults and youth in outdoor stewardship and education. Through his roles at the National Wildlife Federation and leading a statewide, science-driven natural areas program, Brian has worked effectively with ranchers, hunters, environmentalists, industry, land managers and others to find collaborative solutions that help wildlife and people thrive.

In addition, the National Wildlife Federation has partnered with North America’s pre-eminent wolf specialist, Diane Boyd, to develop a report that summarizes best practices and lessons learned from previous or ongoing wolf restoration projects that can inform Colorado’s wolf reintroduction plan. The report will be available in the summer of 2021 and will highlight opportunities to reduce conflict and maximize collaboration as reintroduction takes place in Colorado.