AHPC Co-director Appointed to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission
“Gov. Jared Polis appointed Rebecca Niemiec, associate professor in the Warner College of Natural Resources’ Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and founder and co-director of Colorado State University’s Animal-Human Policy Center, to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Niemiec is one of three new appointments to the commission and will serve a term expiring July 1, 2029. Polis also reappointed two members.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission is a citizen board with 11 voting members that sets regulations and policies for Colorado’s state parks and wildlife programs, including hunting and fishing regulations, wildlife management and outdoor recreation.
“Colorado’s parks and wildlife deserve commissioners who bring real, lived experience to this work,” Polis said in the June 3 announcement.
Niemiec brings expertise in conservation social science, animal protection policy and human-wildlife coexistence to the role. Her research focuses on public perspectives on wildlife management, conservation policy, and the relationships between people, animals and natural resources. She has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and led stakeholder processes and social science research focused on conservation and animal protection.
Before launching the AHPC in 2023, Niemiec served as the manager of the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Protection, where she and her team addressed domestic animal mistreatment throughout the state. The AHPC works with policymakers and agencies to develop science-informed solutions that improve the lives of both people and animals.
“Wildlife management involves integrating biological science with public interests and values to achieve both social and ecological outcomes,” said Niemiec. “I am honored and excited by the opportunity to bring my expertise in the human dimensions of wildlife management to practice and policy through my role as a commissioner.””
