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Senate committee confirms Parks and Wildlife outfitter nominee but rejects two other CPW appointees amid controversy
Summary
The committee unanimously forwarded outfitter nominee Frances Silva Blaney to the full Senate but voted down John Emerick (2–5) and Christopher Sitko (3–4) after extended questioning about data, wolf and fur-bearer policy, and a secretly circulated recording Emerick criticized.
The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on April 22 recommended Frances Silva Blaney for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission but did not recommend two other nominees after contentious questioning.
Deputy Executive Director Wendy Padilla of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources opened the hearing by summarizing statutory requirements for the CPW Commission under CRS 33-9-10 and introducing three nominees: Frances Silva Blaney (outfitter seat), John Emerick (at-large member), and Christopher Sitko (sportsman seat).
Frances Silva Blaney, who co-owns an outfitting business and volunteers on river- and watershed-protection efforts, told the committee she relies on CPW science and stakeholder outreach when making decisions. The committee’s vice chair moved Blaney’s appointment to the full Senate; the committee voted unanimously in favor and placed the appointment on the consent calendar.
John Emerick, a scientist and current at-large commissioner, used his opening remarks to address opposition from conservation groups and said he resigned a Colorado Wild treasurer role after his appointment. Emerick told the committee he had been secretly recorded at a constituent meeting without his consent and that the recording was circulated as part of a campaign to block his confirmation. He described resigning roles and said he will continue to engage publicly.
Several senators raised concerns about Emerick’s prior advocacy, petitions he signed and his alignment with constituencies across the state. After discussion, the committee voted 2–5 against forwarding Emerick’s appointment to the full Senate.
Christopher Sitko, a Colorado native, economist and active hunter and angler, said his priority is rebuilding trust with sportsmen and women. He apologized for using the term "rewilding," saying he misused the word and did not intend the land‑use connotation some opponents attached to it. Several senators said nearly all sportsmen’s organizations opposed Sitko’s confirmation for the sportsman seat; the motion to forward his nomination failed 3–4.
Why it matters: The Parks and Wildlife Commission oversees wildlife regulations, hunting and fishing policy and contentious issues such as wolf management and fur‑bearer rules. Committee members pressed nominees on how they weigh CPW scientific data, what counts as the "best available science," and how appointees will work with hunters, ranchers and agency staff.
What’s next: Blaney’s appointment will go forward on the Senate consent calendar; Emerick and Sitko were not recommended by the committee and could still be considered by the full Senate if leadership brings the nominations forward.
