DENVER - On July 3, 2025, Governor Jared Polis appointed Frances Silva Blayney of Colorado Springs and Dr. John Emerick of Redstone to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission. These appointments reflect thoughtful stewardship of Colorado’s wildlife, natural resources, and outdoor recreation economy. 

“I am excited to appoint two well-qualified Coloradans who will bring people together and bridge divides. I’m proud to appoint one Democrat and one Republican, one resident of the Western Slope and one from the Pikes Peak region. I am also thrilled to appoint an accomplished angler, small business owner, and outfitter to join the two big game hunters already serving on the commission to better represent both hunting and fishing interests. Together, these appointments will help bring down the temperature and move away from any politicization of this board,” said Governor Jared Polis 

“Frances Silva Blayney and Dr. John Emerick represent the best of Colorado’s commitment to conservation, outdoor recreation, and access,” said Governor Jared Polis.“Frances brings critical on-the-ground experience from our state’s outfitting and recreation communities, while John offers unparalleled scientific expertise and a deep understanding of our ecosystems. I’m confident they both will be strong voices on the Commission for the future of Colorado’s outdoor recreation, wildlife, water, and wildlands.” 

Frances Silva Blayney is a professional fly fishing outfitter, small business owner, and longtime public lands advocate. She co-owns Canopy Fly Fishing, the only mother-daughter outfitting business in Colorado, where she helps clients of all ages and skill levels connect to the state’s rivers and wildlife. A recognized leader in the outdoor community, Silva Blayney serves as Co-Chair of Wild Watershed Broads, is an active volunteer in CPW’s River Watch Program, and has held leadership positions with the Colorado Sierra Club, Trout Unlimited, and numerous local environmental and water protection initiatives. Silva Blayney brings to the Commission firsthand knowledge of public land use, deep experience working with Colorado’s outfitting and angling communities, and a passion for protecting ecosystems while maintaining access for sustainable recreation. She is a registered Democrat and resides in Colorado Springs. 

Barb Luneau, President of the Board of Directors for Colorado Trout Unlimited, praised the appointment of Frances Silva Blayney, stating, "Frances is a thoughtful and energetic leader in Colorado's fly fishing and conservation communities. Her deep connection to rivers, wildlife, and public lands will be a tremendous asset to the Commission." 

Dr. John Emerick is a retired professor of environmental biology and a leading voice in stream, riparian, and wetland ecology. With a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Colorado and a B.S. in fisheries biology from the University of Washington, Dr. Emerick taught for two decades at the Colorado School of Mines and continues to conduct ecological research with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. He has authored books on Colorado’s ecosystems and founded multiple watershed health and restoration efforts in the Roaring Fork and Crystal River valleys. 

Dr. Emerick has served in numerous public advisory roles, including Chair of the Crystal River Caucus, and board member for conservation organizations such as the Wilderness Workshop. His appointment brings a science-based approach rooted in decades of field research, education, and community partnership. He is a registered Republican and resides in Redstone. 

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission is a citizen board responsible for overseeing the management of the state’s parks and wildlife programs.