Colorado DOW Director Bruce McCloskey to Retire After 33 Years
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April 12, 2007
 Bruce
L. McCloskey, 54, director of the Colorado Division Wildlife,
announced Thursday that he is retiring from his position with the
agency effective May 31.
McCloskey, a 33-year veteran of the agency, has worked as director
for the last three years.
“This was a very difficult decision, but all good things eventually
come to an end,” McCloskey said. “Working for the Colorado Division
of Wildlife was a dream come true for me. This is the work I always
wanted to do.”
McCloskey graduated from Colorado State University in 1974 with a
degree in wildlife biology and started working for the agency the
same year. His first job was as a wildlife conservation officer in
Kremmling. He then worked at a variety of jobs in the agency,
including area wildlife manager, regional manager, hunter education
coordinator, and head of the habitat section. Before becoming
director he served as deputy director of the DOW for 17 years.
“This has been a way of life for me,” McCloskey said.
The DOW evolved significantly during his career, McCloskey said. The
agency expanded its research function, moved more aggressively to
secure wildlife habitat, and established education, volunteer and
watchable wildlife programs.
“The DOW touches many more people in Colorado today than when I
started. And the demands on our agency continue to grow.”
Today the DOW is facing major challenges, McCloskey said. Growing
population, continuing development in prime wildlife habitat areas
and growing energy development is putting unprecedented pressure on
wildlife.
“The DOW is working hard to do what’s best for wildlife, but the
task is not getting any easier.”
McCloskey said he’s most encouraged by growing cooperative efforts
among various groups to work on wildlife issues. Groups include
other government agencies, sportsmen’s organizations, conservation
groups, Great Outdoors Colorado, and private landowners.
“Working with all these groups is at the top of my agenda. We have
made significant progress on many fronts. The cooperative efforts
must continue to grow. Those are absolutely critical.”
McCloskey also was instrumental in establishing the Colorado
Wildlife Habitat Stamp. Sales of the stamp raised $3.5 million in
2006.
“With that money, we’ve been able to leverage another $20 million
for wildlife habitat. That money is going directly to habitat
protection and projects on the ground,” McCloskey said.
Tom Burke, chairman of the Colorado Wildlife Commission, praised
McCloskey’s work.
“Bruce has dedicated his career to the Colorado Division of
Wildlife. He’ll be greatly missed,” Burke said.
McCloskey plans to eventually live aboard a boat and wander the
oceans with his wife Bonnie. He also has two grown daughters.
McCloskey also holds a master’s degree in public administration from
the University of Colorado.
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