Two new members and one returning member have been appointed to four-year terms on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.

Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday named new appointees, Dale Pizel of Creede and Alexander Zipp of Pueblo, to the commission that oversees Parks and Wildlife. Also, Robert “Dean” Wingfield of Vernon was reappointed.

Pizel replaces Kenneth “Mark” Smith, the commission’s vice chairman, and Zipp replaces John Singletary. Both Smith’s and Singletary’s terms expire in July.

The Parks and Wildlife Commission, comprised of 11 governor-appointed members, sets regulations and policies for Colorado’s state parks and wildlife programs. It meets at least six times a year in various locations around the state, although rarely comes to the Four Corners.

The current commission members who live closest to this part of the state are Pizel, from Creede in Mineral County, and Robert Bray, who is from Redvale, located between Naturita and Norwood in Montrose County.

“The leadership and dedication provided by the exiting members has been invaluable to CPW,” Bob Broscheid, Parks and Wildlife director, said in a news release. “The agency is better because of them and will continue to grow in providing efficient and high quality outdoor experiences with the addition of Pizel and Zipp.”

Pizel, an at-large representative, brings experience in recreation, tourism, water, land use, agriculture and real estate to the commission. Zipp, a sportsman representative, is an avid outdoor enthusiast and fly shop owner. Wingfield, an agriculture representative and county commissioner from Yuma County in eastern Colorado, shares local government experience with the commission.

johnp@durangoherald.com