Posted 7-19-08

Gov. Names Colson to Wyoming Wildlife & Natural Resource Trust Board

Cheyenne (Office of the Governor) -- A child care provider and avid outdoorswoman from Rawlins is the newest member of the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Board, Gov. Dave Freudenthal announced Friday.

Peggy Colson will replace Deborah Smith of Laramie on the board charged with distributing funding for wildlife habitat and natural resource restoration projects around the state. Her appointment is effective Sept. 1, 2008.

"Peggy has a great feel for Wyoming, and a great business acumen," Gov. Dave Freudenthal said. "She will add a unique voice to this board's already diverse mix of viewpoints."

A lifelong resident of Carbon County, Colson is active in the outdoors and in her community. She has served on the Rawlins Main Street Design Committee and has volunteered in local schools. She currently operates a day care out of her home.

"I will bring to the board open and honest opinions concerning the preservation of Wyoming's wildlife and natural resources," Colson said. "I am an avid outdoors enthusiast and spend time camping, fishing, hiking and snowmobiling. I treasure the uniqueness and the abundance of Wyoming wildlife and our habitats and natural resources."

In announcing her resignation, Smith said it has been an honor to serve on the board.

"The dedication and drive of director Bob Budd, the gentle guidance and direction of Chairman Delaine Roberts and the exceptional time and effort expended by each board member has allowed this board to begin to fulfill the commitment of preserving Wyoming for all who come after us," she said.

Board chairman Delaine Roberts said Smith gave all her energy to the board and was a strong voice among the members.

"We all appreciated working with Debbie Smith whose dedication and commitment was unparalleled," he said. "When you're working with Debbie, you understand quickly that if she can't do something 100 percent she just won't do it."

Smith said she resigned for personal commitments that precluded her from dedicating enough time to the board.

-