GREG E. WALCHER

Highlights

• 10 years Capitol Hill experience on environmental and transportation issues
• Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources
• President and Executive Director of an association of Western Colorado state and business interests
  
  

Biography

Greg Walcher’s knowledge of environmental law and regulation stems from Capitol Hill, state agencies, state lobbying efforts – even his own agriculture business. 

Most notably, from 1999 to 2004, Greg was Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. Appointed by Gov. Bill Owens, Greg ran one of Colorado’s largest departments, with 2,500 employees, 14 boards and commissions, and a $180 million budget.  For five years, Greg managed state and federal/state projects involving water, forestry, oil and gas, minerals and geology.  In the process, he gained a keen understanding of the implementation of state and federal regulations on environmental projects.

Prior to his appointment, Greg spent 10 years as president and executive director of CLUB 20, a lobbying coalition of cities, counties and businesses in Western Colorado.

From 1979-89, Greg worked on the Washington, DC staff of U.S. Sen. Bill Armstrong (Co.), working his way up from Legislative Assistant to Executive Director.  During these 10 years, Greg’s focus included transportation, agriculture, public lands, and property rights.

From 2002-04, he was president of the Natural Resources Leadership Council of the States, an organization of 42 state environmental cabinet secretaries.  Since 1990, Greg has owned and operated Walcher Orchards in Colorado, a 2,000-tree peach orchard and fresh fruit shipping business with customers in more than 40 states.

Greg has a B.A. in American history from Mesa State College.

 

Other Achievements

• President, Colorado State Society (1985-89)

• Board member, Colorado Wildlife Commission (1999-2004)

• Member, Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board (1999-2004)

• Member, Colorado Water Conservation Board (1999-2004)