14-05-2025
New law creates working group to advise on Colorado public land policy
DENVER (KDVR) — Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law on Tuesday that Colorado House Democrats say will help protect public lands in Colorado.
The new law establishes a formal working group process to identify opportunities to improve and enhance conservation, agricultural operations and outdoor recreation on state trust lands, according to the House Democrats.
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'This new law will help Colorado protect its iconic landscapes, encourage outdoor recreation, and ensure that farming and ranching continue to thrive on state trust lands,' said Sen. Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, in a statement. 'Balancing these priorities is essential for the future health of our communities and our environment.'
House Democrats noted the Colorado State Land Board currently oversees the majority of Colorado trust lands, including state parks and, in total, more than 2.8 million surface acres and 4 million subsurface acres — such as lakes, caves and rivers.
The new law will require the established working group to include participation from Colorado's Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes, rural schools and renewable energy organizations, among others, the House Democrats said.
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'This work group will make recommendations to ensure that the State Land Board modernizes its priorities to promote conservation but also other benefits our state trust lands can provide, including agriculture, outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and more – all while maintaining the mission of generating funds for our public schools,' said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, in a statement.
The law was sponsored by Roberts, Wallace and Sen. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. It was first introduced April 17 and passed the House and Senate on April 30 and May 6, respectively.
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