A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning the authority of the division of parks and
Page 1, Line 102wildlife to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)
The bill clarifies that the division of parks and wildlife in the department of natural resources (division) is the primary entity responsible for outdoor recreation management and infrastructure planning in the state.
The bill requires the division to support the planning, development, and maintenance of infrastructure and access projects to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. In doing so, the division is required to balance and integrate outdoor recreation efforts with statewide conservation efforts. In collaboration with federal, local, and tribal partners, the division is tasked with developing regional outdoor recreation and conservation plans that will, among other endeavors, consider sustainable and climate-resilient strategies for outdoor recreation and conservation planning and employ data-driven management of public lands and regional outdoor recreational resources.
The bill also requires the division to develop a river recreation program. To implement the river recreation program, the division is required to, in collaboration with the Colorado water conservation board, the outdoor recreation industry office, and other state agencies or stakeholders:
- Build a statewide coalition of river recreation, stewardship, and safety managers;
- Coordinate with river basin roundtables, local governments, and other appropriate stakeholders to align river recreation efforts with existing water management strategies;
- Align river recreation management with state and regional water planning efforts regarding conservation to address the impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystems;
- Identify high-priority rivers and recreation areas to support improvements;
- Enhance river data collection, mapping, and public access to information; and
- Promote river safety and stewardship opportunities through initiatives such as hazard removal, signage improvements, and collaborative partnerships.
Under current law, the parks and wildlife commission (commission) is responsible for establishing a state trails system. The bill requires the division to consult and cooperate with appropriate entities to establish a nonmotorized and a year-round motorized trails program to support the planning, development, and stewardship of trail systems that are designed for nonmotorized and motorized use, respectively. The division is required to establish and operate the nonmotorized and motorized trails programs in a manner that protects, preserves, enhances, and manages the natural, scenic, and recreation areas of the state.
Page 2, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Page 2, Line 2SECTION 1. Short title. The short title of this act is the
Page 2, Line 3"Colorado Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Recreation Enhancement Act".
Page 3, Line 1SECTION 2. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
Page 3, Line 2(a) It is the policy of the state of Colorado to protect, preserve,
Page 3, Line 3enhance, and manage the state's unparalleled landscapes, wildlife, and
Page 3, Line 4public lands for the benefit and enjoyment of its residents and visitors.
Page 3, Line 5Recognizing that outdoor recreation, conservation, and wildlife are vital
Page 3, Line 6components of Colorado's identity, economy, and quality of life, the
Page 3, Line 7general assembly declares its commitment to ensuring the continued
Page 3, Line 8availability of exceptional and sustainable recreation opportunities while prioritizing the conservation of the state's natural resources.
Page 3, Line 9(b) The state affirms the continued importance of the division of
Page 3, Line 10parks and wildlife's mission to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the
Page 3, Line 11state, provide a high-quality state parks system, and deliver outdoor
Page 3, Line 12recreation opportunities that inspire stewardship and conservation for current and future generations;
Page 3, Line 13(c) The general assembly further restates its commitment, pursuant
Page 3, Line 14to section 33-9-101, Colorado Revised Statutes, that a comprehensive
Page 3, Line 15program that is designed to offer the greatest possible variety of
Page 3, Line 16recreation opportunities to state residents and visitors is provided by the division of parks and wildlife;
Page 3, Line 17(d) The latest data shows that outdoor recreation contributes to a
Page 3, Line 18total economic output of $65.8 billion, which supports 404,000 jobs and
Page 3, Line 19represents 8.5% of the state's gross domestic product and 12.5% of the
Page 3, Line 20state's labor force. The state's outdoor recreation industry office within the
Page 3, Line 21office of economic development plays a vital role in advancing outdoor
Page 3, Line 22recreation, with a mission to champion industry, communities, and people
Page 3, Line 23to come to life through Colorado's great outdoors. The outdoor recreation
Page 4, Line 1industry office is a vital partner for the division of parks and wildlife in
Page 4, Line 2coordinating outdoor recreation industry partnerships for the advancement of sustained and sustainable outdoor recreation.
Page 4, Line 3(e) The great outdoors Colorado program, established pursuant to
Page 4, Line 4article XXVII of the state constitution, is a leading conservation and
Page 4, Line 5outdoor recreation funding partner in the state and a close partner with the
Page 4, Line 6division of parks and wildlife in conservation and outdoor recreation funding and planning;
Page 4, Line 7(f) Federal public lands not managed by the state encompass 24.1
Page 4, Line 8million acres, or 36%, of the state and provide the venue for a significant
Page 4, Line 9amount of the state's outdoor recreation and conservation needs and
Page 4, Line 10opportunities. Given the significant role of federal public lands for the
Page 4, Line 11state's outdoor recreation industry, tourism, wildlife, and natural
Page 4, Line 12resources, it is in the state's interest to take an active role in the health of
Page 4, Line 13Colorado's federal public lands, wildlife, and outdoor recreation
Page 4, Line 14infrastructure through partnership with federal land management
Page 4, Line 15agencies, wildlife conservation, and other opportunities with federally managed public lands where available.
Page 4, Line 16(g) Up-front coordination, planning, and proactive efforts by the
Page 4, Line 17division of parks and wildlife to promote outdoor recreation
Page 4, Line 18opportunities, infrastructure, and management that integrate the many
Page 4, Line 19needs of Colorado's outdoors, wildlife, and public lands ultimately lessen
Page 4, Line 20conflict and promote efficiency that will yield mutually beneficial
Page 4, Line 21outcomes and support and maintain Colorado's world-class outdoor recreation and natural resources and experiences.
Page 4, Line 22(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that there is
Page 4, Line 23a need to expand and strengthen the division of parks and wildlife's
Page 5, Line 1capacity for the planning, development, coordination, and management
Page 5, Line 2of Colorado's exceptional and sustainable outdoor recreation to ensure the
Page 5, Line 3state's recreation opportunities provide high-quality visitor experiences
Page 5, Line 4and are responsibly managed to protect natural resources, wildlife, private property, and public safety by:
Page 5, Line 5(a) Enhancing outdoor recreation management, coordination, and
Page 5, Line 6planning within the division of parks and wildlife by enhancing the
Page 5, Line 7capacity of the division to proactively address outdoor recreation needs
Page 5, Line 8and impacts in the state and by enabling the division to serve as the state's
Page 5, Line 9primary resource for outdoor recreation planning, sustainable visitor use
Page 5, Line 10management, and outdoor recreation infrastructure planning and development;
Page 5, Line 11(b) Officially establishing a trails program within the division of
Page 5, Line 12parks and wildlife to promote sustainable and accessible trail systems that
Page 5, Line 13are integrated with existing state trail systems and recreation networks, enhance public health, and improve outdoor recreation opportunities; and
Page 5, Line 14(c) Creating a unified framework to manage and enhance
Page 5, Line 15Colorado's rivers for recreation, safety, and conservation through a newly
Page 5, Line 16created river recreation program, which will address critical challenges,
Page 5, Line 17optimize resources, and promote sustainable and safe use of the state's
Page 5, Line 18world-class waterways while supporting local economies and outdoor enthusiasts.
Page 5, Line 19SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 33-10-119 and 33-10-120 as follows:
Page 5, Line 2033-10-119. Outdoor recreation planning and management -
Page 5, Line 21duties of the division - regional plans - legislative declaration. (1) The
Page 5, Line 22general assembly finds and declares that:
Page 6, Line 1(a) Outdoor recreation, conservation, and wildlife
Page 6, Line 2require a diverse network of public lands and waterways that are accessible, climate-resilient, and properly managed;
Page 6, Line 3(b) Public lands support the public's desire to connect
Page 6, Line 4with the state's landscapes while ensuring long-term stewardship of natural resources; and
Page 6, Line 5(c) In recognition of the necessity of proactive planning
Page 6, Line 6and management to protect land, water, and wildlife while
Page 6, Line 7maintaining high-quality recreation opportunities, the state
Page 6, Line 8recognizes the division as the central hub for outdoor
Page 6, Line 9recreation planning, sustainable visitor use management, and regional partnership coordination.
Page 6, Line 10(2) As the primary agency for outdoor recreation
Page 6, Line 11planning, sustainable visitor use management, and regional partnership coordination, the division shall:
Page 6, Line 12(a) Support the planning, development, and maintenance
Page 6, Line 13of infrastructure and access projects to advance high-quality
Page 6, Line 14outdoor recreation opportunities in alignment with Colorado's
Page 6, Line 15statewide vision to balance outdoor recreation and
Page 6, Line 16conservation, ensuring that both recreation access and
Page 6, Line 17conservation needs are met through integrated planning efforts;
Page 6, Line 18(b) Provide a proactive approach to outdoor recreation
Page 6, Line 19development and management that fosters outcomes supporting
Page 6, Line 20improved recreation, conservation, and wildlife habitat protection;
Page 6, Line 21(c) Coordinate and align outdoor recreation and
Page 7, Line 1conservation efforts statewide to ensure that recreation
Page 7, Line 2planning is consistent with conservation priorities and climate resilience strategies; and
Page 7, Line 3(d) Develop regional outdoor recreation and
Page 7, Line 4conservation plans that coordinate and align with the
Page 7, Line 5comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plan, developed
Page 7, Line 6pursuant to section 33-10-108 (1)(c), and the state's vision for
Page 7, Line 7balancing recreation and conservation. In creating the plans, the division shall:
Page 7, Line 8(I) Collaborate with federal, local, and tribal
Page 7, Line 9government partners; local communities; private landowners;
Page 7, Line 10recreation stakeholders; conservation stakeholders; and wildlife stakeholders;
Page 7, Line 11(II) Collaborate with state government entities and
Page 7, Line 12associated partners, such as the outdoor recreation industry
Page 7, Line 13office, the great outdoors Colorado program, and others, to
Page 7, Line 14seek improved coordination and efficiency across state government partners;
Page 7, Line 15(III) Consider proactive approaches to the development of
Page 7, Line 16exceptional and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities
Page 7, Line 17and infrastructure through coordinated planning that also supports improved conservation;
Page 7, Line 18(IV) Employ sustainable strategies for outdoor
Page 7, Line 19recreation and conservation, including supporting partnerships
Page 7, Line 20with federal agencies, tribal governments, and local
Page 7, Line 21jurisdictions to address outdoor recreational needs on public
Page 7, Line 22lands across jurisdictional boundaries;
Page 8, Line 1(V) Pursue data-driven management strategies for public lands and regional outdoor recreational resources;
Page 8, Line 2(VI) Employ climate resilience strategies for regional outdoor recreation and conservation planning; and
Page 8, Line 3(VII) Ensure each regional plan is consistent with the
Page 8, Line 4statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan and the state's vision to balance outdoor recreation and conservation.
Page 8, Line 533-10-120. River recreation program - created - division
Page 8, Line 6duties. (1) The state reaffirms its commitment to protecting,
Page 8, Line 7enhancing, and managing state rivers and waterways to support
Page 8, Line 8sustainable outdoor recreation, conservation, and public
Page 8, Line 9safety. In recognition of the vital role that the state's rivers
Page 8, Line 10play in recreation, local economies, and ecological health, the
Page 8, Line 11division shall develop a comprehensive river recreation program
Page 8, Line 12with the goals of equitable access, responsible stewardship,
Page 8, Line 13private property protection, aquatic health, and enhanced safety measures for state residents and visitors.
Page 8, Line 14(2) In establishing the river recreation program, the division shall:
Page 8, Line 15(a) Build a statewide coalition of river recreation,
Page 8, Line 16stewardship, and safety managers and advocates to ensure
Page 8, Line 17active participation by stakeholders to help shape the future of the state's river recreation policies;
Page 8, Line 18(b) Coordinate with basin roundtables created pursuant
Page 8, Line 19to section 37-75-104, stream management planning groups,
Page 8, Line 20outdoor regional partnerships, local governments, private
Page 8, Line 21landowners, and other regional entities and stakeholders to
Page 9, Line 1align river recreation efforts with existing water management strategies;
Page 9, Line 2(c) Align river recreation management with state and
Page 9, Line 3regional water planning efforts to ensure that recreation
Page 9, Line 4opportunities complement conservation priorities and address the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems;
Page 9, Line 5(d) Identify high-priority rivers and recreation areas to
Page 9, Line 6support infrastructure improvements, conservation measures, and safety enhancements;
Page 9, Line 7(e) Enhance river data collection, mapping, and public
Page 9, Line 8access to information to support project planning, visitor use
Page 9, Line 9management, and safe river access by establishing a centralized system to share information on river conditions; and
Page 9, Line 10(f) Promote river safety and stewardship opportunities
Page 9, Line 11through initiatives such as hazard removal, signage improvements, and collaborative partnerships.
Page 9, Line 12(3) In implementing this section, the division shall
Page 9, Line 13collaborate with the Colorado water conservation board
Page 9, Line 14created in section 37-60-102, the outdoor recreation industry
Page 9, Line 15office created in section 24-48.5-129, and applicable state
Page 9, Line 16agencies, federal agencies, tribal governments, local governments, or other stakeholders.
Page 9, Line 17SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 33-11-102, add (4) as follows:
Page 9, Line 1833-11-102. Legislative declaration. (4) A further purpose of
Page 9, Line 19this article 11 is to promote the establishment and operation of
Page 9, Line 20a nonmotorized trails program and a year-round motorized
Page 10, Line 1trails program to support the planning, development, and
Page 10, Line 2stewardship of trail systems designed for nonmotorized and
Page 10, Line 3motorized use, respectively. The nonmotorized trails program
Page 10, Line 4and year-round motorized trails program should be established
Page 10, Line 5and operated in a manner that protects, preserves, enhances,
Page 10, Line 6and manages the natural, scenic, and recreational areas of the state.
Page 10, Line 7SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 33-11-108, add (6) as follows:
Page 10, Line 833-11-108. State trails system. (6) In establishing a state
Page 10, Line 9trails system pursuant to this section, the division shall
Page 10, Line 10implement a coordinated approach to nonmotorized and
Page 10, Line 11year-round motorized trails to ensure a cohesive and
Page 10, Line 12comprehensive statewide trails network that is planned
Page 10, Line 13through collaborative processes to achieve state conservation
Page 10, Line 14and recreation goals, align with Colorado's statewide vision
Page 10, Line 15for balancing recreation and conservation, and employ best
Page 10, Line 16practices for state land managers, trail advocates, and conservationists engaged in trail planning.
Page 10, Line 17SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 33-11-109, amend (2) and (3) as follows:
Page 10, Line 1833-11-109. Trail categories - rules. (2) (a) The planning and
Page 10, Line 19designation of trails for the state trails system shall take into account and
Page 10, Line 20give due regard to the interests of federal agencies, state agencies, tribal governments, individuals, and interested recreation organizations.
Page 10, Line 21(b) The categories set forth in subsection (1) of this section need
Page 10, Line 22not be used to label specific trails, but the division shall
assurePage 11, Line 1that full consideration is given to including trails from all categories within the system.
Page 11, Line 2(c) The division shall ensure that full consideration is
Page 11, Line 3given to including nonmotorized and year-round motorized trails within the system.
Page 11, Line 4(3) The commission, through the division, is authorized to conduct
Page 11, Line 5studies and to
promulgatePage 11, Line 6establishing and managing the Colorado greenway trails system. The
Page 11, Line 7commission shall consult and cooperate with the Colorado water
Page 11, Line 8conservation board, the transportation commission, the Colorado water
Page 11, Line 9resources and power development authority, and all other appropriate
Page 11, Line 10units of state government and political subdivisions of the state, including
Page 11, Line 11any county, city, city and county, and water conservation and conservancy
Page 11, Line 12district; any other public and private persons;
andPage 11, Line 13agencies; and any appropriate tribal governments, to establish a
Page 11, Line 14Colorado greenway trails system and nonmotorized and motorized
Page 11, Line 15trails programs that
minimizesPage 11, Line 16SECTION 7. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act
Page 11, Line 17takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the
Page 11, Line 18ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except
Page 11, Line 19that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V
Page 11, Line 20of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this
Page 11, Line 21act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take
Page 11, Line 22effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in
Page 11, Line 23November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the
Page 11, Line 24official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.