A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning measures to enhance outdoor recreation
Page 1, Line 102opportunities in the state, and, in connection
Page 1, Line 103therewith, expanding the division of parks and
Page 1, Line 104wildlife's capacity for outdoor recreation
Page 1, Line 105coordination, planning, and management.
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 requires the division of parks and wildlife (division) in the department of natural resources to expand the division's capacity for outdoor recreation coordination, planning, and management and take a leading role in state-level coordination, strategic planning, and implementation of Colorado's outdoors strategy. The division is directed to, among other things, engage with relevant partners, stakeholders, and agencies to coordinate and incorporate wildlife, conservation, recreation, and climate-resilience considerations across agency planning and decision-making processes.
In addition, the division is required to support, in consultation with relevant entities, the planning, development, and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting private property rights, wildlife, and natural resources.
The bill also requires the division to create, and update at least annually, integrated regional outdoor recreation and conservation planning reports to inform division awareness and operational decision-making.
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 Outdoor Opportunities Act".
Page 2, Line 4SECTION 2. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly
Page 2, Line 5finds and declares that:
Page 2, Line 6(a) It is the policy of the state of Colorado that the state's
Page 2, Line 7unparalleled landscapes, wildlife, public lands, and outdoor experiences
Page 2, Line 8be protected, conserved, and enhanced for the benefit and enjoyment of
Page 2, Line 9current and future generations, while protecting the state's agricultural
Page 2, Line 10heritage and private property rights;
Page 2, Line 11(b) Outdoor recreation, access to quality outdoor experiences, and
Page 2, Line 12the conservation of lands and wildlife habitats, all within the context of
Page 2, Line 13a changing climate and growing population, are vital components in
Page 2, Line 14ensuring a thriving future for Colorado's outdoors;
Page 2, Line 15(c) Outdoor recreation is fundamental to Colorado's economy,
Page 2, Line 16culture, and identity, contributing to public health, community well-being,
Page 2, Line 17and the development of lifelong connections to the outdoors. Outdoor
Page 3, Line 1recreation annually contributes $65.8 billion to Colorado's economy and
Page 3, Line 2supports 404,000 jobs, over 12% of the entire labor force in Colorado.
Page 3, Line 3Ensuring safe, high-quality outdoor experiences is essential to sustaining
Page 3, Line 4the state's outdoor heritage.
Page 3, Line 5(d) Connecting youth to outdoor experiences is vital for ensuring
Page 3, Line 6the long-term well-being of the state's residents, since research
Page 3, Line 7demonstrates that outdoor engagement supports improved cognitive
Page 3, Line 8abilities, fosters creativity and resilience, and is essential for promoting
Page 3, Line 9public health and reducing stress;
Page 3, Line 10(e) Colorado's outdoors face significant and urgent pressures from
Page 3, Line 11growing populations, human disturbance, and development, alongside
Page 3, Line 12severe climate-driven impacts such as wildfires, drought, and rising
Page 3, Line 13temperatures;
Page 3, Line 14(f) Thoughtful planning and management of outdoor recreation
Page 3, Line 15can support conservation goals by reducing resource impacts, improving
Page 3, Line 16stewardship, and sustaining the long-term health of the state's public
Page 3, Line 17lands;
Page 3, Line 18(g) As more visitors and Coloradans participate in all forms of
Page 3, Line 19outdoor recreation, it is important to advance exceptional recreation
Page 3, Line 20experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and sustainable so that future
Page 3, Line 21generations may continue to enjoy the state's world-class outdoor
Page 3, Line 22opportunities;
Page 3, Line 23(h) To effectively manage these challenges, the state must
Page 3, Line 24strengthen collaboration across conservation, wildlife, agriculture, and
Page 3, Line 25recreation partners, local governments, tribal nations, and federal land
Page 3, Line 26managers; develop shared tools and data; and align funding to support
Page 3, Line 27voluntary, strategic actions that sustain high-quality recreation
Page 4, Line 1opportunities while maintaining resilient landscapes, wildlife habitat,
Page 4, Line 2working lands, and community values for all Coloradans;
Page 4, Line 3(i) Colorado's outdoors strategy, developed by the department of
Page 4, Line 4natural resources, the division of parks and wildlife, great outdoors
Page 4, Line 5Colorado, the office of climate preparedness in the governor's office, and
Page 4, Line 6the outdoor recreation industry office in the office of economic
Page 4, Line 7development, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, provides
Page 4, Line 8the necessary statewide vision and coordination to advance conservation,
Page 4, Line 9climate resilience, and outdoor recreation opportunities;
Page 4, Line 10(j) The general assembly recognizes the role that the Colorado
Page 4, Line 11outdoor regional partnerships initiative, created by the governor's
Page 4, Line 12executive order B 2020 008, plays in convening vital perspectives,
Page 4, Line 13partners, and expertise in land conservation, land use, and recreation
Page 4, Line 14planning. The initiative is a locally driven and powerful platform for early
Page 4, Line 15and proactive coordination among stakeholders, helping to identify shared
Page 4, Line 16priorities, reduce conflict, and advance tangible outcomes for outdoor
Page 4, Line 17recreation and conservation statewide.
Page 4, Line 18(k) Meaningful engagement with tribal nations is important, and
Page 4, Line 19the collaborative framework developed in Colorado's outdoors strategy
Page 4, Line 20is crucial to support ongoing tribal participation in statewide outdoor
Page 4, Line 21recreation and conservation efforts;
Page 4, Line 22(l) The outdoor recreation industry office plays a vital role in
Page 4, Line 23advancing outdoor recreation. The mission of the office is to champion
Page 4, Line 24industry, communities, and people through Colorado's great outdoors. The
Page 4, Line 25office is a vital partner for the division of parks and wildlife in
Page 4, Line 26coordinating outdoor recreation industry partnerships and supporting the
Page 4, Line 27division in planning and outcomes for the advancement of exceptional
Page 5, Line 1and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities.
Page 5, Line 2(m) With approximately 60% of Colorado land in private
Page 5, Line 3ownership, working with private landowners is also essential to the
Page 5, Line 4success of Colorado's outdoors strategy, and it is important to ensure that
Page 5, Line 5agricultural interests, private landowners, and local governments are
Page 5, Line 6integrally involved in state efforts; wildlife habitats are protected; and
Page 5, Line 7private property rights are upheld as conservation and recreation
Page 5, Line 8management decisions are made;
Page 5, Line 9(n) The division of parks and wildlife possesses a long history of
Page 5, Line 10outdoor recreation planning, management, and recreational asset delivery
Page 5, Line 11through its state parks system, which serves as a significant source of
Page 5, Line 12exceptional and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities. The
Page 5, Line 13division's responsibilities extend beyond state park boundaries and
Page 5, Line 14encompass outdoor recreation coordination, wildlife conservation, and
Page 5, Line 15support for partners managing lands across all jurisdictions. As a leader
Page 5, Line 16in outdoor recreation management, the division is well-positioned to play
Page 5, Line 17a critical coordinating role in advancing outdoor recreation planning and
Page 5, Line 18management statewide, beyond the boundaries of its current 43 state
Page 5, Line 19parks.
Page 5, Line 20(o) The division of parks and wildlife assumes lead responsibility
Page 5, Line 21as the state's coordinating entity for advancing implementation of
Page 5, Line 22Colorado's outdoors strategy, in partnership with the department of
Page 5, Line 23natural resources, great outdoors Colorado, the outdoor recreation
Page 5, Line 24industry office, the office of climate preparedness, and other state and
Page 5, Line 25local partners. In this role, the division facilitates early and proactive
Page 5, Line 26coordination and planning among agencies and stakeholders to reduce
Page 5, Line 27conflict, improve efficiency, and ensure accountability in advancing its
Page 6, Line 1goals and vision to find mutually beneficial outcomes that support and
Page 6, Line 2maintain Colorado's world-class outdoor recreation and natural resources.
Page 6, Line 3(2) The general assembly further finds the need to expand and
Page 6, Line 4strengthen the division of parks and wildlife's capacity for the
Page 6, Line 5coordination, planning, development, and management of Colorado's
Page 6, Line 6outdoor recreation to ensure the state's recreation opportunities provide
Page 6, Line 7high-quality visitor experiences that are responsibly managed to align
Page 6, Line 8natural resources, wildlife, agricultural heritage, private property, and
Page 6, Line 9public safety. The general assembly further recognizes the growing need
Page 6, Line 10for the division to support recreation management and stewardship on
Page 6, Line 11federal public lands, which necessitates increased staff capacity and
Page 6, Line 12enhanced coordination with federal land management agencies.
Page 6, Line 13SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 33-10-102, add (2.5),
Page 6, Line 14(2.7), (7.5), (10.5), and (13.5) as follows:
Page 6, Line 1533-10-102. Definitions.
Page 6, Line 16As used in articles 10 to 15 of this title 33, unless the context
Page 6, Line 17otherwise requires:
Page 6, Line 18(2.5) "Colorado's outdoors strategy" means the strategy
Page 6, Line 19developed collaboratively by the division and coordinating
Page 6, Line 20partners and stakeholders to advance coordination, tools, and
Page 6, Line 21funding to align, prioritize, and implement strategic actions to
Page 6, Line 22support conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate
Page 6, Line 23resilience in the state.
Page 6, Line 24(2.7) "Coordinating partners" means the department,
Page 6, Line 25great outdoors Colorado, the outdoor recreation industry
Page 6, Line 26office, and the office of climate preparedness.
Page 6, Line 27(7.5) "Great outdoors Colorado" means the great
Page 7, Line 1outdoors Colorado program established by article XXVII of the
Page 7, Line 2state constitution and implemented pursuant to article 60 of
Page 7, Line 3this title 33.
Page 7, Line 4(10.5) "Office of climate preparedness" means the office of
Page 7, Line 5climate preparedness created in section 24-38.8-102 (1).
Page 7, Line 6(13.5) "Outdoor recreation industry office" means the
Page 7, Line 7outdoor recreation industry office created in section
Page 7, Line 824-48.5-129.
Page 7, Line 9SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 33-10-119 as
Page 7, Line 10follows:
Page 7, Line 1133-10-119. Parks and outdoor recreation capacity - outdoor
Page 7, Line 12recreation coordination, planning, and management - duties of the
Page 7, Line 13division - planning reports - legislative declaration.
Page 7, Line 14(1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
Page 7, Line 15(a) It is important that the division perpetuate the wildlife
Page 7, Line 16resources of the state, provide a high-quality state parks
Page 7, Line 17system, and provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor
Page 7, Line 18recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and
Page 7, Line 19future generations to serve as active stewards of the state's
Page 7, Line 20natural resources;
Page 7, Line 21(b) The division, pursuant to section 33-9-101, provides a
Page 7, Line 22comprehensive program designed to offer the greatest possible
Page 7, Line 23variety of recreation opportunities to state residents and
Page 7, Line 24visitors; and
Page 7, Line 25(c) The division is best positioned to serve as the state's
Page 7, Line 26coordinating entity for advancing implementation of
Page 7, Line 27Colorado's outdoors strategy, in collaboration with
Page 8, Line 1coordinating partners and other state, federal, and local
Page 8, Line 2partners; tribal government partners; and interested
Page 8, Line 3stakeholders, including local communities, private landowners,
Page 8, Line 4recreation stakeholders, conservation stakeholders,
Page 8, Line 5agricultural stakeholders, and wildlife and sportsperson
Page 8, Line 6stakeholders. In this role, the division should facilitate
Page 8, Line 7planning and data coordination among partners and
Page 8, Line 8stakeholders to support coordination and accountability in
Page 8, Line 9advancing the strategy's goals and vision.
Page 8, Line 10(2) The division shall develop and maintain the
Page 8, Line 11organizational capacity sufficient to effectively execute the
Page 8, Line 12duties and responsibilities described in this section.
Page 8, Line 13(3) The division shall:
Page 8, Line 14(a) Ensure that outdoor recreation needs are prioritized
Page 8, Line 15and represented within the leadership of the division; and
Page 8, Line 16(b) Develop the capacity of the division to increase
Page 8, Line 17coordination between outdoor recreation, wildlife, and
Page 8, Line 18climate-resilience efforts and interagency planning and
Page 8, Line 19activities.
Page 8, Line 20(4) In implementing subsections (2) and (3) of this section,
Page 8, Line 21the division shall focus on the following goals:
Page 8, Line 22(a) Strengthening the division's capacity for coordinated
Page 8, Line 23recreation management, particularly at the regional level, to
Page 8, Line 24anticipate and work through potential conflicts, by
Page 8, Line 25coordinating and incorporating wildlife, conservation,
Page 8, Line 26recreation, and climate-resilience considerations across
Page 8, Line 27division planning and decision-making and in alignment with
Page 9, Line 1local perspectives;
Page 9, Line 2(b) Proactively engaging with state, federal, and local
Page 9, Line 3partners; tribal government partners; and interested
Page 9, Line 4stakeholders, including local communities, private landowners,
Page 9, Line 5recreation stakeholders, conservation stakeholders,
Page 9, Line 6agricultural stakeholders, and wildlife and sportsperson
Page 9, Line 7stakeholders, to ensure that all perspectives and areas of
Page 9, Line 8expertise are considered in the division's planning and
Page 9, Line 9management processes;
Page 9, Line 10(c) Advancing and formalizing internal processes to
Page 9, Line 11better integrate recreation opportunities and resource
Page 9, Line 12management into the division's core operations, ensuring
Page 9, Line 13coordination between recreation access and wildlife and
Page 9, Line 14habitat stewardship;
Page 9, Line 15(d) Coordinating and balancing the division's
Page 9, Line 16participation in external processes, including public planning,
Page 9, Line 17federal land management, and legislative engagement, to
Page 9, Line 18ensure that recreation, wildlife, conservation, and community
Page 9, Line 19priorities are consistently represented;
Page 9, Line 20(e) Collaborating closely with coordinating partners to
Page 9, Line 21lead engagement with other state agencies to advance a
Page 9, Line 22coordinated and unified approach to enhancing outdoor
Page 9, Line 23recreation opportunities, management, and planning at the
Page 9, Line 24state level;
Page 9, Line 25(f) Proactively engaging with tribal nations through the
Page 9, Line 26framework collaboratively developed in Colorado's outdoors
Page 9, Line 27strategy, ensuring that tribal perspectives and priorities are
Page 10, Line 1meaningfully incorporated into statewide planning and
Page 10, Line 2coordination processes; and
Page 10, Line 3(g) Serving as a clearinghouse for information on best
Page 10, Line 4practices, tools, and strategies, including through
Page 10, Line 5advancement of the Colorado outdoors strategy toolkit, to
Page 10, Line 6support interdisciplinary and inclusive planning processes at all
Page 10, Line 7levels.
Page 10, Line 8(5) Consistent with the mission and directives of the
Page 10, Line 9division outlined in this article 10, and as the state agency with
Page 10, Line 10primary coordinating responsibility for outdoor recreation
Page 10, Line 11planning, sustainable visitor use management, and regional
Page 10, Line 12partnership coordination, the division shall:
Page 10, Line 13(a) Provide proactive approaches to visitor use
Page 10, Line 14management to foster outcomes that support improved outdoor
Page 10, Line 15recreation opportunities and experiences, natural resource
Page 10, Line 16conservation, and protection of wildlife habitats and working
Page 10, Line 17lands; and
Page 10, Line 18(b) In alignment with Colorado's outdoors strategy,
Page 10, Line 19support the planning, development, and maintenance of outdoor
Page 10, Line 20recreation facilities, infrastructure, and access improvements
Page 10, Line 21statewide, with the goal of enhancing sustainable and
Page 10, Line 22exceptional outdoor opportunities while protecting private
Page 10, Line 23property rights, wildlife, and natural resources.
Page 10, Line 24(6) Consistent with the division's mission and the
Page 10, Line 25objectives of Colorado's outdoors strategy, the division shall
Page 10, Line 26work to advance sustainable outdoor recreation, wildlife
Page 10, Line 27conservation, and climate resilience outcomes through
Page 11, Line 1collaboration, data integration, proactive planning, and
Page 11, Line 2reporting. To fulfill its duties related to statewide outdoor
Page 11, Line 3coordination, the division shall:
Page 11, Line 4(a) Lead and coordinate across state, local, and federal
Page 11, Line 5partners and tribal nations participating in regional outdoor
Page 11, Line 6partnerships and related voluntary efforts associated with
Page 11, Line 7Colorado's outdoors strategy; and
Page 11, Line 8(b) (I) Develop and maintain a recurring internal
Page 11, Line 9coordination and reporting process, including by creating
Page 11, Line 10planning reports, to integrate data, priorities, and outcomes
Page 11, Line 11from wildlife, recreation, climate resilience, and regional
Page 11, Line 12outdoor partnership efforts, ensuring alignment with the goals
Page 11, Line 13of Colorado's outdoors strategy and other division efforts
Page 11, Line 14both regionally and across the division. In creating planning
Page 11, Line 15reports, the division shall:
Page 11, Line 16(A) Integrate and summarize key metrics, outcomes,
Page 11, Line 17opportunities, needs, and performance indicators from statewide
Page 11, Line 18and regional initiatives;
Page 11, Line 19(B) Collaborate with state, federal, and local partners;
Page 11, Line 20tribal government partners; and interested stakeholders,
Page 11, Line 21including local communities, private landowners, recreation
Page 11, Line 22stakeholders, conservation stakeholders, agricultural
Page 11, Line 23stakeholders, and wildlife and sportsperson stakeholders;
Page 11, Line 24(C) Establish processes with state government entities
Page 11, Line 25and associated partners, such as the outdoor recreation
Page 11, Line 26industry office and the great outdoors Colorado program, to
Page 11, Line 27improve coordination and efficiency across agency partners;
Page 12, Line 1(D) Apply proactive and adaptive approaches to the
Page 12, Line 2development of exceptional and sustainable outdoor recreation
Page 12, Line 3opportunities to support long-term resource viability;
Page 12, Line 4(E) Identify areas of alignment and potential conflict
Page 12, Line 5among recreation, wildlife, conservation, agricultural, and
Page 12, Line 6community priorities and facilitate collaborative
Page 12, Line 7problem-solving processes with relevant partners to support
Page 12, Line 8mutually beneficial outcomes;
Page 12, Line 9(F) Employ data-informed management strategies for
Page 12, Line 10planning and investment in public lands and regional outdoor
Page 12, Line 11recreation resources to support shared understanding and
Page 12, Line 12informed decision-making among partners;
Page 12, Line 13(G) Incorporate climate-resilience strategies for
Page 12, Line 14regional outdoor recreation and conservation planning to
Page 12, Line 15advance the resilience and adaptability of the state's natural
Page 12, Line 16and community assets; and
Page 12, Line 17(H) Coordinate across the division to ensure the best
Page 12, Line 18available information, input, and collaboration. In particular,
Page 12, Line 19the division shall ensure coordination between wildlife,
Page 12, Line 20recreation, and climate-resilience efforts within the division.
Page 12, Line 21(II) The division shall:
Page 12, Line 22(A) Refer to the planning reports described in subsection
Page 12, Line 23(6)(b)(I) of this section to inform division planning, outreach,
Page 12, Line 24investment, and management activities; and
Page 12, Line 25(B) Update the planning reports at least annually to
Page 12, Line 26reflect the latest knowledge and any associated planning
Page 12, Line 27updates and facilitate improved awareness and coordination
Page 13, Line 1within the division and among the division and other agencies.
Page 13, Line 2(7) Nothing in this section:
Page 13, Line 3(a) Requires action or participation from a private or
Page 13, Line 4non-state-government entity; or
Page 13, Line 5(b) Grants the division decision-making authority over
Page 13, Line 6matters that are within another entity's jurisdiction.
Page 13, Line 7SECTION 5. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act
Page 13, Line 8takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the
Page 13, Line 9ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly (August
Page 13, Line 1012, 2026, if adjournment sine die is on May 13, 2026); except that, if a
Page 13, Line 11referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the
Page 13, Line 12state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act
Page 13, Line 13within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect
Page 13, Line 14unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in
Page 13, Line 15November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the
Page 13, Line 16official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.