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Second Regular Session
Seventy-fifth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
REENGROSSED
This Version Includes All Amendments
Adopted in the House of Introduction
LLS NO. 26-0502.01 Clare Haffner x6137 HOUSE BILL 26-1008
House Committees Senate Committees
Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources
Appropriations
A BILL FOR AN ACT
CONCERNING MEASURES TO EN HANCE OUTDOOR RECREATION101
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE STATE , AND , IN CONNECTION102
THEREWITH, EXPANDING THE DIVISION OF PARKS AND103
WILDLIFE 'S CAPACITY FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION104
COORDINATION, PLANNING, AND MANAGEMENT, AND MAKING AN105
APPROPRIATION.106
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
HOUSE
3rd Reading Unamended
March 9, 2026
HOUSE
Amended 2nd Reading
March 6, 2026
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Lukens and Taggart, Bacon, Boesenecker, Brown, Camacho, Clifford, Duran, Espenoza,
Froelich, Goldstein, Hamrick, Joseph, Lieder , Lindsay, Mauro, McCluskie, McCormick,
Nguyen, Paschal, Phillips, Rutinel, Smith, Stewart K., Story, Woodrow
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Marchman and Rich,
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law.
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.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. Short title. The short title of this act is the2
"Colorado Outdoor Opportunities Act".3
SECTION 2. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly4
finds and declares that:5
(a) It is the policy of the state of Colorado that the state's6
unparalleled landscapes, wildlife, public lands, and outdoor experiences7
be protected, conserved, and enhanced for the benefit and enjoyment of8
current and future generations, while protecting the state's agricultural9
heritage and private property rights;10
(b) Outdoor recreation, access to quality outdoor experiences, and11
the conservation of lands and wildlife habitats, all within the context of12
a changing climate and growing population, are vital components in13
ensuring a thriving future for Colorado's outdoors;14
(c) Outdoor recreation is f undamental to Co lorado's economy,15
culture, and identity, contributing to public health, community well-being,16
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and the development of lifelong connections to the outdoors. Outdoor1
recreation annually contributes $65.8 billion to Colorado's economy and2
supports 404,000 jobs, over 12% of the entire labor force in Colorado. 3
(d) Outdoor recreation's significant economic, fiscal, and4
community benefits across the state include revenue that supports public5
services, infrastructure, and investments, from transportation to child care6
and mental health services, that contribute to the health, safety, and7
welfare of Coloradans. It is important that these benefits be equitably8
distributed throughout the state to the extent possible.9
(e) Ensuring safe, high-quality outdoor experiences through10
purposeful planning, coordination, and management is essential to11
sustaining the state's outdoor heritage;12
(f) Connecting youth to outdoor experiences is vital for ensuring13
the long-term well-being of the state's residents, since research14
demonstrates that outdoor engagement supports improved cognitive15
abilities, fosters creativity and resilience, and is essential for promoting16
public health and reducing stress, and many communities face barriers to17
accessing the outdoors and the benefits of spending time in nature; 18
(g) Colorado's outdoors face significant and urgent pressures from19
growing populations, human disturbance, and development, alongside20
severe climate-driven impacts such as wildfires, drought, and rising21
temperatures. It is essential that the state play an active role in22
appropriately managing these pressures to ensure Colorado's outdoors are23
available for future generations.24
(h) Thoughtful planning and management of outdoor recreation25
and associated infrastructure should consider economic, fiscal, and26
service-related impacts on local communities and regions and can support27
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conservation goals by reducing resource impacts, improving stewardship,1
and sustaining the long-term health of the state's public lands; 2
(i) Colorado has a long-standing tradition of managing public3
lands and working landscapes to support a range of compatible uses and4
affirms that coordinated outdoor recreation management can occur5
alongside conservation, agricultural operations, and other land uses in6
ways that support long-term resource stewardship and community values;7
(j) As more visitors and Coloradans participate in all forms of8
outdoor recreation, it is important to advance exceptional recreation9
experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and sustainable so that future10
generations may continue to enjoy the state's world-class outdoor11
opportunities;12
(k) To effectively manage these challenges, the state must13
formalize and strengthen collaboration across conservation, wildlife,14
agriculture, and recreation partners, local governments, Tribal15
governments, and federal land managers, including by soliciting rural16
perspectives; develop shared tools and data; advance coordinated17
planning that recognizes that Colorado's public and private lands support18
multiple uses; and align funding to support voluntary, strategic actions19
that sustain high-quality recreation opportunities while maintaining20
resilient landscapes, wildlife habitat, working lands, and community21
values for all Coloradans;22
(l) Colorado's outdoors strategy, developed by the department of23
natural resources, the division of parks and wildlife, great outdoors24
Colorado, the office of climate preparedness in the governor's office, and25
the outdoor recreation industry office in the office of economic26
development, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, provides27
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the necessary statewide vision and coordination to advance conservation,1
climate resilience, and outdoor recreation opportunities. One strength of2
Colorado's outdoors strategy is its voluntary approach that allows partners3
to leverage opportunities that support locally determined needs.4
(m) The general assembly recognizes the role that the Colorado5
outdoor regional partnerships initiative, created by the governor's6
executive order B 2020 008, plays in convening vital perspectives,7
partners, and expertise in land conservation, land use, and recreation8
planning. The initiative is a locally driven and powerful platform for early9
and proactive coordination among stakeholders, helping to identify shared10
priorities, reduce conflict, and advance tangible outcomes for outdoor11
recreation and conservation statewide. It is the intent of the general12
assembly that the initiative remains a voluntary and locally derived13
process with opportunities for stakeholder engagement, including county14
governments.15
(n) The division of parks and wildlife engages and will continue16
to engage in formal consultation with Tribal governments, including the17
Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, which are the18
two federally recognized tribes with reservations in Colorado, when the19
division is requested to do so and when issues of importance to Tribal20
governments arise, which issues concern outdoor recreation or division21
actions on state public lands that may affect Tribal sovereignty or treaty22
rights of the Tribal governments in Colorado, including history, culture,23
and natural and cultural resources;24
(o) Meaningful engagement with tribal nations is important, and25
the collaborative framework developed in Colorado's outdoors strategy26
is crucial to support ongoing tribal participation in statewide outdoor27
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recreation and conservation efforts;1
(p) The outdoor recreation industry office plays a vital role in2
advancing outdoor recreation. The mission of the office is to champion3
industry, communities, and people through Colorado's great outdoors. The4
office is a vital partner for the division of parks and wildlife in5
coordinating outdoor recreation industry partnerships and supporting the6
division in planning and outcomes for the advancement of exceptional7
and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. 8
(q) Local governments are critical partners in outdoor recreation9
planning, coordination, and management, and recreation impacts10
communities in different ways. The rapid increase in demand for outdoor11
recreation is challenging local governments' ability to maintain access and12
provide related services. For example, counties and municipalities13
frequently experience increased and unique demands related to outdoor14
recreation, including emergency services. Counties are well suited to15
convene area partners and play a critical role in identifying and16
addressing localized impacts of recreation, and state coordination should17
incorporate local perspectives to reduce unintended burdens on18
community infrastructure and services. It is essential that the state work19
in partnership with local governments to manage these impacts and20
advance locally driven visions for outdoor recreation.21
(r) With approximately 60% of Colorado land in private22
ownership, working with private landowners is also essential to the23
success of Colorado's outdoors strategy, and it is important to ensure that24
agricultural interests, private landowners, including private landowners25
adjacent to outdoor recreation development, and local governments are26
integrally involved in state efforts; wildlife habitats are protected; and27
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private property rights are upheld as conservation and recreation1
management decisions are made;2
(s) The division of parks and wildlife possesses a long history of3
outdoor recreation planning, management, and recreational asset delivery4
through its state parks system, which serves as a significant source of5
exceptional and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities. The6
division's responsibilities extend beyond state park boundaries and7
encompass outdoor recreation coordination, wildlife conservation, and8
support for partners managing lands across all jurisdictions. As a leader9
in outdoor recreation management, the division is well-positioned to play10
a critical coordinating role in advancing outdoor recreation planning and11
management statewide, beyond the boundaries of its current 43 state12
parks. It is the intent of the general assembly to formalize the division's13
role in meeting these responsibilities, without diminishing the division's14
long-standing responsibilities.15
(t) The division of parks and wildlife assumes lead responsibility16
as the state's coordinating entity for advancing implementation of17
Colorado's outdoors strategy, in partnership with the department of18
natural resources, great outdoors Colorado, the outdoor recreation19
industry office, the office of climate preparedness, and other state and20
local government partners. In this role, the division facilitates early and21
proactive coordination and planning among agencies and stakeholders to22
reduce conflict, improve efficiency, and ensure accountability in23
advancing its goals and vision to find mutually beneficial outcomes that24
support and maintain Colorado's world-class outdoor recreation and25
natural resources.26
(2) The general assembly further finds the need to expand and27
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strengthen the division of parks and wildlife's capacity for the1
coordination, planning, development, and management of Colorado's2
outdoor recreation to ensure the state's recreation opportunities provide3
high-quality visitor experiences that are responsibly managed to align4
natural resources, wildlife, agricultural heritage, private property, and5
public safety. The general assembly further recognizes that 36% of6
Colorado is federal public land and a significant amount of recreation in7
Colorado occurs on federal public lands; therefore, there is a growing8
need for the division to support recreation management and stewardship9
on federal public lands, which necessitates increased staff capacity and10
enhanced coordination with federal land management agencies, without11
expenditures from the wildlife cash fund created in section 33-1-11212
(1)(a), Colorado Revised Statutes.13
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 33-10-102, add (1.5),14
(2.5), (2.7), (2.9), (7.5), (10.5), and (13.5) as follows:15
33-10-102. Definitions.16
As used in articles 10 to 15 of this title 33, unless the context17
otherwise requires: 18
(1.5) "ACCESSIBLE EXPERIENCES" MEANS OUTDOOR RECREATION19
OPPORTUNITIES THAT LOWER BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION AND20
ENJOYMENT, SUCH AS BY MEETING THE NEEDS OF DISPROPORTIONATELY21
IMPACTED COMMUNITIES , GEOGRAPHICALLY DIVERSE OR22
UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES , OR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING23
DISABILITIES, WITH THE GOAL OF ENABLING EVERYONE TO EXPLORE THE24
OUTDOORS AND BE PART OF THE LARGER COMMUNITY REGARDLESS OF25
MOBILITY OR OTHER LIMITATIONS.26
(2.5) "COLORADO'S OUTDOORS STRATEGY" MEANS "COLORADO'S27
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OUTDOORS STRATEGY: A COLLABORATIVE VISION FOR CONSERVATION,1
OUTDOOR RECREATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE (2025)", PREPARED, IN2
COLLABORATION WITH A BROAD RANGE OF PARTNERS, BY THE3
DEPARTMENT, THE DIVISION, GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO, THE OUTDOOR4
RECREATION INDUSTRY OFFICE, THE OFFICE OF CLIMATE PREPAREDNESS,5
AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, AND ANY SUBSEQUENT UPDATES. 6
(2.7) "C OORDINATING PARTNERS " MEANS THE DEPARTMENT ,7
GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO, THE OUTDOOR RECREATION INDUSTRY8
OFFICE, AND THE OFFICE OF CLIMATE PREPAREDNESS. 9
(2.9) "EXCEPTIONAL AND SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR RECREATION"10
MEANS THE BROAD RANGE OF NATURE- AND PLACE-BASED EXPERIENCES11
THAT ARE ENJOYED BY A DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE AND THAT PROVIDE12
HIGH-QUALITY, INCLUSIVE, AND ACCESSIBLE EXPERIENCES FOR PRESENT13
AND FUTURE GENERATIONS WHILE RESPECTING THE LONG-TERM14
ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES , WILDLIFE15
POPULATIONS, WORKING LANDS, AND COMMUNITIES UPON WHICH THOSE16
EXPERIENCES DEPEND.17
(7.5) "G REAT OUTDOORS COLORADO" MEANS THE GREAT18
OUTDOORS COLORADO PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY ARTICLE XXVII OF THE19
STATE CONSTITUTION AND IMPLEMENTED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 60 OF20
THIS TITLE 33.21
(10.5) "OFFICE OF CLIMATE PREPAREDNESS" MEANS THE OFFICE OF22
CLIMATE PREPAREDNESS CREATED IN SECTION 24-38.8-102 (1).23
(13.5) "O UTDOOR RECREATION INDUSTRY OFFICE " MEANS THE24
OUTDOOR RECREATION I NDUSTRY OFFICE CREATED IN SECTION25
24-48.5-129.26
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 33-10-119 as27
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follows:1
33-10-119. Parks and outdoor recreation capacity - outdoor2
recreation coordination, planning, and management - duties of the3
division - planning reports - legislative declaration.4
(1) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS AND DECLARES THAT:5
(a) IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE DIVISION PERPETUATE THE WILDLIFE6
RESOURCES OF THE STATE , PROVIDE A HIGH -QUALITY STATE PARKS7
SYSTEM, AND PROVIDE ENJOYABLE AND SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR8
RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES THAT EDUCATE AND INSPIRE CURRENT AND9
FUTURE GENERATIONS TO SERVE AS ACTIVE STEWARDS OF THE STATE 'S10
NATURAL RESOURCES;11
(b) THE DIVISION, PURSUANT TO SECTION 33-9-101, PROVIDES A12
COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM DESIGNED TO OFFER THE GREATEST POSSIBLE13
VARIETY OF EXCEPTIONAL AND SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR RECREATION14
OPPORTUNITIES TO STATE RESIDENTS AND VISITORS; AND15
(c) THE DIVISION IS BEST POSITIONED TO SERVE AS THE STATE 'S16
COORDINATING ENTITY FOR ADVANCING IMPLEMENTATION OF17
COLORADO 'S OUTDOORS STRATEGY , IN COLLABORATION WITH18
COORDINATING PARTNERS AND OTHER STATE , FEDERAL , AND LOCAL 19
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS ; TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS; AND INTERESTED20
STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING LOCAL COMMUNITIES, PRIVATE LANDOWNERS,21
RECREATION AND RECREATION PROVIDER STAKEHOLDERS, CONSERVATION22
STAKEHOLDERS, AGRICULTURAL STAKEHOLDERS , AND WILDLIFE AND23
SPORTSPERSON STAKEHOLDERS . IN THIS ROLE , THE DIVISION SHOULD24
FACILITATE PLANNING AND DATA COORDINATION AMONG PARTNERS AND25
STAKEHOLDERS TO SUPPORT COORDINATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN26
ADVANCING THE STRATEGY'S GOALS AND VISION.27
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(2) T HE DIVISION SHALL DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE1
ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY SUFFICIENT TO EFFECTIVELY EXECUTE THE2
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION.3
(3) THE DIVISION SHALL:4
(a) ENSURE THAT OUTDOOR RECREATION NEEDS ARE PRIORITIZED5
AND REPRESENTED WITHIN THE LEADERSHIP OF THE DIVISION; AND6
(b) D EVELOP THE CAPACITY OF THE DIVISION TO INCREASE7
COORDINATION BETWEEN OUTDOOR RECREATION ,WILDLIFE ,8
AGRICULTURAL, AND CLIMATE-RESILIENCE EFFORTS AND INTERAGENCY9
PLANNING AND ACTIVITIES.10
(4) IN IMPLEMENTING SUBSECTIONS (2) AND (3) OF THIS SECTION,11
THE DIVISION SHALL FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING GOALS:12
(a) STRENGTHENING THE DIVISION'S CAPACITY FOR COORDINATED13
RECREATION MANAGEMENT, PARTICULARLY AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL, TO14
ANTICIPATE AND WORK THROUGH POTENTIAL CONFLICTS , BY15
COORDINATING AND INCORPORATING WILDLIFE , CONSERVATION ,16
RECREATION, AND CLIMATE -RESILIENCE CONSIDERATIONS ACROSS17
DIVISION PLANNING AND DECISION -MAKING AND IN ALIGNMENT WITH18
LOCAL PERSPECTIVES;19
(b) PROACTIVELY ENGAGING WITH STATE, FEDERAL, AND LOCAL20
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS ; TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS; AND INTERESTED21
STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING LOCAL COMMUNITIES, PRIVATE LANDOWNERS,22
RECREATION AND RECREATION PROVIDER STAKEHOLDERS, CONSERVATION23
STAKEHOLDERS, STAKEHOLDERS REPRESENTING A DISPROPORTIONATELY24
IMPACTED COMMUNITY, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 24-4-109 (2)(b)(II),25
AGRICULTURAL STAKEHOLDERS , AND WILDLIFE AND SPORTSPERSON26
STAKEHOLDERS, TO ENSURE THAT ALL PERSPECTIVES AND AREAS OF27
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EXPERTISE ARE CONSIDERED IN THE DIVISION 'S PLANNING AND1
MANAGEMENT PROCESSES;2
(c) A DVANCING AND FORMALIZING INTERNAL PROCESSES TO3
BETTER INTEGRATE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCE4
MANAGEMENT INTO THE DIVISION 'S CORE OPERATIONS , ENSURING5
COORDINATION BETWEEN RECREATION ACCESS, AGRICULTURAL WORKING6
LANDS, AND WILDLIFE AND HABITAT STEWARDSHIP;7
(d) C OORDINATING AND BALANCING THE DIVISION 'S8
PARTICIPATION IN EXTERNAL PROCESSES , INCLUDING PUBLIC PLANNING,9
FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT , AND LEGISLATIVE ENGAGEMENT , TO10
ENSURE THAT RECREATION, WILDLIFE, CONSERVATION, AGRICULTURE, AND11
COMMUNITY PRIORITIES ARE CONSISTENTLY REPRESENTED;12
(e) COLLABORATING CLOSELY WITH COORDINATING PARTNERS TO13
LEAD ENGAGEMENT WITH OTHER STATE AGENCIES TO ADVANCE A14
COORDINATED AND UNIFIED APPROACH TO ENHANCING OUTDOOR15
RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES , MANAGEMENT , AND PLANNING AT THE16
STATE LEVEL;17
(f) P ROACTIVELY ENGAGING WITH TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS18
THROUGH THE FRAMEWORK COLLABORATIVELY DEVELOPED IN19
COLORADO 'S OUTDOORS STRATEGY , ENSURING THAT TRIBAL20
PERSPECTIVES AND PRIORITIES, TREATY RIGHTS, AND CULTURAL21
PRIORITIES ARE MEANINGFULLY INCORPORATED INTO STATEWIDE22
PLANNING AND COORDINATION PROCESSES; AND23
(g) S ERVING AS A CLEARINGHOUSE FOR INFORMATION ON24
VOLUNTARY BEST PRACTICES , TOOLS , AND STRATEGIES , INCLUDING25
THROUGH ADVANCEMENT OF THE COLORADO OUTDOORS STRATEGY26
TOOLKIT, TO SUPPORT INTERDISCIPLINARY AND INCLUSIVE PLANNING27
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PROCESSES AT ALL LEVELS.1
(5) C ONSISTENT WITH THE MISSION AND DIRECTIVES OF THE2
DIVISION OUTLINED IN THIS ARTICLE 10, AND AS THE STATE AGENCY WITH3
PRIMARY COORDINATING RESPONSIBILITY FOR EXCEPTIONAL AND4
SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLANNING , SUSTAINABLE VISITOR5
USE MANAGEMENT , AND REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP COORDINATION , THE6
DIVISION SHALL:7
(a) P ROVIDE PROACTIVE APPROACHES TO VISITOR USE8
MANAGEMENT, WHICH APPROACHES CONSIDER ON-THE-GROUND CAPACITY9
TO SUPPORT VISITOR USE MANAGEMENT , MAINTENANCE , AND10
COORDINATION, TO FOSTER OUTCOMES THAT SUPPORT IMPROVED11
OUTDOOR RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES , NATURAL12
RESOURCE CONSERVATION, AND PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE HABITATS AND13
WORKING LANDS; 14
(b) I N ALIGNMENT WITH COLORADO'S OUTDOORS STRATEGY ,15
SUPPORT THE PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND MAINTENANCE OF OUTDOOR16
RECREATION FACILITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS17
STATEWIDE, WITH THE GOAL OF ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE AND18
EXCEPTIONAL OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES WHILE PROTECTING PRIVATE19
PROPERTY RIGHTS, AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS ON WORKING LANDS,20
WILDLIFE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES;21
(c) C OORDINATE AND CONSULT WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO22
IDENTIFY POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE23
ASSOCIATED WITH OUTDOOR RECREATION USE, INCLUDING OPPORTUNITIES24
TO MITIGATE THESE IMPACTS, COMMUNICATE EXISTING FUNDING25
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DIVISION , AND GIVE26
APPROPRIATE CONSIDERATION TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES ,27
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JURISDICTIONAL AUTHORITIES, AND REGIONAL PLANNING EFFORTS TO1
ENSURE A COOPERATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO ACHIEVING2
OUTDOOR RECREATION PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT; AND3
(d) IN CARRYING OUT THE DUTIES DESCRIBED IN THIS SUBSECTION4
(5), APPLY AN INTEGRATED APPROACH THAT CONSIDERS OUTDOOR5
RECREATION ACCESS, VISITOR USE MANAGEMENT, CONSERVATION,6
WILDLIFE HABITAT, WORKING LANDS, AND LONG-TERM RESOURCE7
STEWARDSHIP SO THAT THESE USES, TAKEN TOGETHER, BEST MEET8
PRESENT AND FUTURE NEEDS WITHOUT PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT OF THE9
PRODUCTIVITY OR HEALTH OF THE STATE'S NATURAL RESOURCES, TO THE10
EXTENT PRACTICABLE AND CONSISTENT WITH STATE LAW.11
(6) C ONSISTENT WITH THE DIVISION 'S MISSION AND THE12
OBJECTIVES OF COLORADO'S OUTDOORS STRATEGY, THE DIVISION SHALL13
WORK TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR RECREATION , WILDLIFE14
CONSERVATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE OUTCOMES THROUGH15
COLLABORATION, DATA INTEGRATION, PROACTIVE PLANNING, STRATEGIC16
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT, AND REPORTING. TO FULFILL ITS DUTIES RELATED17
TO STATEWIDE OUTDOOR COORDINATION, THE DIVISION SHALL:18
(a) LEAD AND COORDINATE ACROSS STATE, LOCAL, AND FEDERAL19
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS AND TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS PARTICIPATING IN20
REGIONAL OUTDOOR PARTNERSHIPS PLANNING EFFORTS AND RELATED21
VOLUNTARY EFFORTS ASSOCIATED WITH COLORADO'S OUTDOORS22
STRATEGY; AND23
(b) (I) D EVELOP AND MAINTAIN A RECURRING INTERNAL24
COORDINATION AND REPORTING PROCESS , INCLUDING BY CREATING25
PLANNING REPORTS, TO INTEGRATE DATA , PRIORITIES, AND OUTCOMES26
FROM WILDLIFE , RECREATION , CLIMATE RESILIENCE , AND REGIONAL27
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OUTDOOR PARTNERSHIP EFFORTS, ENSURING ALIGNMENT WITH THE GOALS1
OF COLORADO'S OUTDOORS STRATEGY AND OTHER DIVISION EFFORTS2
BOTH REGIONALLY AND ACROSS THE DIVISION . IN CREATING PLANNING3
REPORTS, THE DIVISION SHALL:4
(A) I NTEGRATE AND SUMMARIZE KEY METRICS , OUTCOMES ,5
OPPORTUNITIES, NEEDS , PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, AND ECONOMIC6
IMPACTS AND BENEFITS FROM STATEWIDE AND REGIONAL INITIATIVES;7
(B) C OLLABORATE WITH STATE , FEDERAL , AND LOCAL8
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS ; TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS; AND INTERESTED9
STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING LOCAL COMMUNITIES, PRIVATE LANDOWNERS,10
RECREATION AND RECREATION PROVIDER STAKEHOLDERS, CONSERVATION11
STAKEHOLDERS, AGRICULTURAL STAKEHOLDERS , AND WILDLIFE AND12
SPORTSPERSON STAKEHOLDERS;13
(C) E STABLISH PROCESSES WITH STATE GOVERNMENT ENTITIES14
AND ASSOCIATED PARTNERS , SUCH AS THE OUTDOOR RECREATION15
INDUSTRY OFFICE AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO PROGRAM, TO16
IMPROVE COORDINATION AND EFFICIENCY ACROSS AGENCY PARTNERS;17
(D) A PPLY PROACTIVE AND ADAPTIVE APPROACHES TO THE18
DEVELOPMENT OF EXCEPTIONAL AND SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR RECREATION19
OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT LONG-TERM RESOURCE VIABILITY;20
(E) I DENTIFY AREAS OF ALIGNMENT AND POTENTIAL CONFLICT21
AMONG RECREATION , WILDLIFE , CONSERVATION , AGRICULTURAL , AND22
COMMUNITY PRIORITIES AND CHARACTER AND FACILITATE23
COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM -SOLVING PROCESSES WITH RELEVANT24
PARTNERS TO SUPPORT MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL OUTCOMES;25
(F) E NGAGE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF26
REGIONAL PRIORITIES AND ASSOCIATED PLANNING EFFORTS AND PROJECTS27
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WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTION;1
(G) E MPLOY DATA -INFORMED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR2
PLANNING AND INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC LANDS AND REGIONAL OUTDOOR3
RECREATION RESOURCES TO SUPPORT SHARED UNDERSTANDING AND4
INFORMED DECISION-MAKING AMONG PARTNERS;5
(H) I NCORPORATE CLIMATE -RESILIENCE STRATEGIES FOR6
REGIONAL OUTDOOR RECREATION AND CONSERVATION PLANNING TO7
ADVANCE THE RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY OF THE STATE'S NATURAL8
AND COMMUNITY ASSETS; 9
(I) C OORDINATE ACROSS THE DIVISION TO ENSURE THE BEST10
AVAILABLE INFORMATION, INPUT, AND COLLABORATION. IN PARTICULAR,11
THE DIVISION SHALL ENSURE COORDINATION BETWEEN WILDLIFE ,12
RECREATION, AND CLIMATE-RESILIENCE EFFORTS WITHIN THE DIVISION.13
(J) C ONSIDER AVAILABLE F UNDING SOURCES TO ENABLE14
STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS TO ADVANCE CONSERVATION, RECREATION, AND15
CLIMATE-RESILIENCE EFFORTS WITHIN THE DIVISION.16
(II) THE DIVISION SHALL:17
(A) REFER TO THE PLANNING REPORTS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION18
(6)(b)(I) OF THIS SECTION TO INFORM DIVISION PLANNING, INVESTMENT,19
AND MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND OUTREACH TO EXTERNAL20
STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS; AND21
(B) U PDATE THE PLANNING REPORTS AT LEAST ANNUALLY TO22
REFLECT THE LATEST KNOWLEDGE AND ANY ASSOCIATED PLANNING23
UPDATES AND FACILITATE IMPROVED AWARENESS AND COORDINATION24
WITHIN THE DIVISION AND AMONG THE DIVISION AND OTHER AGENCIES.25
(7) NOTHING IN THIS SECTION:26
(a) R EQUIRES ACTION OR PARTICIPATION FROM A PRIVATE OR27
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NON-STATE-GOVERNMENT ENTITY; 1
(b) G RANTS THE DIVISION DECISION -MAKING AUTHORITY OVER2
MATTERS THAT ARE WITHIN ANOTHER ENTITY'S JURISDICTION;3
(c) ALTERS OR DIMINISHES THE DIVISION'S EXISTING STATUTORY4
RESPONSIBILITIES TO PERPETUATE THE WILDLIFE RESOURCES OF THE STATE5
AND TO MANAGE AND IMPROVE THE STATE PARKS SYSTEM . THE6
AUTHORITY SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION COMPLEMENTS THE DIVISION'S7
MISSION AND EXISTING OBLIGATIONS.8
(d) SUPERSEDES, ABROGATES, OR IMPAIRS THE RIGHT TO DIVERT9
WATER AND APPLY WATER TO BENEFICIAL USES IN ACCORDANCE WITH10
SECTION 6 OF ARTICLE XVI OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION, COMPACTS11
ENTERED INTO BY THE STATE, ARTICLES 80 TO 92 OF TITLE 37, OR STATE12
COURT DETERMINATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE DETERMINATION AND13
ADMINISTRATION OF WATER RIGHTS. A PERSON SHALL NOT CONSTRUE,14
ENFORCE, OR APPLY THIS SECTION TO CAUSE OR RESULT IN MATERIAL15
INJURY TO WATER RIGHTS.16
(e) REQUIRES, MANDATES, OR OTHERWISE COMPELS A PUBLIC OR17
PRIVATE LANDOWNER TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO LAND FOR RECREATIONAL18
PURPOSES OR ALTERS EXISTING STATE LAWS GOVERNING PROPERTY19
RIGHTS, EASEMENTS, OR LANDOWNER LIABILITY.20
(8) IN 2027 AND 2028, THE DIVISION SHALL INCLUDE, DURING ITS21
"SMART ACT" HEARING REQUIRED BY SECTION 2-7-203, AN UPDATE ON22
THE EFFORTS DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION, INCLUDING A DESCRIPTION OF23
THE PLANNING REPORTS REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (6)(b)(I) OF THIS24
SECTION AND THE MONEY THAT THE DIVISION UTILIZED TO COMPLY WITH25
THIS SECTION.26
SECTION 5. Appropriation. (1) For the 2026-27 state fiscal27
1008-17-
year, $444,015 is appropriated to the department of natural resources.1
This appropriation is from the parks and outdoor recreation cash fund2
created in section 33-10-111 (1), C.R.S. To implement this act, the3
department may use this appropriation as follows:4
(a) $436,025 for state park operations in the division of parks and5
wildlife, which amount is based on an assumption that the division will6
require an additional 4.1 FTE; and 7
(b) $7,990 for vehicle lease payments in the executive director's8
office.9
SECTION 6. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act10
takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the11
ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly (August12
12, 2026, if adjournment sine die is on May 13, 2026); except that, if a13
referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the14
state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act15
within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect16
unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in17
November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the18
official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.19
1008-18-