| Summary |
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.
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