This bill enhances Colorado’s statewide planning, coordination, and management of outdoor recreation, conservation, trail systems, and river access to support environmental sustainability, public safety, and recreational quality.
Key Provisions
1. Outdoor Recreation Planning and Coordination (Section 3 – New CRS 33-10-119)
Designates the Division of Parks and Wildlife (DPW) as the lead state agency for:
Outdoor recreation planning
Visitor use management
Regional recreation and conservation coordination
Requires DPW to develop regional outdoor recreation and conservation plans aligned with the state’s vision to balance access and conservation
Directs collaboration with federal, tribal, local, private, and conservation stakeholders
Encourages data-driven, climate-resilient strategies to manage growing recreation demand while protecting natural resources
2. River Recreation Program (New CRS 33-10-120)
Establishes a statewide river recreation program within DPW with goals to:
Improve river safety, access, and stewardship
Coordinate with basin roundtables and water managers
Identify high-priority river corridors for investment
Create a centralized river data system
Collaborate across agencies and local partners to protect water ecosystems and address climate impacts
3. Trail Systems Expansion and Integration (Sections 4–6)
Expands the state’s commitment to both nonmotorized and motorized trail systems
Directs DPW to develop a cohesive, statewide trail network that:
Uses best practices in conservation and recreation
Coordinates with local, tribal, and federal partners
Balances recreational access with environmental stewardship
Updates planning requirements to emphasize inclusive stakeholder input and protection of sensitive habitats
Legislative Intent
Reaffirms the state's commitment to preserving Colorado’s natural assets while supporting:
Economic vitality through outdoor industries
Public health through access to nature
Intergovernmental partnerships for land and river management
Effective Date
Becomes law 90 days after legislative adjournment (unless a referendum petition is filed)
If referred to voters, it takes effect only if approved in the November 2026 election
Impact
Strengthens state leadership and strategy in outdoor recreation planning
Builds frameworks for long-term trail and river infrastructure investment
Supports sustainable growth in Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy while protecting wildlife and natural resources
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:
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Build a statewide coalition of river recreation, stewardship, and safety managers;
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Coordinate with river basin roundtables, local governments, and other appropriate stakeholders to align river recreation efforts with existing water management strategies;
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Align river recreation management with state and regional water planning efforts regarding conservation to address the impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystems;
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Identify high-priority rivers and recreation areas to support improvements;
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Enhance river data collection, mapping, and public access to information; and
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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.
