The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the State Trust Lands Conservation and Recreation Work Group has published its Final Report, available now on the Work Group’s webpage.
The Work Group, established by the Colorado General Assembly via House Bill 25-1332, included 25 appointed members and a technical advisory group of state agency staff, met eight times over the past year to study ways to advance conservation; climate resilience; biodiversity; and sustainable, equitable, and low-conflict recreation on state trust lands. The Work Group’s Final Report includes 36 recommendations to state agencies, the Governor, and the General Assembly.
The recommendations include actions to:
- Improve the long-term productivity and sound stewardship of State Trust Lands in the Stewardship Trust.
- Ensure maximum public benefit from the management of the Saline and Internal Improvements Trusts.
- Expand access and support for recreation on State Trust Lands.
- Provide additional opportunities for the use of State Trust Lands for educational purposes.
- Promote long-term agricultural productivity and stewardship through existing lease structures.
- Improving public engagement with local governments, state and federal agencies, Tribal Nations, and other entities.
- Engage in formal consultation and stakeholder engagement with federally recognized Tribes and American Indian/Alaska Native organizations.
“I would like to thank the Work Group members for their service to the state and their interest in the State Land Board and our Trust Lands,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “The recommendations of this group chart a course for the continued use of State Trust Lands to support conservation, recreation, agricultural and energy production, and other uses that ultimately support public education and our stewardship of our Colorado trust lands.”
The Work Group included a diverse set of members, representing agriculture, conservation, outdoor recreation, local governments, Tribal nations, energy developers, education and housing, among others. The members were appointed by the Governor, a bipartisan group of state legislative leaders, and Tribal nations. The legislation required the Work Group to submit recommendations to the Governor, the Department, the State Board of Land Commissioners, and the relevant committees of the House and Senate by September 1, 2026. With the publication of the Final Report, the DNR and State Land Board will now consider the recommendations.
“For 150 years, the State Land Board has evolved to meet the changing needs of Colorado, and this Work Group has given us new ideas and partnerships to help shape what comes next,” said Dr. Nicole Rosmarino, Director of the Colorado State Land Board. “I’ve been energized by the openness, creativity, and momentum this process has generated. We’re excited by the Work Group’s efforts to identify approaches to advance management of state trust lands in support of our beneficiaries across Colorado.”
The State Land Board will dedicate a portion of its October 14 Board Workshop to discussing the Work Group’s recommendations and potential pathways for consideration. The workshop is open to the public, and the State Land Board welcomes continued public comment and engagement.