Colorado Public Lands at Risk: 3.3 Million Federal Acres Tagged for Housing Development, Including State Parcels

Colorado families and outdoor enthusiasts could soon see dramatic changes to their beloved public lands as federal officials defend a controversial plan to sell millions of acres of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property for housing development, including parcels in Colorado.

According to a new Senate budget provision, federal land managers would be required to sell between 2.2 and 3.3 million acres across 11 Western states, with Colorado among the targeted regions. The plan prioritizes land parcels that are:

• Adjacent to existing developed areas
• Nominated by state or local governments
• Near existing infrastructure
• Suitable for residential development

Local Impact for Colorado Communities

For Colorado residents who depend on public lands for recreation, ranching, and tourism-based businesses, the proposed changes could significantly alter access to currently public areas. The plan coincides with substantial budget cuts that could affect popular recreation sites across the state.

"Our public lands are the heart of our communities and the backbone of our economy," said Mountain Pact Executive Director Anna Peterson, whose organization recently gathered signatures from more than 175 Colorado high country elected officials opposing the land sales.

The proposal comes alongside concerning budget reductions detailed in the Trump administration's 2026 budget, including:

• $392 million cut from Forest Service management
• $303 million elimination of grants supporting non-federal forests
• $391 million reduction in forest operations

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum attempted to downplay concerns, stating, "This is not about our most sacred and beautiful places. This is often about barren land next to highways with existing billboards that have no recreational value."

However, for Colorado's mountain communities, where tourism and outdoor recreation drive local economies, the combination of land sales and budget cuts could have far-reaching implications. The state's outdoor recreation industry, which generates billions in economic activity annually, could face new challenges if public access areas are reduced or eliminated.

Local conservation groups and community leaders warn that selling public lands for short-term housing solutions could permanently alter Colorado's outdoor heritage and impact the state's growing outdoor economy. The proposal has sparked particular concern among Colorado's rural communities, where public lands play a crucial role in both economic stability and quality of life.

This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.