Colorado Public Lands at Risk: Federal Plan Could Sell Thousands of Acres Near Front Range Communities

Colorado families and outdoor enthusiasts face a dramatic shift in public land access as federal officials defend a sweeping proposal that could force the sale of thousands of acres of public lands across the state, potentially transforming recreational areas into housing developments.

According to a new Senate budget provision, federal land managers would be required to sell between 2.2 and 3.3 million acres of public lands across 11 Western states, including Colorado. The plan specifically targets parcels near developed areas - potentially affecting lands surrounding Colorado Springs, Denver metro, and other Front Range communities.

Impact on Colorado Communities

For Colorado's mountain towns and outdoor recreation-dependent communities, the stakes are particularly high. More than 175 Colorado high country elected officials have already voiced opposition to the proposal, signing a letter through the Mountain Pact coalition defending public lands as essential to local economies.

"Our public lands are the heart of our communities and the backbone of our economy," said Mountain Pact Executive Director Anna Peterson. "This reckless proposal would be devastating to the outdoor economy, and would trade one of our nation's greatest investments for the short-term financial gain of an elite few."

Key Changes Affecting Coloradans

• Priority land sales would target parcels nominated by state/local governments near developed areas
• Forest Service faces $392 million in management budget cuts
• Reduced funding for forest partnerships with states and conservation groups
• Increased emphasis on timber sales and mineral extraction from public lands

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum attempted to downplay concerns, telling senators: "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, according to the Trump administration's 2026 budget, the changes represent a fundamental shift toward "restoring federalism by empowering states to assume a greater role in managing forest lands within their borders."

Local Economic Implications

For Colorado's $37 billion outdoor recreation economy and the thousands of local businesses that depend on public land access, the proposed changes could have far-reaching consequences. The plan would eliminate $303 million in conservation partnership funding that currently supports local forest management and community preparedness programs across the state.

Colorado outdoor industry leaders and conservation groups warn that selling public lands to developers could permanently alter the landscape that draws millions of visitors to the state annually and supports countless local jobs in tourism, guiding, and outdoor retail.

As federal officials continue defending these proposals in Washington, Colorado communities are bracing for what could be one of the most significant changes to public land management in the state's history.

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