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

Colorado families and outdoor enthusiasts face a potential reshaping of their recreational landscape as federal officials defend a controversial plan to sell millions of acres of public lands across 11 Western states, including Colorado, according to a new Senate budget provision.

The proposal, which could dramatically affect access to beloved Colorado outdoor spaces, requires the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sell between 2.2 and 3.3 million acres nationwide, with priority given to parcels near developed areas - potentially impacting lands adjacent to growing Front Range communities.

Impact on Colorado Communities

For Colorado's mountain towns and Front Range cities already grappling with housing challenges, the plan presents a complex trade-off. While promising more land for residential development, it threatens the very outdoor access that draws people to the Centennial State.

"Our public lands are the heart of our communities and the backbone of our economy," said Mountain Pact Executive Director Anna Peterson, representing more than 175 Colorado high country elected officials who recently opposed the measure.

What's at Stake for Colorado

• Local Control: States and communities can nominate parcels for sale
• Development Priority: Land near existing infrastructure targeted first
• Economic Impact: Potential effects on Colorado's $37 billion outdoor recreation economy
• Access Changes: Popular recreation areas could be converted to private property

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, the proposal comes alongside significant budget cuts. The Trump administration's 2026 budget slashes Forest Service funding by $1.39 billion, potentially affecting Colorado's national forests and the communities that depend on them for tourism, recreation, and economic stability.

Local Opposition Grows

Colorado mountain communities are pushing back hard. More than 175 local elected officials from Colorado's high country joined hundreds of other Western leaders in signing a letter opposing the land sales, highlighting concerns about the impact on local economies and outdoor recreation access.

For Colorado Springs residents who frequently access Pike National Forest, and Denver families who treasure their proximity to Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests, these changes could significantly affect weekend recreation options and quality of life.

As this story develops, Colorado communities await specific details about which parcels might be targeted for sale, with local leaders emphasizing the need for public input and careful consideration of long-term impacts on Colorado's outdoor heritage and recreation-based economy.

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