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 adjacent to developed areas - a criteria that could significantly impact communities along Colorado's Front Range and Western Slope.

Impact on Colorado Communities

For Colorado residents, the stakes are particularly high. The proposal prioritizes land sales near existing infrastructure and areas "suitable for residential development" - potentially affecting popular recreation areas near growing communities like Colorado Springs, Denver, and Grand Junction.

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

However, more than 175 Colorado mountain town officials have already voiced opposition through the Mountain Pact coalition, arguing that public lands are essential to both local economies and the Colorado way of life.

Cuts Could Threaten Colorado's Outdoor Economy

The land sales coincide with dramatic budget reductions that could affect Colorado's outdoor recreation industry:

• A $392 million cut from Forest Service management
• Elimination of $303 million in grants supporting non-federal forests
• A $900 million reduction in National Park Service funding

According to the 2026 federal budget proposal, the administration aims to increase logging and mineral extraction while reducing conservation partnerships that many Colorado communities rely on for forest management and wildfire prevention.

Local Opposition Grows

"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."

For Colorado's mountain communities, where tourism and outdoor recreation drive local economies, the proposed changes could have lasting implications for both business owners and residents who depend on public land access for their livelihoods and quality of life.

The proposal requires land managers to publish lists of parcels for sale every 60 days, with priority given to tracts nominated by state or local governments. This could put Colorado communities in the difficult position of choosing between preserving recreational areas and addressing housing shortages.

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