DENVER – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Colorado chapter celebrates the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 25-009, "Protection of Colorado’s Public Lands," which reaffirms the state’s dedication to conserving our public lands for all Coloradans, now and in the future. The resolution, passed unanimously on March 13, demonstrates a powerful bipartisan commitment to protect Colorado’s public lands from any efforts to sell or privatize them.

As an organization committed to the conservation and stewardship of the wild public lands and waters we cherish for hunting, fishing, and recreation, BHA stands with the sponsors of this resolution — including Sen. Roberts (D), Sen. Catlin (R), Speaker McCluskie (D), and Rep. Taggart (R) — who recognize the critical importance of public lands to our state’s economy, environment, and our heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting.

Colorado is home to more than 22 million acres of public lands under federal management. These lands not only provide vital outdoor recreation opportunities for hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, but also protect our clean air and water, support our local communities, and sustain our wildlife populations. 

BHA is proud to see such strong, bipartisan opposition to any proposals that would put these lands at risk. This resolution sends a clear message that Colorado’s public lands are not for sale. 

Colorado BHA Chapter Co-Chair, Don Holmstrom, was at the press event with legislators and had this to say. "This is a landmark event at the Colorado State Capitol today. The resolution passed unanimously in the Colorado Senate while other neighboring states are passing resolutions to sell our public land. Colorado stands out as a shining example of broad bipartisan support rejecting the sale of our public lands and its heritage rooted in democracy and freedom."

The passage of this resolution is a direct response to growing threats from proposals to sell or transfer public lands to private interests. The people of Colorado have spoken, and they overwhelmingly support keeping public lands in public hands. According to recent polls, more than two-thirds of Coloradans oppose public land sell-offs, and 84% support the creation of new national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges (Colorado College State of the Rockies Project, 2024). This resolution is a reflection of this broad consensus.

The economic importance of our public lands cannot be overstated. In 2023, Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry generated over $17 billion and supported nearly 132,000 jobs. These numbers are a testament to the fact that public lands are not just places to hunt, fish, and hike—they are vital drivers of economic prosperity in rural communities.

As public land stewards, BHA remains committed to advocating for policies that protect and expand access to these lands, ensuring they remain intact for current and future generations of hunters, anglers and all Coloradans. We thank the lawmakers, including those from both sides of the aisle, who supported this resolution and reaffirmed that Colorado’s public lands are worth protecting.