Press Release

Department of Natural Resources Releases Membership of Anti-Speculation Law Work Group

The Department of Natural Resources released the names of a 18-member Anti-Speculation Law Work Group (Work Group) whose objective is to explore ways to strengthen current Colorado water anti-speculation law.  The Work Group arose out of passage of Senate Bill 20-048 sponsored by Senators Donovan and Coram and Representatives Roberts and Catlin and signed by Governor Polis on March 11, 2021.

State Takes Action Against West Elk Mine Expansion into Protected Colorado Roadless Area

The Colorado Division of Reclamation and Mine Safety (DRMS) issued a cessation order to Mountain Coal Company, a subsidiary of Missouri-based Arch Coal and operator of the West Elk Mine in the North Fork Valley near Paonia, to prevent further road construction or tree removal within the protected Sunset Colorado
Roadless Area (CRA). The 2012 Colorado Roadless Rule, one of two state rules adopted by the U.S. Forest Service in lieu of the 2001 federal roadless rule, limits
road-building and other activities within undeveloped roadless areas.

CO Depts Express Concern Over Federal Executive Orders to Lift Environmental Reviews

DENVER -- The Colorado Departments of Natural Resources, Public Health and Environment, Transportation and the Colorado Energy Office joined together in a statement expressing concern about President Donald Trump’s Executive order to lift reviews of environmentally impactful activities.

"The June 4, 2020, Executive Order from President Donald Trump directs federal agencies to bypass requirements for a number of bedrock federal environmental laws, including:

Colorado DNR and CPW Share Memorial Day Outdoor Resources

DENVER -- As many of us head outdoors for the holiday, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) want to remind Coloradans to recreate responsibly and stay close to home. DNR and CPW continue to provide resources to point Coloradans towards information on open campgrounds, trails, and best practices for recreating over Memorial Day Weekend during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DNR and CPW release Big Game Winter Range and Migration Corridor Report

DENVER – After months of hard work by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the engagement of more than 40 conservation partners, a new status report on Colorado’s big game winter range and migration corridors has been released that will inform future efforts to protect this invaluable natural resource.

CDOT and DNR Remind People to Stay Local, Limit Travel This Weekend

STATEWIDE - With the weekend approaching and warm temperatures tempting Coloradans, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are reminding people to keep recreational activities within 10 miles of home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Digital message boards on Colorado roadways across the state will remind motorists about the restrictions and to stay close to home.

DNR Provides Online Resource for State-wide Outdoor Recreation During COVID-19

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a new online resource for the state’s residents to find up-to-date information on the status of outdoor recreation, trails, marinas and other closures due to COVID-19 concerns. This one-stop-shop provides the current status of popular outdoor recreation areas managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Colorado’s Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

Federal, State and Tribal Outdoor Recreation Resources - COVID-19

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is monitoring trail and park closures managed by the various agencies listed below during the COVID-19 crisis. Daily updates will be available in this document as well as through on Colorado’s Official Trails App, COTREX. County Public Health Orders and Closures