(DENVER)The State Trust Lands Conservation and Recreation Work Group (Work Group), created by HB25-1332, will begin meeting this fall to formulate recommendations to identify opportunities to advance conservation; climate resilience; biodiversity; and sustainable, equitable, and low-conflict recreation on state trust lands.
“This new Work Group has an opportunity to make important recommendations to improve opportunities for conservation and recreation on lands managed by the State Land Board,” said Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Dan Gibbs. “I am proud of the work the State Land Board has done to promote these uses of state trust lands. The Department and State Land Board Commissioners and staff look forward to considering the recommendations developed by this Work Group. I also appreciate the time and expertise the Work Group members will contribute to this effort.”
Appointments to the State Trust Land Conservation and Recreation Work Group:
Appointed by Governor Jared Polis:
- Martin Herz, member with economic expertise related to issues the work group will study
- Steven Silverman, member with legal expertise, including knowledge of the state constitution, fiduciary duties, and statutes governing the issues the Work Group will study
- Chad Hixon, representative of motorized recreation
- Lloyd Athearn, representative of nonmotorized recreation
Appointed by the Speaker of the House:
- Matt Samelson, member of the Public School Capital Construction Assistance Board
- Aaron Citron, representative of an environmental organization with expertise In land conservation and stewardship
- Sean Chambers, member with water resource management experience
- Tyler Garrett, member who is an agricultural producer or representative of a statewide agricultural organization
Appointed by the President of the Senate:
- Drew McMahan, representative from the renewable energy industry with experience leasing renewable energy facilities on state trust lands
Appointed by the Senate Minority Leader:
- Nathan Bennet, oil and gas operator with experience leasing property on state trust lands
- Zandon Bray, member who is an agricultural producer or representative of a statewide agricultural organization
Appointed by the House Majority Leader:
- Commissioner Jonathan Houck, Gunnison County Commissioner
- Suzanne O’Neill, representative of a wildlife and habitat conservation organization
- Eric Komppa, representative of a commercial real estate entity with experience leasing property on state lands
Appointed by the House Minority Leader:
- Jamie Jost, oil and gas operator with experience leasing property on state trust lands
- Richard Holtorf, member who is an agricultural producer or representative of a statewide agricultural organization
Appointed by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe:
- Councilwoman Linda Baker
The Department of Natural Resources (Department) expects the remaining statutorily directed appointments to be made soon. The Department has contracted with the Consensus Building Institute (CBI) to facilitate the Work Group’s duties. The Work Group will begin meeting in fall 2025. HB25-1332 requires the Work Group to submit recommendations to the Governor, the Department, the State Board of Land Commissioners, and the relevant committee of the House and Senate by September 1, 2026.