(Denver)– The first meeting of the State Trust Lands Conservation & Recreation Work Group, established by the bipartisan action taken by the Colorado General Assembly and Governor Polis (HB25-1332), convened on Thursday, October 30.
Hosted by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and opened with welcome comments by Executive Director Dan Gibbs and Representative Karen McCormick, the meeting brought together diverse members representing agriculture, conservation, recreation, Tribes, rural communities, education, and many more stakeholders from across the state. The session centered on building a shared sense of purpose, clarifying the group’s charge, and setting a foundation for transparent and thoughtful dialogue over the coming months.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see this legislation coming to life,” said Representative McCormick, the lead sponsor of HB25-1332. “This working group represents the very best of Colorado — people from different walks of life coming together to support the State Land Board and the diverse interests of all Coloradans. I’m excited to see this inspiring ensemble of stakeholders build common ground and develop innovative ideas that will build upon the State Land Board’s work to advance work on key priority areas to provide lasting benefits for our communities, our environment, and our schools.”
“Every member of this group brings valuable experience and perspective,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Their openness and dedication give us confidence that the Work Group’s recommendations will reflect Colorado’s best thinking on how to steward trust lands for future generations.”
“The energy in the room today was inspiring,” said Dr. Nicole Rosmarino, Director of the Colorado State Land Board. “This group is eager to learn from one another and to think creatively about what comes next. The State Land Board has built a strong foundation over the last 150 years, and the Work Group process is a chance to build on that legacy — to chart an even better future for Colorado’s natural assets and local communities.”
Next Steps
The group will reconvene in Denver on December 4, 2025, to dive deeper into key topics and refine its work plan. Future meetings will continue to feature transparent discussions, expert presentations, and opportunities for public engagement as the group develops its recommendations to the Governor, the Department of Natural Resources, the State Land Board, and the General Assembly by September 1, 2026.
For more information and updates about the State Trust Lands Conservation and Recreation Work Group, visit our webpage