Each legislative session brings important choices that influence the health of Colorado’s fish and wildlife, their habitats, and the outdoor activities we all enjoy.
Colorado Wildlife Federation has been the trusted voice for wildlife in Colorado’s Capitol for decades, but our advocacy power multiplies when backed by engaged citizens who understand that wildlife conservation requires both scientific expertise and political action.
Wildlife conservation happens at the intersection of science and policy. Even the best research and management practices can’t protect wildlife without supportive laws, adequate funding, and regulations that prioritize long-term ecosystem health over short-term economic interests.
Current Policy Challenges
Habitat fragmentation avoidance and minimization requires appropriate siting of projects to avoid development in wildlife corridors and other High Priority Habitats.
Chronic underfunding of Colorado Parks and Wildlife operations and research requires attention.
Climate resilient wildlife conservation requires early planning, adaptive management strategies and legislative support.
Human-wildlife conflict management requires balanced solutions that protect both wildlife and communities.
Balancing and integrating wildlife conservation needs and outdoor recreation expectations requires wise planning.
Invasive species management requires coordinated, local, state and federal action.
Water quality and conservation require attention to safeguard aquatic habitats and fish populations.
Our 2026 Legislative Priorities
Colorado Wildlife Federation focuses our advocacy efforts on issues where science-based policy can make the greatest difference for wildlife conservation. Stay tuned: the next congressional session begins in January.
Zinke, Beyer Introduce bill to reauthorize Wildlife Crossings Program
November 19, 2025
Zinke, Beyer Introduce bill to reauthorize Wildlife Crossings Program
On November 18, 2025, Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced a bi-partisan bill to reauthorize the Wildlife Crossings Program. The bill would authorize funding through 2031. Colorado and many other states have received grants under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This important Program was developed to reduce highway collisions between vehicles and wildlife,
Zinke, Beyer Introduce bill to reauthorize Wildlife Crossings Program
On November 18, 2025, Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced a bi-partisan bill to reauthorize the Wildlife Crossings Program. The bill would authorize funding through 2031. Colorado and many other states have received grants under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This important Program was developed to reduce highway collisions between vehicles and wildlife,
Dept. of Interior Proposes Rescinding 2024 Public Lands Rule
September 10, 2025
Dept. of Interior Proposes Rescinding 2024 Public Lands Rule
On September 10, 2025, the Department of the Interior announced it proposes to rescind the 2024 Public Lands Rule. The purpose of the BLM’s Public Lands Rule was to elevate conservation so that it would be fully considered an essential equal element in the agency’s work to balance multiple uses. CWF had applauded the Rule because it enabled conservation to gain equal footing among the array of multiple
Dept. of Interior Proposes Rescinding 2024 Public Lands Rule
On September 10, 2025, the Department of the Interior announced it proposes to rescind the 2024 Public Lands Rule. The purpose of the BLM’s Public Lands Rule was to elevate conservation so that it would be fully considered an essential equal element in the agency’s work to balance multiple uses. CWF had applauded the Rule because it enabled conservation to gain equal footing among the array of multiple
Senate withdrawal of public lands sell-off in budget bill
June 29, 2025
Senate withdrawal of public lands sell-off in budget bill
On June 28, Senator Mike Lee, Utah, announced that he has withdrawn his public lands sell-off provision from the Senate budget reconciliation bill, after several tries to include it in the bill. At least the disposal threat in this bill has ended. We thank Rep. Hurd for his work in the House to help ensure a similar provision was defeated before the bill moved to the Senate. We also thank our Senators
Senate withdrawal of public lands sell-off in budget bill
On June 28, Senator Mike Lee, Utah, announced that he has withdrawn his public lands sell-off provision from the Senate budget reconciliation bill, after several tries to include it in the bill. At least the disposal threat in this bill has ended. We thank Rep. Hurd for his work in the House to help ensure a similar provision was defeated before the bill moved to the Senate. We also thank our Senators
Senator Lee’s 3rd iteration of language to sell off some BLM lands
June 26, 2025
Senator Lee’s 3rd iteration of language to sell off some BLM lands
Senator Lee of Utah, has introduced a third version of his language to sell off some public lands in the Senate version of the budget bill. It focuses on BLM lands. Obviously it would exact a large impact on wildlife and recreation opportunities for communities and we oppose it. If this language survives in the Senate, then we need ask Rep. Hurd to stand strong with Rep. Zinke and push back as it
Senator Lee’s 3rd iteration of language to sell off some BLM lands
Senator Lee of Utah, has introduced a third version of his language to sell off some public lands in the Senate version of the budget bill. It focuses on BLM lands. Obviously it would exact a large impact on wildlife and recreation opportunities for communities and we oppose it. If this language survives in the Senate, then we need ask Rep. Hurd to stand strong with Rep. Zinke and push back as it
Sale of public lands provisions struck from budget bill in Senate
June 24, 2025
Sale of public lands provisions struck from budget bill in Senate
On June 24, the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that the sale of federally managed public lands (BLM and USFS) provisions may not be included in the budget bill. We are watchful in case Utah’s Senator Lee makes another attempt to insert such provisions.
As the bill is is a reconciliation bill, the Parliamentarian stated that policy matters may not be included in the bill. The bill is confined to revenue
Sale of public lands provisions struck from budget bill in Senate
On June 24, the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that the sale of federally managed public lands (BLM and USFS) provisions may not be included in the budget bill. We are watchful in case Utah’s Senator Lee makes another attempt to insert such provisions.
As the bill is is a reconciliation bill, the Parliamentarian stated that policy matters may not be included in the bill. The bill is confined to revenue
A portion of CO public lands at risk in Senate Budget bill
June 13, 2025
A portion of CO public lands at risk in Senate Budget bill
The Senate’s version of the budget bill by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources places at risk of sale a portion of federally managed public lands -managed by Bureau of Land Management and by the US Forest Service. As you know this type of provision that would have impacted Nevada and Utah was eliminated from the House bill before the bill passed. This Senate Committee proposal would
A portion of CO public lands at risk in Senate Budget bill
The Senate’s version of the budget bill by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources places at risk of sale a portion of federally managed public lands -managed by Bureau of Land Management and by the US Forest Service. As you know this type of provision that would have impacted Nevada and Utah was eliminated from the House bill before the bill passed. This Senate Committee proposal would
Our approach to advocacy is based on scientific analysis and inputs from experts in the field. We don’t advocate based on ideology or political convenience – our positions reflect what the science tells us will most effectively protect and enhance wildlife populations.
Building Coalitions for Wildlife
Effective advocacy requires broad coalitions that demonstrate widespread support for wildlife conservation. Colorado Wildlife Federation serves as a convening organization, bringing together diverse stakeholders who may not always agree on tactics but share common conservation goals.
Our coalition partners include:
Hunting and angling organizations
Hiking and outdoor recreation groups
Environmental and conservation nonprofits
Scientific and academic institutions
Tribal nations and indigenous communities
Business leaders in the outdoor recreation industries
