Our Issues
These are some of the issues and policy areas where we focus our time and resources to advocate, with a focus on public land access, education, conservation, and safety. All of our advocacy campaigns are possible thanks to the generous support of our members.
Fixing the Recreational Use Statute (CRUS)
We led the successful campaign to update the Colorado Recreational Use Statute (CRUS) in 2023 and 2024 to protect public access to Colorado 14ers, trails, and lands. In 2019, following a $7.3 million lawsuit against the U.S. Air Force, the Academy, 14ers, and trails started closing to access due to liability concerns. We worked with 49 organizations to write and pass SB-58, address landowner concerns, and restore and protect access to the peaks.
Unlocking Corner-locked Public Lands
Across Colorado, many public lands are intermixed with private property in a checkerboard pattern due to historical reasons. As a result, 100,000+ acres of publicly owned land share a corner with public land but are otherwise cut off and inaccessible. We are working on finding a legislative solution that clarifies the legality of ‘corner crossing’ to visit these areas. Our partners include Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Colorado Mountain Club.
Protecting River & Stream Public Access
Colorado has some of the weakest access protections for navigable rivers and streams out of all US states. Access disputes are left to landowners and law enforcement to handle, creating confusion and risks to access rights. In some cases, the issue has led to violence as landowners try to enforce their rights. We are working with a coalition of partners to clarify and strengthen public access to Colorado rivers and stream for fishing, boating, and floating.
