Land and Water Conservation Fund
Sweetwater Lake is now permanently protected, thanks to its new owner, the White River National Forest
The lake and the 488 acres around it, adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness, will now be protected from residential developers and saved for public access.
Outdoor recreation leaders ask Congress to loosen rules restricting Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars
The directors of 13 state recreation offices are asking the federal government to adjust requirements that states and local communities must provide matching funds to secure Land and Water Conservation Fund money
Biden administration cancels Trump policy giving local and state officials power to block conservation purchases
Acting Interior Secretary Scott de la Vega rescinded a November order from former Secretary David Bernhardt that had been criticized by both Republicans and Democrats
Joe Biden’s pause on oil and gas development on public lands splits conservationists, industry
Conservationists say suspending leasing and drilling offers a chance to overhaul an antiquated natural resources management system. Energy producers predict billions in losses for Western communities.
U.S. Forest Service approves protection of Colorado’s Sweetwater Lake, but big questions remain
Interior Sec. David Bernhardt’s order on Friday requires new provisions for Land and Water Conservation Fund allocations, further clouding the Great American Outdoors Act.
States, land managers still waiting for details on conservation funding under Great American Outdoors Act
Congress promises its own Land and Water Conservation Fund funding plan if Trump Administration federal land managers don’t provide specifics. “Apparently, they’ve already lost their interest in taking care of our public lands,” said Colorado’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet.
A bold plan to protect 30% of Colorado lands and waters by 2030
Conservation groups hope to corral lawmakers, land managers, tribes and private landowners in a mission to add 14 million acres to Colorado’s trove of 6 million protected acres.
In Colorado, where climate change is front and center, John Hickenlooper is favored to unseat Cory Gardner
The GOP incumbent is linked to Trump, while the moderate, pro-fracking former governor is called “Frackenlooper” by progressives.
Conservationists cap 30-year preservation effort with protection of Banded Peak Ranch in southern Colorado
Landscape-scale conservation of entire drainages in Colorado -- like the 10 ranches along southern Colorado’s Navajo River -- could become more common with fully funded Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Great American Outdoors Act heads to Trump as Cory Gardner leans on measure in reelection bid
The Republican U.S. senator, who is facing an uphill election battle, has run ads touting his work on the legislation and in recent weeks toured western Colorado to celebrate the bill
Sweetwater Lake closer to conservation as Forest Service land
The Conservation Fund’s acquisition of the 488-acre lake property sets the path toward protection as White River National Forest land.
U.S. Senate passes measure to fully fund Land and Water Conservation Fund, tackle National Park maintenance
After years of stalled efforts, the Great American Outdoors Act gained traction thanks to Colorado’s U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, who won backing from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Donald Trump
