Judy Amabile: We must do everything possible to safeguard the public lands that make Colorado special

By State Sen. Judy Amabile

I moved from New York to Colorado’s Western Slope when I was in the 8th grade — not a particularly easy time for a big life transition. My new school included a week of outdoor education. We hiked steep trails, climbed rocks and rafted a wild river. It was really hard, but also exhilarating. The experience boosted my confidence and sparked a love for the Colorado outdoors that has made my life healthier and richer.

Every Coloradan has a story about their connection to the outdoors. Our identity and economy are rooted in our public lands. Losing them would change everything we value. We must protect them.

In 2025, the Colorado legislature stood together to oppose federal efforts to sell off our public lands. Backed by strong public opposition, those sales were ultimately prevented.

This year, we are challenging a wide array of federal policy changes that disregard public will and abandon a balanced, sustainable approach to land management. These are backdoor policies driven by short-term thinking. They treat our shared lands as mere commodities to be liquidated for the benefit of a few.

That is not who we are.

The current administration’s push to weaken bedrock environmental laws, sidestep public input and privatize public lands is not just bad policy; it is bad business. When short-term privatization replaces long-term stewardship, Colorado pays the price. Our economy suffers. Our communities suffer. And hundreds of thousands of jobs are put at risk.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado State University, outdoor recreation contributed $65.8 billion to Colorado’s economy in 2023. It supported more than 404,000 jobs — 12% of our entire workforce. It generated $36.5 billion in GDP. Outdoor recreation now outpaces construction, finance and education as an economic driver in our state.

Public lands are not a side issue. They are central to Colorado’s economic strength.

But their value goes far beyond dollars. It’s personal. It’s about public health. Nature isn’t a cure-all, but it is essential. As a hiker, I know that time spent outdoors improves life in countless ways. Our forests, canyons and open spaces reduce stress, strengthen families and build community. Ninety-six percent of Coloradans recreate outdoors, and nearly three-quarters get outside at least once a week.

When the federal government auctions off public lands or shuts the public out of decision-making, it fails Colorado’s communities. And it harms those with the fewest resources the most. Public lands belong to all of us, not just those who can afford to buy them.

That is why I am a proud sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 26-015. It makes our position clear: Colorado opposes the privatization and selloff of our public lands.

We will continue to stand up and defend the places that sustain our economy, our health and our way of life. We have a responsibility to protect these precious lands for the generations to come.

Judy Amabile is the Colorado State Senator for District 18 (Boulder, Louisville, Superior, Niwot and Gunbarrel).

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