The State Trust Lands Conservation and Recreation Work Group, established by HB25-1332, will start meeting in the fall of 2025 to develop recommendations aimed at advancing conservation, climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable recreation on Colorado’s state trust lands.
“This new Work Group has an opportunity to make important recommendations to improve opportunities for conservation and recreation on lands managed by the State Land Board,” said Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Dan Gibbs. “I am proud of the work the State Land Board has done to promote these uses of state trust lands. The Department and State Land Board Commissioners and staff look forward to considering the recommendations developed by this Work Group. I also appreciate the time and expertise the Work Group members will contribute to this effort.”
Appointments have been made from various authorities. Governor Jared Polis appointed Martin Herz (economic expertise), Steven Silverman (legal expertise), Chad Hixon (motorized recreation), and Lloyd Athearn (nonmotorized recreation). The Speaker of the House named Matt Samelson (Public School Capital Construction Assistance Board), Aaron Citron (environmental organization with land conservation expertise), Sean Chambers (water resource management experience), and Tyler Garrett (agricultural producer or representative).
From the President of the Senate, Drew McMahan was appointed as a renewable energy industry representative with leasing experience on state trust lands. The Senate Minority Leader selected Nathan Bennet (oil and gas operator) and Zandon Bray (agricultural producer or representative). Appointments by the House Majority Leader include Commissioner Jonathan Houck of Gunnison County, Suzanne O’Neill from a wildlife and habitat conservation organization, and Eric Komppa representing commercial real estate interests with experience leasing property on state lands.
House Minority Leader appointments are Jamie Jost (oil and gas operator) and Richard Holtorf (agricultural producer or representative). Councilwoman Linda Baker was appointed by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
The Department of Natural Resources anticipates that additional required appointments will be announced soon. To facilitate its work, the Department has engaged the Consensus Building Institute. The group is scheduled to submit its recommendations to state officials by September 1, 2026.
