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Why are Colorado public lands so important?
In May 2016, Colorado became the first state in the nation to establish a state holiday for our public lands when the Colorado General Assembly passed a bill establishing the third Saturday in May as “Colorado Public Lands Day.”
The bill passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Hickenlooper. The inaugural event was celebrated on May 20, 2017. Colorado Public Lands Day celebrates the importance of public lands in Colorado. To this day, it recognizes the significant role that public lands play in the state’s economy, heritage, and recreational opportunities.
Public lands in Colorado are managed by various agencies, including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S Forest Service.
These lands offer a range of outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking and camping to fishing and hunting. They also provide habitat for wildlife and plant species, help protect clean air and water, and contribute to the state’s tourism industry.