Stakeholders Attend Meeting to Provide Feedback on Proposed Revegetation Legislation

On October 31, nearly 100 stakeholders from across Colorado joined Representative Ty Winter and the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District, both in person and virtually, to discuss and provide feedback on our proposed revegetation legislation, which we anticipate introducing during the 2026 legislative session. Representative Winter, who is expected to sponsor the bill, highlighted the District’s extensive outreach to over 50 stakeholder groups during the past year and emphasized his commitment to a collaborative approach. Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senator Rod Pelton also attended the meeting.

Increasing demand has resulted in agricultural water being permanently removed and redirected for urban and other uses, leaving rural lands and communities vulnerable. Farmland that has been irrigated for many years is far more difficult to reclaim than native ground and is prone to soil erosion, invasive weeds, and long-term economic and infrastructure challenges for neighboring landowners and local counties.

The current revegetation statute (C.R.S. 37-92-305(4.5)(a)), enacted in 1992, has proven insufficient in protecting soil resources and ensuring timely revegetation of dried-up lands. The Lower Ark District, along with stakeholders across the state, sees a need for legislation that helps rural counties and local governments protect their interests during water transfers. The proposed updates would ensure revegetation efforts reflect local conditions and priorities, safeguarding agricultural productivity, soil health, and land stability.  

A drive through many rural communities throughout the Arkansas Basin and across the state where water has departed illustrates these challenges. Despite efforts, many of these lands have not been successfully revegetated. These realities underscore the need for clearer and stronger legislative guidance.

Our proposed legislation is designed to reinforce, not replace, existing county land use authorities, including 1041 permits, and takes an important step toward addressing the unintended environmental and economic consequences of water transfers. We look forward to keeping our constituents and stakeholders updated as this effort progresses.