The Challenges: Catastrophic Wildfire, Drought, and Loss of Lands to Development
The Colorado we love is at risk of losing millions of acres of land to catastrophic wildfires and quickly expanding development.
Nearly 80% of Colorado’s vast open spaces, rivers, and forests are virtually unprotected from threats. Catastrophic wildfire, rapidly encroaching development, and worsening heat and drought are challenging communities, drying up water supplies, undermining economic growth, and deteriorating forest health.
Four of the worst wildfires occurred in the last six years, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in damages and losses with 1.5 million acres burned..
Nearly 80% of Colorado’s land lacks permanent protection from development.
WRA’s experts along with decision makers like the State Forester predict a $100-$200 million annual shortfall in the funding needed for things like wildfire prevention.
We need recurring, annual funding now to protect our communities from catastrophic wildfires and to conserve and restore Colorado’s best and most precious asset – nature.
Our lands and waters aren’t renewable resources. Once they’re damaged or developed, they are very difficult to recover.
This loss is more than acres. Our clean air and drinking water, distinctive landscapes and wildlife, outdoor recreation opportunities and economies, and quality of life are all threatened.
The Solution: Proposition 137, For the Colorado You Love
Sustainably funding wildfire risk reduction, water and land conservation, outdoor recreation, and access to nature is the best way to protect the Colorado we know and love.
That’s why WRA, in partnership with our sister organization, WRA Action Fund, has been leading the charge on a 2026 ballot measure, Proposition 137, to address this funding shortfall.
Without raising taxes, this measure will allow the state to keep the amount of money it receives from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods and equipment and invest that money in crucial conservation work.
This measure is not a tax increase, and it will not change the cost of sporting goods or equipment.
This funding would support wildfire risk reduction, land conservation and restoration, river and clean water protection, new state parks, environmental education programs, wildlife management, and grants to local governments and land trusts. This is expected to raise approximately $175 million per year – enough for Colorado to take decisive action to protect these valuable resources.
Proposition 137 would fund projects like:
- Science-backed tools to lessen wildfire severity
- Creation of new state parks and recreation areas
- Maintenance of trails and amenities
- Watershed, stream, and forest restoration
- Increased outdoor access and experiences for youth and families that have traditionally lacked access
- Support for a thriving outdoor industry economy through workforce development programs
- Addressing the rising threats of invasive species and restoring habitat
Western Resource Advocates’ Role
Experts at WRA have been essential in developing and stewarding Proposition 137. Our staff:
- Analyzed threats to Colorado’s natural resources and identified the existing funding gap
- Ideated and researched funding mechanisms and policy frameworks
- Stress tested the measure to gauge political viability
- Conducted extensive stake holding across government, industry, NGOs, Tribes, and other key groups
- Stewarded the measure through official state processes and reacted quickly to shifting political and budgetary dynamics
We’re not stopping here. WRA and our partners are presenting across the state, growing our diverse and supportive coalition, and getting voters the information they need to make an informed decision in November.
Why Now
Voters are ready to see more conservation across Colorado, and we don’t have time to waste.
96% of Coloradans think uncontrollable wildfires that threaten homes are a serious problem.
90% of Colorado voters consider the pollution of rivers, lakes, and streams a serious problem
89% of Coloradans consider the loss of habitat for fish and wildlife to be a serious problem.
With ballooning property, labor and material costs, and mounting threats from pine beetles and expanding drought and wildfire, the need to protect our natural resources and communities is increasingly urgent and getting more expensive every year.
While Colorado has made significant progress toward conservation and investing in public lands — including our world-class state parks system — the state is still facing immediate and significant threats to its lands, waters, wildlife, communities, economy, and way of life. Our communities urgently need recurring annual funding to prevent catastrophic wildfires and stop the rapid loss of land and water, or we risk the degradation of these beloved places for generations to come.
For many of us, we support initiatives like this because of the time spent in the state’s incredible landscapes — hiking 14ers, floating Colorado’s mighty rivers, spotting unique wildlife, or enjoying time outside with loved ones. Proposition 137, “For Colorado Land and Water,” is an opportunity to continue that legacy, invest in our economy, and protect the Colorado we love from threats.
