DOW easement could hurt Colorado’s general fund

Landowners, hunters, and wildlife in Colorado may all benefit from conservation easements, but two lawmakers are questioning the practice as five new easements sought by the Colorado Division of Wildlife–four for purchase–were given initial approval.

The conservation easement land deals advanced last week in the Capital Development Committee on a mostly party line vote. The DOW is now authorized to make the purchases. One of the easements near Gunnison, a donation from a developer, was approved unanimously.

The properties containing the easements are located in Yuma, Gunnison, Routt, San Miguel, and Kit Carson Counties. The easement areas are, to varying degrees, habitats for a variety of wildlife species including birds, reptiles, mammals and insects. Some areas will provide hunting access and some areas will allow livestock and ranch operations.

Sterling rancher and farmer, Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, a Republican, questions the efficacy of acquiring the easements when the potential cost to the state is a factor. Sonnenberg said he voted against the four easements that the DOW will be paying for because of the loss of property tax revenue to the counties that the state may have to cover for K-12 education. Counties may, but don’t always, request the DOW to make up the difference.

“The state, when we’re struggling to balance the budget, has to backfill the education funds,” said Sonnenberg.     – More –