Colorado Voters Pass Proposition 137 to Safeguard Land, Protect Clean Water and Subdue Catastrophic Wildfires

Colorado voters delivered a decisive victory for the state’s conservation legacy on Tuesday by passing Proposition 137, securing an estimated $175 million annually to protect clean drinking water, reduce severe wildfire risks and conserve open spaces across Colorado.

Prop 137 allows the state to retain revenue generated from existing sales taxes on sporting goods and outdoor equipment without increasing tax rates or creating new tax burdens. The dedicated funds will support science-backed forest management, watershed restoration, land conservation and expanded outdoor access—a return on investment that will benefit all Coloradans.

“Prop 137 is a historic investment in the future of our state,” said Carlos Fernández, Colorado state director for The Nature Conservancy. “By voting to restore our forests, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and protect the rivers and streams we all depend on, Coloradans have taken an important, proactive step toward enabling both people and nature to thrive for generations to come. For that, we thank them.”

The measure gained strong momentum throughout the election season, uniting a record-breaking coalition of more than 55 conservation and outdoor recreation organizations alongside nearly 400 businesses, community leaders and local officials statewide.

“This victory shows that Coloradans across the political spectrum and across geographies want a future with flowing rivers, healthy forests and thriving communities and economies,” said Jon Goldin-Dubois, president and CEO of Western Resource Advocates. “Prop 137 gives our state the essential tools and dedicated resources to tackle climate resilience and to pass on a protected Colorado.”

Now that the measure has been approved by voters, the Governor of Colorado has 30 days from the canvass of votes to issue an official declaration of the results. Prop 137 will become state law that day, heralding a new era for conservation in Colorado. Prop 137 proponents are committed to working with state leaders to implement the measure smoothly and effectively, ensuring this infusion of conservation funding reaches the communities and landscapes where it’s needed most.

“The passage of Proposition 137 is a powerful step forward for Colorado, helping protect the lands and waters that sustain us and ensuring future generations can enjoy the health, economic and community benefits of the outdoors,” said Jim Petterson, vice president of the Mountain West region for Trust for Public Land. “This measure helps protect the places that make Colorado special while strengthening our ability to meet the challenges of wildfire, drought and a growing population. This is what it looks like to invest in Colorado’s future.”