Keep It Colorado Coalition Aims to Conserve 3.3 Million Acres by 2033
The statewide coalition of land conservation groups, Keep It Colorado, has unveiled an ambitious 10-year plan to conserve 3.3 million acres of private land by 2033. This plan aims to double the amount of private land in Colorado that has been protected with conservation easements since 1965.
The coalition say the urgency behind this initiative stems from concerns over the fragmentation of wildlife habitat, the increasing severity and frequency of wildfires, and the state's growing population.
According to Keep It Colorado's new executive director, Amy Beatie, to achieve their goal, conservation trusts will need to double their available resources and double their outreach efforts.
Keep It Colorado has conducted new polling, which reveals widespread support for conservation among Colorado voters. The survey found that over 83% of respondents were eager to protect water and wildlife habitat in the state. Additionally, 87% agreed that safeguarding water and land is crucial for the economy, and 82% recognized that investment in conservation supports jobs in Colorado's recreation, agriculture, and ranching sectors.
The survey also showed that 86% of residents support state lawmakers continuing tax incentives for conservation easements, with 73% in favor of increasing the cap for tax incentives.
The Colorado Division of Conservation consistently reaches its annual cap of $45 million on tax credits, and the waitlist for next year's credits is already full. Lori Weigel of New Bridge Strategy, which has conducted the State of the Rockies Poll with Colorado College, explains that voters understand the connection between land conservation and the health of the state's economy, farms, and food production. Even during a time of budget concerns, there is a strong sentiment that increasing tax incentives for conservation is vital.
The state's conservation easement tax credit program was established in 2000, offering landowners $100,000 per easement. The program's cap has increased from $22 million in 2011 to $45 million in 2014.
Last year, the Division of Conservation approved 53 applications for conservation easements, protecting 56,550 acres valued at $141 million. It is important to note that the value of the land exceeds the tax credits because all easements qualifying for Colorado tax incentives must have a charitable component.
A 2017 analysis by Colorado State University revealed that for every $1 invested in land protection, Colorado taxpayers receive $4 to $12 in public benefits. These benefits, known as "ecosystem services," encompass water and wildlife protections, scenic views, air pollution removal, strengthened agriculture and recreation, and increased biodiversity.
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Keep It Colorado is collaborating with state lawmakers to renew and expand the state's tax incentive program. The results of the recent poll will be used to garner support for their efforts.
The coalition is also highlighting various case studies, showcasing the significance of the conservation easement program. These examples include landowners who have utilized state tax breaks to protect acres near Rocky Mountain National Park, farmland in Montezuma County, and the 18,000-acre May Ranch in Prowers County.
While the group has not proposed a specific amount for increasing the tax incentive cap, they are committed to doubling down on conservation without requesting a twofold increase to the existing cap of $45 million.