Senator Marchman and Senator Rich, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 26-1008. The bill charges Colorado Parks and Wildlife with a variety of initiatives to enhance outdoor recreation across the state. Committee members received a fact sheet about the bill (Attachment A).

Commissioner Callie Scritchfield, representing Rio Blanco County, testified in opposition to the bill. Richard Orf, representing Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified to amend the bill. Mr. Orf responded to questions from the committee.

Delta County Commissioner Wendell Koontz, representing Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI), testified in support of the bill and amendment L.009. Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams, representing CCI, testified in support of the bill with amendment L.009. Commissioner Amy Mitchell, representing Park County, testified in support of the bill. George Marlin, representing CCI, testified in support of the bill. The commissioners responded to questions from the committee.

Scott Jones, representing Colorado Snowmobile Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Ken Gart, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Mick Daniel, representing San Luis Valley Great Outdoors, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Cory Sutela, representing Colorado Mountain Bike Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Gart responded to questions from the committee.

Keith Douglas, representing Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Brien Webster, representing Conservation Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Hannah George, representing Keep It Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Avra Morgan, representing The Nature Conservancy, testified in support of the bill.

Commissioner Elsa Tharpe, representing Lake County, testified in support of the bill. Summit County Commissioner Nina Waters, representing Colorado Communities for Climate Action, testified in support of the bill. Commissioner Merrit Linke, representing Grand County, testified in support of the bill. Commissioner Linke responded to questions from the committee.

Additional written comments are available as Attachment B.

Senator Rich discussed amendment L.009 (Attachment C).

Senators Marchman and Rich provided closing comments on the bill. Committee members commented on the bill.