Protect Colorado’s Streams – Western Landowners Alliance

We can't do it without you!

Secure property rights are the bedrock of private investment, conservation and stewardship.

Upending established law to expand recreational access undermines good faith investments by landowners.

Landowners also invest in conserving and restoring land, streams, watersheds and wildlife habitats.

Unlimited public access can unravel these investments, undermine conservation values and impact species of concern.

WLA works on behalf of landowners and practitioners throughout the West. We will never share your contact information with anyone. You can manage your subscription or unsubscribe at any time.

The Colorado Stream Access Coalition is working to open all streams in Colorado to public access for boating, fishing and swimming. You can learn more about their agenda here.

Western Landowners Alliance (WLA) is deeply concerned about the implications of this effort for private landowners, agriculture, guest ranching and outfitting, watershed health, land conservation, wildlife and fisheries. Read our statement.

WLA is working to defend landowners' property rights, investments, businesses and conservation efforts. We need your support to fund the necessary lobbying, legal guidance and public outreach. We cannot do this without you!

WLA is pushing for a balanced approach to recreation and access that supports private stewardship.

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Download our full statement on Stream Access

“ Upending established law to expand recreational access onto private land betrays good faith investments by landowners, hurts businesses, undermines conservation efforts and stresses fish and wildlife. ”

Lesli Allison

CEO, Western Landowners Alliance

More from WLA on Stream Access and Private Property Rights

Private Lands are a Lifeline for Wildlife

By Lesli Allison

A 2022 New Mexico Supreme Court decision opening streams on private land to the public has fishermen cheering, but not so much the fish. After all, the decision converted thousands of miles of small streams and fragile spawning beds into unmanaged recreational footpaths, impacting not just the fish, but every creature that makes its home in and along the water.

Another side to the controversy over stream access

By Lesli Allison

We are in a perilous moment in history. As the human footprint expands, biodiversity is collapsing — and with it, the ecosystems that sustain all of us. As populations grow, development expands and people seek new places to recreate, fish and wildlife are in a desperate struggle for survival.

Working lands are the future of conservation

By Lesli Allison

Farms and ranches are the cornerstones of both human communities and the ecosystems we all depend on. And they are disappearing.

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