Colorado voters will decide on Proposition 137 this fall, the sole ballot measure aimed at creating a dedicated funding stream for drought and wildfire mitigation across the state. The proposal would redirect a portion of existing sporting goods sales tax revenue toward conservation efforts without raising taxes. Supporters say the measure responds to mounting pressures on the state’s landscapes, water systems, and wildlife populations. ([1])
Pressures on Colorado’s Landscapes
Years of severe drought and large-scale wildfires have left visible marks on Colorado’s terrain. From the eastern plains to the Western Slope, forests and watersheds show signs of stress that affect both natural systems and nearby communities. Record-low snowpack in recent seasons has intensified concerns about water availability and fire danger.
Three of the state’s most destructive wildfires occurred within the past five years, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. These events have also raised treatment costs for drinking water drawn from mountain sources and complicated recovery for affected watersheds. State conservation programs have achieved some progress, yet funding gaps remain a persistent obstacle.
Details of the Proposed Measure
Proposition 137 would allocate existing tax revenue to habitat restoration, watershed protection, and expanded public access to outdoor areas. The approach avoids new taxes by tapping into current sporting goods sales collections. Officials describe the funding as a way to support projects that build resilience against future drought and fire events.
Proponents note that many of Colorado’s watersheds begin in high-elevation snowfields. When these areas remain healthy, they help filter drinking water, moderate flood and fire impacts, and sustain fish and wildlife populations. The measure targets restoration work that could reduce long-term costs associated with degraded water quality and infrastructure repairs.
Wildlife and Habitat Considerations
Colorado supports high levels of mammal and bird diversity, including species such as moose, lynx, and the American pika. More than 30 federally listed endangered or threatened species live in the state, alongside hundreds of other vulnerable animals and plants. Development, invasive species, and habitat loss have added to the challenges these populations face.
Restoration funding under the proposal could address some of these pressures by improving conditions in forests, rivers, and grasslands. State agencies have documented progress in certain conservation areas, but advocates argue that current resources fall short of the scale needed to reverse broader declines.
Access and Community Benefits
Equal access to outdoor spaces remains uneven across Colorado. Cost, transportation, and physical barriers limit participation for some families, even as studies link time in nature to improved health outcomes for children and adults. The measure includes provisions for new parks, environmental education, and upgrades to existing trails and recreation sites.
Supporters highlight that stronger connections to the outdoors can encourage long-term stewardship. By directing resources toward both ecological repair and public access, the proposal seeks to address multiple goals in one funding package. Voters will weigh these elements against other priorities on the November ballot.
What matters now: The measure represents the only dedicated funding option on the ballot for drought and wildfire response. Its outcome will shape near-term investments in habitat work, water protection, and recreation opportunities statewide.
