To avoid double counting acres where multiple programs contributed to the acquisition of a single parcel, the parcel acreage is only aggregated under the program that provided the majority of funding. For example, if the chart displays a dollar amount greater than $0, but also shows 0 acres, it is because the program was not the primary contributor for any parcels in that year.
Local Conservation Programs Include
Adams County
Arapahoe County
Boulder County
Broomfield County
City of Colorado Springs
City of Fort Collins
City of Longmont
City of Westminster
Clear Creek County
Denver County
Douglas County
Eagle County
Gunnison County
Jefferson County
Larimer County
Park County
Pitkin County
Routt County
San Miguel County
Summit County
Please visit www.landvote.org for detailed information on these programs.
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 6,715.5 | $46,226,282 |
| 2007 | 18,462.8 | $92,008,074 |
| 2006 | 11,240.2 | $53,935,600 |
| 2005 | 10,597.6 | $81,826,515 |
| 2004 | 35,905.1 | $84,895,983 |
| 2003 | 22,666.1 | $107,126,023 |
| 2002 | 9,985.3 | $81,930,220 |
| 2001 | 14,451.9 | $106,400,484 |
| 2000 | 13,325.4 | $98,010,285 |
| 1999 | 26,509.0 | $103,770,853 |
| 1998 | 6,360.6 | $33,289,567 |
| Totals | 176,219.5 | $889,419,892 |
In 1992, Colorado voters approved the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Amendment to the State Constitution. This amendment created the GOCO Trust Fund, which earmarked a portion of lottery proceeds for land conservation. The Great Outdoors Colorado program first awarded grants in 1994. The Colorado constitution requires that lottery proceeds be substantially equal over time in the distribution to the following areas:
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 40,300.3 | $33,956,595 |
| 2007 | 20,563.6 | $21,472,505 |
| 2006 | 13,562.4 | $18,323,915 |
| 2005 | 42,037.1 | $22,526,981 |
| 2004 | 23,941.5 | $38,114,600 |
| 2003 | 2,858.9 | $26,385,144 |
| 2002 | 2,936.4 | $17,224,384 |
| 2001 | 915.0 | $12,311,192 |
| 2000 | 14,780.8 | $24,132,680 |
| 1999 | 18,863.7 | $32,420,070 |
| 1998 | 4,050.0 | $9,035,282 |
| Total | 184,809.6 | $255,903,353 |
Colorado's tax credit program began in 2000. Colorado conservation tax credits are available to donors of "qualified" conservation easements. Colorado taxpayers who donate a qualified easement may claim a state tax credit worth 50% of the value of the easement donation, up to a maximum credit of $375,000. The State of Colorado allows these credits to be carried forward for 20 years, during which time they may be used to offset the donor's state income tax liability, or transferred one time to other Colorado taxpayers. Many tax credit brokers around the state help landowners sell the credits that they cannot personally use to other taxpayers seeking to reduce their state income tax liabilty.
In June 2008, the Governor signed legislation (HB 1353) designed to add an extra layer of accountability for the tax credit program through increased standards and transparency.
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 129,272.0 | $98,412,141 |
| 2007 | 188,180.4 | $81,691,879 |
| 2006 | 89,164.0 | $85,056,551 |
| 2005 | 89,164.0 | $57,341,346 |
| 2004 | 89,164.0 | $31,671,554 |
| 2003 | 89,164.0 | $7,504,785 |
| 2002 | 89,164.0 | $8,544,427 |
| 2001 | 89,164.0 | $2,325,194 |
| 2000 | 0.0 | $0 |
| Total | 852,436.4 | $372,547,877 |
Colorado State Parks range from urban parks to backcountry retreats and from natural areas to recreational trails. Funding comes largely from the State Lottery, GOCO, Park Passes and Fees and internal funds. The State Parks maintains a number of programs ranging from Boating, Snowmobile and OHV activity, Volunteering, Trails, Natural Areas Preservation and Resource Stewardship.
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 8.3 | $545,500 |
| 2007 | 961.2 | $2,394,000 |
| 2006 | 208.0 | $3,465,300 |
| 2005 | 245.0 | $2,855,000 |
| 2004 | 461.9 | $3,729,305 |
| 2003 | 17.0 | $751,828 |
| 2002 | 175.0 | $2,291,256 |
| 2001 | 63.0 | $252,300 |
| 2000 | 348.0 | $9,080,546 |
| 1999 | 3,593.0 | $22,392,457 |
| 1998 | 1,626.0 | $3,767,022 |
| Total | 7,706.5 | $51,524,515 |
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has continued to expand its Wildlife Area acreage. The state wildlife areas serve as habitat for wildlife as well as recreational destinations for hunters, anglers and the public. The Division of Wildlife receives funding from license fees, Colorado’s share of federal taxes on hunting and fishing equipment (Federal Aid), Great Outdoors Colorado (lottery) grants and interest on fund balances.
The Division of Wildlife has several programs to help fund wildlife projects in a variety of ways, including land acquisitions, conservation easements, restoration, partnerships and education. The Wildlife Habitat Protection Program, as an example, helps with acquisitions that contribute to…
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 14,347.0 | $8,228,337 |
| 2007 | 1,560.0 | $6,536,138 |
| 2006 | 2,050.0 | $1,076,250 |
| 2005 | 1,589.0 | $2,235,086 |
| 2004 | 1,815.0 | $3,039,827 |
| 2003 | 3,376.0 | $259,525 |
| 2002 | 39,460.0 | $13,908,468 |
| 2001 | 12,908.0 | $4,102,602 |
| 2000 | 1,068.0 | $103,107 |
| 1999 | 6,427.0 | $1,725,955 |
| 1998 | 6,959.0 | $2,075,106 |
| Total | 91,559.0 | $43,290,401 |