HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.council.127-25RESOLUTION 7T127
Series of 2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO IN
SUPPORT OF AND IN ADVOCACY FOR PUBLIC LANDS
WHEREAS, 88% of the lands surrounding Aspen in Pitkin County are public lands
which are integral to our rural resort economy, is central to our culture, lifestyle, and quality of
life for residents and tourists alike; and
WHEREAS, these adjacent public lands, managed by federal agencies such as the United
States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, provide essential resources,
including grazing lands for agricultural operations, habitats for wildlife, crucial outdoor
recreation opportunities and water supplies for Aspen and the Colorado River; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Aspen deeply value these public lands for their recreational,
economic, cultural, and spiritual significance, recognizing that these public lands are accessible
to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender; and
WHEREAS, public lands contribute significantly to the local economy through activities
such as skiing, hunting, hiking, family camping trips, ranching, tourism, watchable wildlife, and
outdoor recreation, which contributes substantially to Colorado's economy; and
WHEREAS, federal management of these public lands ensures that resources are
managed for the benefit of all Americans, addressing complex challenges such as wildfire
management, watershed protection, and wildlife conservation; and
WHEREAS, the costs associated with managing these lands are a national responsibility,
and federal involvement is crucial for the long-term health and sustainability of these resources;
and
WHEREAS, there are ongoing attempts to transfer or sell off public lands, which are
inconsistent with the values and interests of the residents of City of Aspen and the broader
Colorado community; and
WHEREAS, the 2023 Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
(SCORP) reveals that outdoor recreation in Colorado generated $65.8 billion in economic output,
contributed $36.5 billion to the state's GDP, supported 404,000 jobs, and generated $11.2 billion
in tax revenue, demonstrating the profound economic significance of public lands and outdoor
recreation to the state and to the City of Aspen; and
WHEREAS, the 2023 SCORP data indicates that 96% of Coloradans engage in outdoor
recreation, with 72% participating at least once a week, and that outdoor recreationists spent over
$52.1 billion on trips and equipment, underscoring the widespread and active use of public lands
for recreational purposes; and
WHEREAS, the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado contributed over $17 billion to
the state's economy in 2023, supporting 132,500 jobs, demonstrating the significant economic
impact of public lands; and
WHEREAS, the 2024 Conservation in the West Poll found that 85% of Westerners
support creating new national parks, national monuments, national wildlife refuges and Tribal
protected areas to protect historic sites or areas for outdoor recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Colorado General Assembly has recognized the importance of public
lands through initiatives such as Public Lands Day and the memorialization of the Camp Hale -
Continental Divide National Monument; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aspen recognizes the importance of multiple uses of public
lands, including but not limited to, grazing, energy development, and recreation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ASPEN, COLORADO:
That the City Council of the City of Aspen hereby:
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l . Expresses its strong support for the continued federal management and stewardship of
public lands within and surrounding the City of Aspen and Pitkin County, Colorado,
2. Encourages the Colorado Congressional Delegation to oppose any legislation that would
negatively impact public lands and to support policies that ensure their long-term preservation and
sustainable use through adequate funding and agency staffing.
3. Opposes any attempts to change the Antiquities Act or reduce the size of our national
monuments.
4. Recognizes the multiple uses of public lands and encourages a balanced approach to land
management.
5. Urges federal land management agencies to continue their collaborative efforts with
local communities, stakeholders, and other governmental entities to ensure effective and
responsible management of public lands, including wildfire protections and fuels management.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the members of
the Colorado Congressional Delegation, the Governor of Colorado, and the relevant federal land
management agencies.
RESOLVED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED FINALLY by the City Council of the City
of Aspen on the 26th day of August 2025.
I, Nicole Henning, duly appointed and acting City Clerk do certify that the foregoing is a true and
accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Aspen, Colorado, at a
meeting held on the day hereinabove stated. #* n ,
Nicole