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This memorandum provides information about the interstate compacts, Supreme Court decrees, and international treaties that govern Colorado’s use of interstate streams. Specifically, it gives a brief summary of the history of each of the compacts and outlines the specific components and requirements of each compact currently in state law. In addition, the memorandum discusses the two memoranda, the two Supreme Court decrees, and the two international treaties that govern rivers in Colorado. Appendix A outlines the technical components of the laws affecting Colorado’s rivers.

As one of the top agricultural states in the United States, Colorado agriculture generates approximately $47 billion annually in economic activity. Agriculture in Colorado is made up of about 30 million acres of farmland, with approximately 36,000 different farm operations, employing more than 195,000 people. This issue brief gives an overview of agriculture in Colorado, including the Colorado Proud label, the wine industry in the state, and a map showing the economic value of agriculture in each county.

The 75^th General Assembly passed several bills related to veterinary care, animals, state parks, wildlife management, agriculture, and food regulations. There were also some notable bills that were introduced, but did not become law.

Water policy continues to be an important theme in the 75^th General Assembly. Water-related bills from this session focused on water quality, water administration efficiency, and municipal water use. Three measures that are generally passed annually, which allocate funding for species conservation and water projects, were also passed. As water resources become more limited with ongoing drought and shrinking snowpack, water policy is likely to continue to be a main concern for lawmakers.

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a charitable organization or government entity that permanently protects scenic or agricultural open space, natural habitat, or recreational areas.

There are approximately 50,000 active oil and gas wells in Colorado. This issue brief provides an overview of Colorado's oil and gas operations inspection processes and offers a summary of legislative measures related to inspections of oil and gas development that were passed by the Colorado General Assembly during the 2013 legislative session.

On March 22, 2012, state officials coordinated a prescribed burn on publicly owned land in rural Jefferson County. Based on a report issued by the U.S. Forest Service, embers from that prescribed burn are believed to have ignited the Lower North Fork Wildfire in the same area on March 26, 2012. The wildfire burned approximately 1,400 acres and resulted in 3 fatalities, 27 residences destroyed or substantially damaged, and $11.3 million in private property damages. The state expended $6.6 million to extinguish the wildfire.

Colorado Department of Agriculture Performance Plan for FY16

During the 2018 legislative session, the General Assembly considered measures to add millet to Colorado's list of agricultural commodities; allow chiropractors to practice on animals; regulate industrial hemp; promote employment opportunities for young and beginning farmers; and continue and modernize existing agricultural programs and laws.

This handbook was created to help members of the House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee, Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee, the interim Water Resources Review Committee, and other legislators to better understand Colorado's water policies and programs that are likely to be encountered during their tenure.

This issue brief provides an overview of state laws related to pet animal facilities.  These facilities are licensed and regulated under the Colorado Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA).

Report No. 2018-TE3

Report No. 2019-TE4

Report No. 2020-TE9

Report No. 2018-TE2

The Legislative Council Staff’s Water Policy Handbook is intended to serve as a reference guide to Colorado's water policies and programs.  The book is divided into three parts.  Each part covers a different aspect of Colorado water law and policy.
 

This memorandum provides information about irrigation districts in Colorado.  Specifically, it discusses the current irrigation districts, the powers and duties of irrigation districts, and how those powers and duties compare to those of special districts.

This issue brief provides an overview of conservation easements in Colorado and discusses the certification process, federal and state tax incentives for the donation of conservation easements, and state purchases of conservation easements.

During the 2024 legislative session, the General Assembly passed several pieces of legislation related to veterinary care, species conservation, public engagement, and potatoes.

Several pieces of legislation focused on water in Colorado were passed during the 2024 session. These include measures concerning water projects, regulations for construction activities near wetlands and rivers, water conservation efforts, and improving water quality.

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Report No. 2022-TE5