Landmark Joint Initiative: Lawmakers Unite to Safeguard the Environment and Preserve Sangre De Cristo Land Grants

In Denver, Rep. Matthew Martinez and Senators Cleave Simpson and Julie Gonzales held a press conference to unveil new legislation aimed at improving local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley.

Rep. Martinez expressed the need for this legislation by saying, “We must address the negative effects of unauthorized fence building on our community and the environment. Many residents have land rights that go back before Colorado became a state. This bill will enhance local control and ensure that applications are submitted before any construction begins.”

Sen. Gonzales, who co-chairs the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus, also spoke about the importance of the bill. “It’s crucial for local governments to have a voice in how communities use their land. I support Representative Martinez in this matter and look forward to advancing this policy in the Senate.”

The proposed law, HB25-1023, would require residents to apply to local authorities before building certain types of fences in the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant area. Local governments will assess whether the advantages of a fencing project outweigh its disadvantages. They also have the option to pass regulations that allow them to opt out of these requirements.

Recent fence construction in the Sangre de Cristo land grant has already resulted in environmental issues, like land erosion and restricting wildlife movement. It has also prevented local residents from accessing their legally entitled land. This new bill aims to prevent similar problems in the future and to protect the natural habitats of the San Luis Valley.