Colorado Proposition 137 proposes new wildfire and conservation funding

Proposition 137, a ballot measure in Colorado, seeks to create a pool of approximately $175 million to $180 million annually for conservation, watershed restoration, and wildfire mitigation. The measure would achieve this by allowing the state to retain revenue from sporting goods sales tax that would otherwise be returned to taxpayers via the Colorado Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR).

Proponents, including a coalition of conservation groups such as The Nature Conservancy and Western Resource Advocates, argue the measure provides essential funding for existing programs without raising taxes. Campaign finance filings show supporters have raised over $4 million, significantly outspending opponents who have raised approximately $4,700.

Critics of the measure argue that the funding allocation is insufficient to address the wildfire crisis effectively. They contend that while the funds would support the Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado State Forest Service, the measure lacks dedicated resources for home-hardening efforts, such as retrofitting existing homes or improving ignition resistance, which are considered critical for survival in wildland-urban interface areas.