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KMOHR's PRESIDENT INTERVIEWED ABOUT NEW ZONING REGS
READ ABOUT THE GAME ACT
The legislation proposes exchanging 2,158 acres of public BLM land in Game Management Unit (GMU) 444 for 2,103 acres of private land in GMU 22 (Out of Bounds Ranch / Cow Creek drainage).
Subject: CPW Comments on the Out of Bounds Ranch & BLM Land Exchange Proposal — GAME Act
Overview
Overview
In an official response to U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd, CPW Director Laura Clellan details the agency’s technical assessment of the proposed Greater Access for Multiple-Use Experiences (GAME) Act. The legislation proposes exchanging 2,158 acres of public BLM land in Game Management Unit (GMU) 444 for 2,103 acres of private land in GMU 22 (Out of Bounds Ranch / Cow Creek drainage).
The letter directly addresses public misinformation regarding CPW’s position, outlines serious wildlife and public access tradeoffs, and details critical concerns regarding loss of winter range and access in GMU 444.
Key Takeaways from CPW's Analysis
Key Takeaways from CPW's Analysis
Explicit Refutation of Endorsement: CPW directly clarifies that it does not endorse or support the GAME Act. The letter corrects recent public claims implying CPW support, emphasizing that prior 2025 agency input was strictly technical and informational. CPW maintains a neutral position with "no formal stance or opinion."
Critical Habitat Loss in GMU 444: The 2,158 public acres proposed for transfer to private hands contain mapped elk production (calving) areas and severe winter range supporting over 300 elk annually from August through December.
Impact on Outdoor Access & Crowding: Losing the public parcel in GMU 444 will severely restrict public entry to adjacent U.S. Forest Service lands, exacerbate existing hunter crowding in a unit already limited in public access, and potentially increase game damage conflicts on surrounding agricultural lands.
Limited Benefits of the GMU 22 Parcel: While the private land offered in exchange (Cow Creek drainage on the Roan Plateau) has hunting value, CPW notes that steep terrain limits public usability and the acquisition does not unlock any landlocked public land that wasn't already accessible elsewhere.
Protection Recommendation: If Congress passes the exchange, CPW urges adoption of Garfield County’s recommendation to place the privatized GMU 444 acreage under a permanent conservation easement to prevent residential subdivision and commercial development.
Positions on the Proposed GAME Act (Greater Access for Multiple-Use Experiences Act)
Supporters
U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd (R-CO 3rd District): As the drafter of the proposed legislation, Rep. Hurd is the primary federal proponent. His platform aligns with the developer's argument that swapping ~2,158 acres of fragmented federal land near Glenwood Springs for ~2,103 acres of private ranch land near Rifle consolidates public parcels and unlocks public access to roughly 8,900 landlocked acres for big-game hunting in Game Management Unit (GMU) 22. Opponents frequently highlight that the owners of Out of Bounds Ranch made maximum personal contributions to Rep. Hurd’s campaign.
Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC): In July 2026, the BOCC voted 2–0 to pass a resolution officially supporting the GAME Act, finding it consistent with the county’s Federal Lands Natural Resources Coordination Plan.
Commissioners Tom Jankovsky & Perry Will voted in favor, arguing the exchange serves the "greater public good" by expanding hunting and recreational access. Commissioner Will publicly advocated for adding deed restrictions to the privatized Glenwood Springs parcel to prevent future residential development.
Commissioner Mike Samson was excused/absent for the final resolution vote, though he previously signaled support for consolidating checkerboard public lands.
Opponents
Local Residents & Conservation Groups: Primary opposition comes from Colorado Wild Public Lands, local hunters (who object to privatizing public hunting habitat in GMU 444), and residents of High Aspen Ranch (the neighborhood adjacent to the Glenwood Springs parcel slated for privatization, who cite concerns over lost public land access, wildlife disruption, and property value impacts).
U.S. Senators Michael Bennet & John Hickenlooper: Neither senator has taken an official public stance on the GAME Act. Opponents are actively petitioning both senators to block the legislation if it reaches the Senate.
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