Colorado Legislators Stalled on River Access Amidst Property Rights Debate
In Colorado, the issue of river access has been a contentious topic for over fifty years, with no legislative resolution in sight. The state's current 'float but don’t touch' policy allows recreational users to float on rivers but prohibits them from touching the riverbed or banks, which are often privately owned. This has led to a divide between river access advocacy groups and landowners. The Responsible River Recreation Alliance is pushing for legislation that would allow boaters to pass through private property without disembarking, except in emergencies. Meanwhile, the Colorado Water Conservation Alliance, representing landowners, warns that changing the current rules could infringe on property rights and lead to legal battles. Despite these ongoing debates, Colorado lawmakers have not yet introduced any bills to address the issue during the current legislative session. 
