“Among material resources, the greatest, unquestionably, is the land. Study how a society uses its land, and you can come to pretty reliable conclusions as to what its future will be.” — E.F. Schumacher, 1973
The State Demography Office predicts that Colorado’s population will grow to nearly 8 million people by 2040.
That’s 2.9 million new residents, roughly equivalent to the current population of Chicago.
Many Coloradans cringe at the mention of growth. Natives and transplants alike would prefer to keep Colorado as it is or, more accurately, as it was decades ago.
However, this projected growth suggests one undeniable benefit. The State Demography Office bases growth projections in large part on employment forecasts. Therefore, these numbers — while admittedly shocking at first — are a harbinger of prosperous times ahead, projected in every Colorado county.
At the same time, it means the land, water and natural amenities that contribute to our quality of life will face increased pressures as communities build homes and infrastructure to accommodate new residents. Eleven counties around the state are projected to double in population over the next 28 years.
Experts predict that Colorado will lose up to 3 million acres of farm land, ranch land and open space as a result of population growth. We will also face considerable water shortages as communities struggle to bridge the gap between static supply and rising demand. It’s a paradox: The things that attract people to Colorado could disappear because of the people they attract.
It’s not a foregone conclusion, however. The state’s projections give all of us good information, that when prudently applied, allows us to plan for population growth in a way that preserves the quality of life Colorado offers to current and future residents.
In the end, what matters is not whether we grow, but how we grow. And how we grow can be managed thoughtfully and effectively by a motivated citizenry.
Colorado’s land trusts and community open space programs understand this challenge. These groups give families and communities a voluntary way to conserve their land and water for today’s inhabitants and future generations. These organizations serve every corner of the state, and use a willing-buyer-willing-seller approach that respects private property rights and avoids unnecessary government regulation.
Colorado’s land conservation community has already protected more than 1.5 million acres of our state, but there is still work to be done. If you appreciate local agriculture, abundant wildlife, open spaces, and breathtaking views in any corner of Colorado, chances are that a land conservation organization is working to maintain them. (To find a land trust or open-space program serving your community, visit and click on “Member Organizations.”)
While many may prefer to keep Colorado as it is today forever, it’s simply not feasible. What we can do is commit ourselves to protecting the best of Colorado.
As Colorado’s population grows, land trusts and community open space programs can help communities conserve their natural and agricultural resources for the future. These groups will continue to allow us to maintain the quality of life we all enjoy in the Centennial State.
Linda Campbell is chair of the Colorado Conservation Trust, a Denver-based nonprofit that conserves Colorado’s landscapes by investing in land and water protection.
