(The Center Square) – Colorado raised $41 million from its Keep Colorado Wild Pass in its second year of being on sale.
That was $5 million more than the $36 million annual goal set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
“We’re excited to report on the Keep Colorado Wild Pass’s success during its second year of operations,” said Justin Rutter, CPW chief financial officer. “This is a meaningful increase in revenue for our agency compared to previous years, which is an important source for our state parks, wildlife, search and rescue volunteers, and avalanche forecasters.”
The funds raised by the Keep Colorado Wild Pass are used to support Colorado state parks, local search and rescue volunteers, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
In fiscal year 2023-2024, the first year it was offered, the pass raised $39.7 million. This past year’s $41 million in revenue means it saw a 3% increase in just one year.
“With these passes, Coloradans are investing back into the lands they love while exploring all our great state has to offer,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.
The pass is offered automatically during all passenger vehicle, light truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle registrations at the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. Residents must opt out of the program to not purchase the Keep Colorado Wild Pass.
According to the state, at just $29, the pass is 60% cheaper than the traditional $80 annual state park pass.
More than 1.5 million Colorado residents opted to buy the pass. With the state’s population of six million, that represents a significant portion of its citizens participating in the program. The state only expects it to continue growing.
“We’re proud to see so many Coloradans saving money by taking advantage of the low-cost Keep Colorado Wild pass, and we expect these numbers to continue growing as the popularity of our iconic state parks only increases,” Polis said.
The spending is allotted four different ways:
• $32.5 million for state park maintenance and development.
• $2.5 million for search and rescue teams.
• $1 million to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
• Any revenue beyond that goes to “wildlife projects and outdoor educational programs.”
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That means the last category received $5 million in fiscal year 2024-2025. Colorado Parks and Wildlife applauded the assistance this will provide to those additional projects and programs.
“Whether you use the pass to visit state parks or to show support for our outdoor first responders and avalanche forecasters, your contribution plays an integral role in giving back to the outdoor spaces and recreational programs our local communities treasure,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “The pass also helps our staff implement non-game species work to keep our wildlife ecosystems diverse and thriving.”