Colorado HB1340 mandates revegetation or dryland farming on formerly irrigated agricultural land when water rights change use.

Colorado HB1340 establishes requirements for water rights changed from agricultural irrigation to other beneficial uses in Water Division 2, effective January 1, 2027. The bill mandates revegetation or conversion to dryland farming, erosion control, and weed management on the affected land. It requires water right owners to identify a site-specific standard and evaluation methodology for measuring the success of revegetation or conversion. The water court must appoint a third-party expert to conduct annual field reviews and issue reports.

Colorado HB1340 mandates revegetation or dryland farming on formerly irrigated agricultural land when water rights change use.

Colorado HB1340 establishes requirements for water rights changed from agricultural irrigation to other beneficial uses in Water Division 2, effective January 1, 2027. The bill mandates revegetation or conversion to dryland farming, erosion control, and weed management on the affected land. It requires water right owners to identify a site-specific standard and evaluation methodology for measuring the success of revegetation or conversion. The water court must appoint a third-party expert to conduct annual field reviews and issue reports.