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About the State
Land Board
The State Board of Land Commissioners (also known as the State Land Board and the SLB) was established in 1876 to manage more than 3 million acres of land and 4 million acres of mineral rights that the federal government gave to Colorado to generate revenue for public education and some of the state's institutions.
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TJ Bar Ranch, San Miguel County
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The Board's activities generate significant revenue annually for its
trust beneficiaries, primarily through agricultural leases for grazing and crop lands, mineral development and interest earned on invested funds. In recent years, the board has expanded its efforts to increase revenue through commercial development activities and leasing lands for recreational activities.
Colorado Constitution
Article IX Section 10
The people of the state of Colorado recognize (a) that the state school lands are an endowment of land assets held in a perpetual, inter-generational public trust for the support of public schools, which should not be significantly diminished, (b) that the disposition and use of such lands should therefore benefit public schools including local school districts, and (c) that the economic productivity of all lands held in public trust is dependent on sound stewardship, including protecting and enhancing the beauty, natural values, open space and wildlife habitat thereof, for this and future generations.
The "Board"
The State Board of Land Commissioners is a five person citizen group representing education, agriculture, local government and natural resources, plus one citizen-at-large commissioner. Appointed by the Governor and approved by the Colorado Senate, board members serve four year terms, with no more than three members from one political party. Learn more about the Commissioners >
2007-2008 Annual Report (.pdf, 6MB)
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)