Bill seeks to curb new road building in Colorado’s White River National Forest

A bill put forward by Rep. Joe Neguse in the U.S. House is designed to protect wildlife habitats and curb development within Colorado’s White River National Forest, the U.S. Congress reports.

H.R.8061 entered the 119th Congress on March 24, 2026, during its regular session. The following is a breakdown based on the official bill text and includes clarifications for easier understanding.

This legislation seeks to prohibit construction of new roads on federal land in the White River National Forest near the Berlaimont Estates area. Its intent is protection of crucial winter wildlife habitats. It also addresses Forest Service resourcing, noting staffing levels have declined, causing reductions in activities such as fuel mitigation and trail upkeep. The measure limits the Secretary of Agriculture from approving new road or utility corridor access, except for certain pre-existing, seasonal, unpaved roads under enforceable conditions. Additionally, the Secretary is directed to pursue the voluntary purchase of a 680-acre parcel, cooperate with local governments, and report efforts within 180 days. Once acquired, this land would become part of the national forest for conservation and recreational activities.

Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-2nd District) is the lone sponsor of this bill.

Neguse has brought forward 65 additional bills since the start of this session.

A companion bill, S.4180, was introduced in the Senate on the same date and is recognized in congressional records as related to H.R.8061.

Bills may start in either the House or Senate, with the exception of revenue items, which originate in the House. Bills receive committee assignments for study, hearings, amendment, and debate before a chamber vote. Once both chambers pass the same text, the bill heads to the president for signature or veto. Congressional terms last two years and are sequentially numbered, each split into two annual sessions. The full legislative process and bill histories are recorded on Congress.gov.

Joseph Neguse, representing Colorado, was elected as a Democrat to the 116th Congress and three subsequent Congresses, starting Jan. 3, 2019. He holds B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and previously served as a university regent from 2009 to 2015 and led the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies from 2015 to 2017.

Information in this article comes from the U.S. Congress. Visit the source data here.