A Milestone for Ag Land Management and Water Resource Efficiency in Colorado

Weld County, one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the United States, has taken a decisive step forward in supporting local farming operations. In a groundbreaking move, the county has entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS), reshaping the permitting process for agricultural land leveling and irrigation reservoir dredging.

Why This Matters

Agricultural land leveling and the cleaning of irrigation reservoirs are essential to maintain crop yield, irrigation efficiency, and water storage capacity. Until now, farmers and landowners engaging in these activities often faced significant regulatory hurdles, including the need to obtain state-level mining permits (110 or 112 permits) from DRMS, even when the primary purpose was clearly agricultural.

Thanks to this new agreement, these vital operations are now recognized for their agricultural intent rather than classified under mining regulations. This shift simplifies compliance, reduces costs, and accelerates project timelines for producers throughout Weld County.

Key Features of the Weld County–DRMS Agreement

• Local Permitting Authority: Beginning April 1, 2025, Weld County has full authority to issue permits for reservoir cleaning and ag land leveling when the primary purpose is to improve agricultural production during the crop year.
• Exemption from DRMS Permits: Upon issuance of a county permit, DRMS will no longer consider the activity a "mining operation." Thus, no DRMS 110 or 112 permit will be required for these specific, ag-focused activities.
• Clear Oversight and Notification: Weld County will notify DRMS of each permit issued under this program. The notification process ensures transparency while preserving state oversight without duplicative regulation.

Benefits for Producers and Landowners

This agreement provides several practical advantages:

• Reduced Regulatory Burden: Streamlines approval processes and removes the need for state mining forms and lengthy reviews.
• Lower Costs: Avoids state permit fees and associated compliance expenses.
• Faster Project Execution: Enables quick action during critical seasonal windows to improve water storage and field productivity.

Agricultural Recognition: Officially separates agricultural improvement efforts from industrial mining operations—providing clarity and respect for farming practices.AGPROfessionals: Leading the Way

At AGPROfessionals, we’re proud to have had a hand in this process of removing red tape for our clients. We were also the first to submit a permit application under this new system on behalf of our client.

As trusted advisors in land use planning, agricultural engineering, and regulatory compliance, we see this development as a significant win for Colorado agriculture.

If you're a producer, landowner, or ag operation looking to take advantage of this new permitting path, our team is ready to help. We’ll guide you through the process to ensure compliance, maximize productivity, and protect your land’s long-term value.