GWC Martz Symposium on Public Lands

The Getches-Wilkinson Center and American Indian Law Program will be co-convening the 2026 Martz Symposium on Public Lands: "Towards a New Era for Public Lands - Restoration and Renewal" on Thursday, Oct. 22, and Friday, Oct. 23 at the Wolf Law Building.

Toward a New Era for Public Lands – Restoration and Renewal

America’s public lands are entering a period of profound transition. Ecological change, evolving social and cultural values, Tribal co-stewardship, and shifting political dynamics are reshaping how we understand public lands and our responsibilities to them and to each other. This symposium explores what it would mean to move toward a new era for public lands grounded in restoration of the land and renewal of our shared responsibility to care for it.

Day 1 focuses on the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and public lands, featuring recent case studies alongside conversations about lessons learned and opportunities to reform laws and policies to strengthen the role of Tribes and Indigenous Peoples in decisions shaping the future of their ancestral homelands and cultural resources.

Day 2 focuses on the broader public interest in public lands, including the interests of future generations. All Americans benefit today from decisions made by earlier generations to uphold a shared public interest in the stewardship, management, and protection of public lands. Bringing together leading voices from academia, advocacy organizations, government, Tribal communities, and industry, Day 2 explores how we can best fulfill our responsibilities to future generations in an era of ecological and social change.

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Thursday, Oct. 22 and Friday, Oct. 23
Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom

Thursday, Oct. 22
8 am: Registration Opens and Light Breakfast
8:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.: Martz Symposium on Public Lands
4:30–6 p.m.: Reception for Registered Attendees

Friday, Oct. 23
8 a.m.: Registration Opens and Light Breakfast
8:45 a.m.–3:30 p.m.: Martz Symposium on Public Lands

Breakfast, Snack and Lunch provided daily
Free parking onsite. Parking details will be sent out the week of the conference.

Registration Rates EARLY BIRD until Aug. 31
General (In person) $225
Remote Access Only $75
CU Faculty/Staff/Student (In person or Zoom) Free
Buff OneCard number may be requested for validation of current University of Colorado Boulder faculty/staff/student status.

Registration Rates Sept. 1–Oct. 23
General (In person) $250
Remote Access Only $100
CU Faculty/Staff/Student (In person or Zoom) Free
Buff OneCard number may be requested for validation of current University of Colorado Boulder faculty/staff/student status.

Register NOW

Colorado CLE credits pending for the Martz Symposium.