For generations, wool has been a staple in the textile industry. Known for its moisture-wicking properties and breathability, it’s a durable and renewable resource favored among outdoor enthusiasts. However, as the demand for cheap synthetic materials increases, the global wool market has entered an era of unpredictability and shepherds are faced with the difficult reality […]
Environment
Posted inEnvironment
Treasure Mountain Ranch yet to file land exchange proposal
This spring, members of the Crystal River Caucus have heard presentations from Treasure Mountain Ranch (TMR), which owns 700 acres of land in and around the historic town of Crystal. TMR is looking to exchange much of its land with the White River National Forest and place near the rest of it under conservation. It’d […]
Posted inEnvironment
Wild for Good seeks permanent protections for western Colorado lands
Defiende Nuestra Tierra, a Latino outreach program through Wilderness Workshop, partnered with EcoFlight to highlight the Wild for Good initiative, a campaign focused on advancing lasting protections for landscapes in western Colorado. During a recent aerial tour organized by EcoFlight, a nonprofit organization that takes people on educational flights to help communities and organizations better […]
Posted inNews
Two more wolves die in western Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) killed, or “lethally removed,” an uncollared male gray wolf from the Copper Creek pack on June 12. The wolf had been shot at before and was on the run in Rio Blanco and Routt counties since August 2025. This was the pup left behind when CPW trapped two adults and […]
Posted inEnvironment
Release of federal funds brings Shoshone Water Rights purchase closer to completion
On May 22, Colorado 3rd Congressional District Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-Grand Junction, announced the release of $40 million to the Colorado River District (CRD) for the purchase and permanent protection of the Shoshone Water Rights. This funding release marks a milestone in the Colorado River District campaign, which was officially launched in December 2023, when […]
Posted inLocal Government
GarCo Report: John Martin urges BOCC to cover $1.7 million to finish Shoshone water right deal
Monday’s Garfield County Commissioner (BOCC) meeting lasted less than an hour. Former commission chair John Martin made a surprise cameo appearance during the morning public comment period, urging the BOCC to seal the Shoshone water right deal. “Today I’m going to let you know that you’re on the threshold of greatness — all three of […]
Posted inEnvironment
The state of renewables, Part One
It has been five years since Garfield Clean Energy (GCE) launched its successful Solarize Garfield campaign in the county that netted more than 100 new rooftop photovoltaic (solar-power) installations on homes and businesses; roughly one-fourth of them also included battery storage. Since then, the push toward cleaner energy generation in our region (mainly solar) has […]
Posted inEnvironment
Saving soil with AVLT
Founded in 1967, Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) is a local, nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting special places and open spaces. It serves a region stretching from the Roaring Fork and Middle Colorado River valleys from the top of Independence Pass and out west to De Beque. Through conservation easements on private land, the […]
Posted inEnvironment
Crystal River wins support through regional intergovernmental agreement
Over two years ago, a group of stakeholders announced the recommendation to seek federal Wild and Scenic classification for the Crystal River, one of three potential preservation measures identified through a scoping process that began in 2022. Last week, after ongoing conversation, five area governments and water districts signed an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) pledging to […]
Posted inEnvironment
Marble meeting focuses on wildfire mitigation, evacuation planning
A crowd of some 60 people gathered on May 16 at the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) firehouse in Marble to hear a presentation on wildfire behavior, mitigation and preparedness and evacuation strategies in the event of a wildfire. The Saturday-morning gathering was a follow-up to a planning meeting on March 31 at […]