A proposal from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) could significantly expand where electric mountain bikes are allowed on public trails across the central Colorado River Valley — and the idea is drawing strong reactions from local trail users. At a public meeting in Eagle on March 11, staff from the BLM’s Colorado River Valley […]
public lands
Posted inEnvironment
Public lands and greenhouse gas regulations threatened by D.C.
Only three months into 2026, the nomination of a new Bureau of Land Management (BLM) director and the repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2009 Endangerment Finding, which regulates greenhouse gas emissions, pose new threats to Western Slope public lands, as well as public health. On Wednesday, March 4, former New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce […]
Posted inNews
Scuttlebutt
Electric mountain bikingThe Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on a proposal to allow Class 1 e-bikes on all currently designated mechanized mountain bike trails within the Colorado River Valley Field Office boundary. Approval would affect more than 220 miles of trail in Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties. “Class 1 e-bikes have a […]
Posted inEnvironment
Former Forest supervisor warns of ‘deliberate dismantling of the public lands system’
Last year, Scott Fitzwilliams retired from his position as supervisor of the White River National Forest. He had been in the role for 15 years, nearly half of his 35-year career with the U.S. Forest Service. His previous locations with the agency included northern Wyoming, Alaska and parts of the Pacific Northwest. The newly inaugurated […]
Posted inNews
Updates on public lands, new land purchases, federal legislation
National perspectives and decision-making on public land continue to create pressure for state and local governments and organizations. Attempts this year to include provisions in federal legislation for selling public lands to private developers, ostensibly for housing and energy development, received bipartisan opposition from the public and from Colorado elected politicians, including District 3 representative […]
Posted inEnvironment
Federal shutdown placed public lands strain on local governments, nonprofits
As of Nov. 11, the federal government had been shut down for over 42 consecutive days. While some employees in various agencies remained at work with or without pay, many were furloughed or otherwise suspended via reduction in force orders. These limitations strained public lands management throughout the country. Colorado, as the state with the […]
Posted inEnvironment
RFPLWF unites common interests
In late spring and early summer, signs began appearing at many outdoor access points throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. These notices included reminders to recreate responsibly alongside information about reduced public lands funding and ways to steward outdoor spaces. These signs are just one aspect of work being done by a new local coalition: the […]
Posted inLocal Government
GarCo Report: Medicaid changes and a public land use ally from Utah
As the Lee Fire on Monday was closing in on 137,000 acres and the dubious achievement of becoming the state’s 4th largest wildfire in history, Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) had a public conversation promoting natural gas drilling and timber sales with Jacey Albaugh, legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) on the U.S. Senate […]
Posted inEnvironment
Wilderness Workshop to host conversation with former BLM leaders
On Thursday, Aug. 21, outdoor enthusiasts will gather at the Third Street Center for a conversation about United States public lands, changing government policies and citizen conservation responses. From 5:30pm to 7:00pm, Carbondale-based nonprofit Wilderness Workshop will facilitate the free conversation with Tracy Stone-Manning, current president of The Wilderness Society and former director of the […]
Posted inNews
Scuttlebutt & Calendar
RFSD electionsThe Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) is seeking board members to fulfill four-year terms representing District A (east of Highway 133 and south of Highway 82) and District E (north of Highway 82 and east of Carbondale). Eligible candidates must file a petition signed by 50 eligible electors by Aug. 29. So far, the […]