No public comments at this week’s Garfield County commissioners’ (BOCC) meeting. “It’s a skinny audience,” observed Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky. The meeting itself took up a little over an hour of Jankovsky’s and Commissioner Mike Samson’s time. Commissioner Perry Will was absent. The consent agenda was approved and discussion moved into fourth quarter discretionary grants. […]
water
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 inEnvironment
How to recognize blue-green algae and mitigate health risks for humans and pets
Have you ever felt unwell or like you had an allergic reaction after swimming in a pond? Well, the culprit could be blue-green algae, which thrives during warm weather in bodies of water experiencing eutrophication. Blooms of blue-green algae grow quickly and can produce cyanobacteria, which is toxic to humans and can even be fatal […]
Posted inEnvironment
Colorado River District adopts five-year strategic plan and prepares for Oct. 3 Annual Water Seminar
This summer, the Colorado River District Board adopted a new five-year strategic plan. Formally named the Colorado River Water Conservation District, the Glenwood Springs-based agency manages and protects water resources on the Western Slope, encompassing tributaries and water use in 15 counties. The district was formed nearly 90 years ago, in 1937, in response to […]
Posted inNews
Scuttlebutt & Calendar
Runners rejoice!Our very own Independence Run & Hike has been named one of 65 top running stores in the country for 2025 by The Running Event — North America’s premier run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show. “After 20 years of hard work, I’m absolutely over the moon to see Independence Run & […]
Posted inLocal Government
Carbondale Report: Town enacts voluntary water restrictions to avoid crisis
Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman acted as interim town manager during the July 8 meeting. All trustees were in attendance with Ross Kribbs joining via Zoom. A quickly-approved consent agenda included meeting minutes, special event licenses for a Stepping Stones fundraiser (Sept. 19) and Cowboy Up (Aug. 22) and accounts payable. During general public comments, […]
Posted inNews
Scuttlebutt & Calendar
River flowsAccording to the Roaring Fork Conservancy’s weekly river report published July 3, “rivers in the Roaring Fork Watershed continue to decrease toward summer base flows earlier than usual, resulting in flows 23-42% of normal for this time of year.” Water releases from Ruedi Reservoir aim to boost flows and support endangered fish recovery efforts […]
Posted inNews
New development developments
Residents from New Castle to Carbondale are growing more and more concerned about three proposed mixed-use developments in the area. Spring Valley Ranch, outside of Glenwood Springs, is eyeing close to 6,000 acres for mostly second homes, some affordable housing, two golf courses and a ski hill. Harvest Roaring Fork has plans for what it […]
Posted inSports
Safely navigating local rivers
You will have noticed the fast-moving high waters if you’ve been near the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers recently. Warm temperatures have accelerated spring runoff from mountain snows, pushing flows in the Roaring Fork Valley and Glenwood Canyon.While these increased river flows delight rafting enthusiasts, they come with heightened safety concerns. With the high water […]
Posted inLocal Government
Republican CD3 candidate forum sheds light on conservative perspectives on water and Gaza
Five of the six Republican candidates for Colorado’s Third Congressional District (CD3) attended a public forum in Durango Tuesday, June 4. Candidate Jeff Herd was not present, reportedly due to a scheduling conflict.Russ Andrews, Ron Hanks, Curtis McCrackin, Lew Webb and Stephen Varela answered a series of questions, two of which The Sopris Sun highlighted, […]