Although it’s over the hill and through the woods, Sweetwater Lake is still part of Garfield County and of particular interest to outdoor enthusiasts. For decades, the acreage has fluctuated between private landowners but was recently sold, yet again, to the most attractive bidder: the federal government. The 488 acre purchase was financed by the […]
White River National Forest
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
Hanging Lake trail damage closes public access
Damage from recent debris flows closed the Hanging Lake trail for the remainder of 2021 and work to restore the trail could continue into 2023. Thankfully, the area’s ecology is showing signs of a quick recovery. According to White River National Forest hydrologist Justin Anderson, “We saw intense rainfall events during July that delivered sediment […]
Posted inOpinion, Uncategorized
News Analysis: The demise of dispersed camping
The Forest Service’s new management plan for the Crested Butte area is one of the most substantial moves away from “boondocking” in favor of established campgrounds we’ve seen in our neck of the woods — and I’m strangely okay with it. Your own reaction, I’m guessing, comes down to why (or if) you like camping […]
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Putting the brakes on Marble’s ATV frenzy
Sitting on the porch of a small cottage just beyond Marble town limits, I enjoyed a warm spring day, feeling that I was truly in the wilderness. Local residents are trying to soak up that feeling before the tourist season arrives, and, along with it: ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, which bring noise, dust, erosion, and […]
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WRNF explores aspen forest management
The White River National Forest (WRNF) is seeking public comment on a proposal to manage aspen forests. The project cites declining aspen forests due to drought, insects, disease, wildfire suppression, and browsing pressure. The WRNF’s motivations for preserving and expanding aspen forest-types include “their scenic value, the important wildlife habitat they provide, and their potential […]
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Lynx tolerate recreation, but rely on limited habitat
On Feb. 4, Lucretia Olson, ecologist for the Rocky Mountain Research Station of the United States Forest Service (USFS), will present her research on lynx in Colorado as part of Naturalist Nights. This local series is hosted by Wilderness Workshop, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, and Roaring Fork Audubon. Olson’s work was instigated by ecologist […]