Curtis Wackerle, Author at Aspen Journalism

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness overnight overuse continues to increase

by Curtis Wackerle July 2, 2021July 9, 2021

Total overnight visitors accessing the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness via the 10 most popular trailheads reached a new record in 2020, with 18,324 entering the backcountry to camp, according to data collected by the Forest Service.

Environment

Parking is a choke point in Marble’s motorized-use conundrum

by Curtis Wackerle June 18, 2021July 7, 2021

There is no designated parking near the Lead King Loop trailhead for the trucks and trailers needed to haul the machines. Many in Marble feel this has put the squeeze on their town, population 140, which has limited resources and infrastructure to handle the influx.

Environment

Environmental analysis puts Marble wetlands donation within reach

by Curtis Wackerle May 28, 2021May 28, 2021

This spring, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) completed its analysis of the site and determined that contaminant levels in the material are within the range considered to be non-threatening to human health for a day-use recreation site.

Environment

OHV authorization will continue near Marble, but clock is ticking

by Curtis Wackerle May 18, 2021May 22, 2021

While the commissioners did not enact a de facto moratorium on OHV, ATV and UTV traffic on the county road leading to the Lead King Loop, the discovery of a language error in a county resolution served to elevate the issue.

Environment

Gunnison County appears unlikely to ban off-highway vehicles on road to Lead King Loop this summer

by Curtis Wackerle May 5, 2021May 18, 2021

Gunnison County commissioners expressed concern that an immediate, partial ban would be counterproductive but called for partner agencies to ‘lean in’ to long-term solutions.

Environment

Enforcement, education campaign to debut on Lead King Loop this summer near Marble

by Curtis Wackerle April 19, 2021May 5, 2021

An academic study found broad-based concern among residents about “degraded quality of life” related to the increasing number of visitors.

Environment

Cellphone towers in Glenwood Canyon a tall task

by Curtis Wackerle March 8, 2021March 11, 2021

“Overburdening the canyon with unsightly towers and related wireless network infrastructure is in conflict with the environmental ideals that underpin the overall management and stewardship of the corridor,” says an FCC complaint letter.

Water

Work underway to smooth out big drop in river near Basalt

by Curtis Wackerle January 31, 2021February 19, 2021

A nearly $1 million project is “trying to make a natural riffle” where in the past boaters had to navigate over falls created by a weir channeling water to a midvalley diversion ditch. Heavy equipment in and around the river near Willits Lane will see “grade control structures” and other enhancements create a safer passage that could open up that section of water to more recreational use.