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.
Author Archives: Curtis Wackerle
Curtis Wackerle is the editor and executive director of Aspen Journalism and the editor and reporter on the Connie Harvey Environment Desk. Curtis has also served as editor, managing editor, and reporter at the Aspen Daily News, where he covered Aspen’s city hall. He has a journalism degree from the University of Montana.
Posted inEnvironment
Enforcement, education campaign to debut on Lead King Loop this summer near Marble
An academic study found broad-based concern among residents about “degraded quality of life” related to the increasing number of visitors.
Posted inEnvironment
Cellphone towers in Glenwood Canyon a tall task
“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.
Posted inWater
Work underway to smooth out big drop in river near Basalt
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.
Posted inEnvironment
Air quality study near Aspen airport finds no adverse effects
More monitoring may be recommended; “We definitely need to dig deeper,” said one Pitkin County official
Posted inEnvironment
Microgrid feasibility study underway to connect Aspen airport, RFTA, public works
Greater efficiency, renewable energy storage are implementation goals.
Posted inEnvironment
Thompson Divide conservation agreement is a step forward for Pitkin County, AVLT
Public access to be determined in the context of biodiversity using ’best available science’ as the guide.
Posted inEnvironment
Buildout projection, recent trends drive Pitkin County’s downzoning push
Studies show residential buildout is no more than halfway done, and that new homes are getting bigger and consuming more.
Posted inCOVID-19 Info
Pitkin County health officials press state for COVID-19 visitor requirements
Travelers should get tested before coming or face 14-day quarantine, health board says
Posted inCOVID-19 Info
Nonresident COVID-19 cases are a significant part of virus’ footprint in Pitkin County
Pitkin County began tracking nonresidents who tested positive here in mid-July, after numerous inquiries on the topic from news media and community groups; Aspen Journalism on July 13 filed a Colorado Open Records Act request for data on nonresident COVID-19 cases.