Forest Service functions across the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District and the wider White River National Forest have been deeply affected by the reductions, which were driven by the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce.
Category: Environment
Aspen Journalism’s “Connie Harvey Environment Desk” is named in honor of the longtime Aspen environmentalist.
Posted inEnvironment
Once in doubt, the E175 will fly to Aspen this summer
Tomcich told Aspen Journalism via email that he would be surprised if the E175 does not face weight restrictions during the summer months — just as nearly all aircraft, including the CRJ700, do in the summer at ASE.
Posted inEnvironment
Rep. Hurd voices concern about Forest Service cuts
“The loss of red-card holders threatens public safety, undercuts local economies and undermines years of local wildfire prevention efforts. We urge you to restore the Forest Service red-card holders without delay.”
Posted inEnvironment
‘Say a prayer that all this comes to a happy conclusion’
The Open Space and Trails team has received “some indication” that the potential buyer is “conservation oriented,” according to Kinsley, but he would not say how they received that indication.
Posted inEnvironment
Former White River boss fears for future of public lands amid drastic budget, staffing cuts
The White River was down 27 or 28 positions since Jan. 1, 2025, and just over 50 fewer positions in the past 12 months.
Posted inEnvironment
AI vehicle counters to provide better input on upper valley traffic flows
Each counter has a camera, operating 24/7, that captures both directions of traffic and an AI-processing unit that translates the video into data. This system is capable of counting the number of vehicles passing by and can distinguish vehicle types based on the Federal Highway Administration’s 13 vehicle category classifications.
Posted inEnvironment
Fighting fire with collaboration
“All of us in the valley are doing work, but we kind of get in our own silos. The collaborative allows us to come together, so we know where people are working, and if there’s an opportunity to partner, we can pool funding and do cross-boundary work.”
Posted inEnvironment
Red Mountain to see prescribed fire this spring
The 900-acre burn is intended to improve habitat quality for wildlife, including the local elk herd, while also reducing the dry, aging vegetation that could fuel a large wildfire. It’s one piece in a valleywide wildfire mitigation and preparation strategy that Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative aims to stitch together with partner agencies.
Posted inEnvironment
Pitkin County proposes land exchange with feds to gain ownership of Wildwood property
Some neighbors aren’t convinced the county should own the property and have called for limitations on public use, a management tool county staff has said they can only explore once they have authority and own the land at the Wildwood put-in.
Posted inEnvironment
The heritage running through Toklat
Cardamone saw Toklat as key in the role that ACES aimed to fill — not just to educate students about environmental stewardship but to allow nature to infuse all parts of daily life in the community. “Hallam Lake is the school, Rock Bottom Ranch is the grocery store, and Toklat is the church.”