The Roundup | Sustaining the lifelines we share

Across the Roaring Fork Valley, change is testing the systems and values that define our communities. Recent reporting from Aspen Journalism featured in this edition of The Roundup touches on themes ranging from insurance-company-hired fire crews protecting homes in the face of wildfire to the loss of another high-level leader at the White River National Forest to a critique of high-stakes Colorado River management which reminds us that collaboration — not competition — will be key to sustaining the lifelines we all share.

We also highlight Laurine Lassalle’s reporting on the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority’s plans to reexamine the feasibility of mass transit on the former railroad corridor now home to the Rio Grande Trail, and Kaya Williams’ deep dive into private clubs in the Roaring Fork Valley — which indeed are having a moment but the trend is another example of how everything old is new again. Thanks for reading and reflecting with us on the forces reshaping life in our region and how residents and institutions are responding. 

We would be remiss not to mention that on Nov. 1, Aspen Journalism will launch our year-end campaign with the goal to raise the funds to continue this work that supports our community. We are raising a matching gift pool that has exceeded $50,000 with a goal of reaching $75,000 by next week. If you believe in the work we are doing and are willing to pledge toward this matching gift pool, please contact Claire de L’Arbre, our development and marketing manager, by emailing claire@aspenjournalism.org. 

Thank you, as always, for reading and supporting the Roaring Fork Valley’s only nonprofit, investigative newsroom. 

– Curtis Wackerle
Editor and Executive Director
Aspen Journalism

Wildfire protection crews now offered to more property owners

A wildfire protection program where insurers send crews to defend at-risk structures is expanding. More property owners will soon have access to this safety measure, which helps reduce wildfire damage and gives communities an extra layer of protection. 

Private clubs change who mingles in the valley

A surge in private club, members-only business models across the Roaring Fork Valley reflects a broader trend of exclusivity in social spaces. As the membership landscape expands, questions arise about who belongs, who is left out, and how these spaces shape social life in the region. While these clubs claim to offer members a sense of belonging, and range from blue-collar bars to billionaire’s escapes, they also directly contrast the culture Aspen was known for: billionaires and blue collar folks rubbing elbows at the bar. Business owners say the model helps provide more curated services and ride out the revenue seasonality.

With 45% staff loss, local public lands run on dedication and goodwill

The Aspen-Sopris Ranger District saw nearly half its staff depart since January, severely limiting its ability to maintain visitor services, enforce wilderness regulations and engage with communities. With multiple top officials departing the White River National Forest, Warner and other departing leaders warn that declining capacity and morale threaten public access, forest stewardship and long‐term resource planning. Solutions involve volunteer coordination and philanthropic donations.

Group recommends nine ways to stabilize the Colorado River system

A new report by the Great Basin Water Network and allied groups offers recommendations in an effort to stabilize the Colorado River system, with some hoping the report will be used as a blueprint for taking action. It recommends no new dams or diversions and emphasizes conservation and collaborative solutions as critical to the river’s long-term health. With new guidelines needing to be in place by Oct. 1, 2026, “the clock is ticking.”

Commuter rail is not out of the question

RFTA plans to explore repurposing the Rio Grande Trail’s railroad corridor—spanning from Glenwood Springs to Woody Creek—for expanded mass transit, including rail, bus rapid transit, and improved bike/pedestrian access. The study aims to help ease traffic on Highway 82 and guide a sustainable transit future. A full corridor plan is scheduled for 2028.

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