An initiative of the Center for Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder

Wildlife biologist photo

Kremmling bird count studies how birds use irrigated agriculture

As Colorado grapples with a demand-management program, there could be unintended consequences for animals that use irrigated agriculture for habitat.
Ella Ditch photo

River District looks for natural solutions to Crystal River water shortage

Officials say a solution to the water shortage on the Crystal River will probably include natural fixes before a dam and reservoir.
River kayaking photo

Conservation groups want recreation water right tied to natural river features

Three conservation groups in Colorado are working on a revision to a state law that would allow natural river features to get a water right.
Yampa River rafting photo

Craig betting on Yampa River to help transition from coal economy

Craig officials and river enthusiasts are hoping a long-overlooked natural resource just south of town can help create economic resilience.

Basin roundtables push back on Colorado Water Conservation Board’s proposed code of conduct

The state water board is encouraging roundtables to adopt a code of conduct, but some Western Slope roundtables are pushing back.
Ritschard dam photo 1

A dam in Grand County is showing an increasing risk of failure, prompting a...

Problems with a Grand County, Colorado dam are turning out to be worse than previously thought, and may be tough to plan for moving forward.
Crystal River photo 1

Crystal River Wild & Scenic advocates hope to learn from the past

Residents of Colorado's Pitkin County are reviving efforts to secure a Wild & Scenic designation on the Crystal River, but it won't be easy.
Senator Beck Basin photo

New dust-on-snow monitoring technology coming to Steamboat lab, expanding a growing snowpack data network

Technology to study the impact of dust on downwind mountain ecosystems in Colorado and Utah will likely be installed in the Rockies this fall.

Colorado is examining water speculation, and finding it’s ‘all the problems’ in one

Water speculation has been sparking debate in Colorado over the last few months.
Homestake Reservoir photo 1

Homestake Reservoir release proves tricky to track

Front Range water providers released water downstream to test how to get it to the state line in the event of a Colorado River Compact call.