Aspen Journalism

12/09/2025

Based in Aspen, relevant and respected regionally. On this Colorado Gives Day, where we celebrate coming together as a state to support nonprofits that make a difference, we’re reflecting on our mission that resolves to impact a vast region, and the talented, wide-ranging team that makes that possible. Take a moment to meet our team and see a data visualization of our areas of impact. And, if you support this work, there has never been a better time to give! All donations are matched! - https://mailchi.mp/aspenjournalism.org/co-gives-25

12/04/2025

Water managers from the seven U.S. states that share the Colorado River missed a Nov. 11 federal deadline to agree on a plan for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead and distributing future water cuts. The stalemate deepens uncertainty for the roughly 40 million people downstream who rely on the river. Environmental groups criticized the failure, calling the lack of a “basic framework” for post-2026 water management “unfortunate.”

Water managers from the seven states that share the Colorado River have blown a deadline given to them by the federal government to come up with a rough plan on how the drought-stricken river will be shared in the future.

12/04/2025

The Colorado Water Conservation Board unanimously approved instream-flow protections for the water rights tied to the Shoshone hydropower plant, securing some of the oldest and most powerful water rights on the mainstem of the Colorado River in perpetuity for the Western Slope.The decision allows the Colorado River Water Conservation District to co-manage the rights — a historic departure — promising benefits to downstream communities, the environment and river recreation.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board said the Shoshone water rights, which are some of the oldest and most powerful on the mainstem of the Colorado River, can be used to benefit the environment.

12/04/2025

A proposal by Discovery Land Co. to build an exclusive, members-only ski community — Stagecoach Mountain Ranch — 20 miles south of Steamboat Springs has sparked a sharp divide among local residents. Supporters tout jobs, infrastructure improvements and public-benefit housing; opponents warn of water-use stress, environmental harm, skyrocketing housing costs and loss of community character.

As Routt County awaits the first public hearing on a proposal to develop a private ski resort and elite enclave 20 miles south of Steamboat Springs, there is widespread anxiety and divisions across the community are deepening. Reanna Sullivan, whose hillside home faces the prospective ski area, tick...

12/02/2025

Learn what drives our volunteer board and help double the support for local journalism. Gifts will be matched this Giving Tuesday!- https://mailchi.mp/aspenjournalism.org/board-2025

11/21/2025

A preview of a note from Paul Andersen: "A "free press" is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It means the government cannot censor or control the media, including newspapers, television and online publications, allowing journalists to report on and criticize the government without fear of punishment.

As an Aspen Journalism writer, I know that ..."

Keep reading here: https://mailchi.mp/aspenjournalism.org/newsmatch-10152331

11/06/2025

It’s our passion to seek truth when the public needs answers. We were ready to cover the story about impacts to our public lands following unprecedented federal-level policy shifts, and our commitment won’t waver no matter what the next story might be.

If our work has helped you stay informed, take action, or feel more connected to this community, we hope you’ll give now and double your impact.

Your support makes a difference! Can we count on you? - https://mailchi.mp/aspenjournalism.org/newsmatch-252

11/01/2025

Now’s the time to stand up for Aspen Journalism. and NewsMatch 2025 begin today. Every gift will be matched! - https://mailchi.mp/aspenjournalism.org/newsmatch-campaign-launch-10151961

10/24/2025

Snowmass Village's water supply sourced from East Snowmass Creek faces heightened wildfire risks due to its location in a fire-prone wilderness area. Experts emphasize the need for proactive measures to safeguard this critical resource, highlighting the vulnerability of systems in the Roaring Fork Valley and advocating for advanced planning.

“There are some quite vulnerable systems in the Roaring Fork Valley — Snowmass being at the very top of that list — that really need some advance planning,” said a senior hydrologist with Wright Water Engineers.

10/24/2025

A group of recreation advocates are hoping Colorado lawmakers will settle the state’s legal gray area surrounding public river access. The Colorado Stream Access Coalition is fighting for the public’s right to use the state’s waterways for recreation, a right they say is guaranteed in the Colorado Constitution.

The Colorado Stream Access Coalition is fighting for the public’s right to use the state’s waterways for recreation, a right they say is guaranteed in the Colorado Constitution.

10/16/2025

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.

Working two full-time jobs was taxing, and it’s true that the federal government pays far less than local governments in the same resort communities. But the real push to leave the agency came from Washington.

10/10/2025

A surge in private clubs across the Roaring Fork Valley reflects a broader trend of exclusivity in social spaces. While these clubs offer members a sense of belonging, and range from blue-collar bars to billionaire's escapes, they also highlight tensions between inclusion and exclusion. The members-only model underscores the complexities of community and access in affluent areas.