The Pinto Bean

06/19/2026

Dolores County Sheriff's Office official release of STAGE 2 Fire Restrictions in the County. Effective 6/19/2026
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PROHIBITED:
Open burning of any kind, including campfires, charcoal grills, and fire pits
Smoking, except in enclosed vehicles of buildings
Operating chainsaws or other equipment powered by internal combustion engines without a spark arrestor
Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame
Using explosive materials (fireworks, blasting caps, etc.)
Firing tracer rounds or incendiary ammunition

EXEMPTIONS:
Liquid fluid or gas field stoves and lanterns
Persons with valid written permits from the County Sheriff

VIOLATIONS MAY RESULT IN FINES AND/OR IMPRISONMENT

06/19/2026

Alert: Red Flag Warning until 10:00PM Saturday
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning below 9000 feet for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon to 10 PM MDT Saturday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 295 Southwest Colorado Upper East Forecast Area below 9000 feet.
* TIMING...From noon to 10 PM MDT Saturday.
* WINDS...Southwest 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent.
* IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
* AFFECTED AREAS: SOUTHWEST COLORADO UPPER EAST FORECAST AREA

Instructions:
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

06/19/2026

Dove Creek - don't forget about all the programs at the ROCK - Reaching Out to Community and Kids for the summer

06/19/2026

Cortez Public Library Bee feature next Tuesday

In celebration of Pollinator Week, the Public Library will be hosting a screening of My Garden of a Thousand Bees on June 23.

This PBS Nature documentary uses incredible close-up videography to highlight the importance of native and wild pollinators and the role they play in healthy ecosystems. The event will also feature a presentation from a local 4-H member on beekeeping.

Events like this are a great opportunity to learn more about the small but important species that help support our landscapes and agriculture across the region.
Check out the flyer for additional details.

*The Montelores Coalition shares information from partner organizations and community sources for awareness. The inclusion of external content does not imply endorsement of any specific organization, program, or viewpoint.

06/19/2026

WATER:

“DWCD FSA Update) 61% of FSA total pumped through Great Cut as of 18-JUN-2026.
Based on average diversions over the last 10 days, FSA allocation may run out as soon as the week of July 19th.
Will update again late next week. “

06/19/2026

Overview of the state of Utah BLM fire restriction stages.

06/19/2026

Wait what - external money influencing political races. Not novel. Here are the forerunners for the next Colorado Governor.
https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-governor-race-fundraising-spending/

Millions of dollars from wealthy donors have poured into the race for Colorado governor, much of which has been channeled into an advertising blitz in the lead-up to the June 30 primaries. In the Democratic...

06/19/2026

Additional details on the Imogene pass rollover from Thursday.

06/19/2026

Drought maps for CO UT released 6/18 again, remaining mostly D2 Severe Drought with some D3 Extreme Drought areas