State reservoir levels on the rise
Colorado rivers are running high and reservoirs are rising, thanks to early runoff from snowpack. But as cities roll back watering restrictions and creeks swell, experts are warning against premature optimism.

Colorado's reservoirs hold about two-thirds the water they normally do and are about 10 percent lower than they were at this time last year, according to the latest report from the Natural Resources and Conservation Service.

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06.04.03 @ 05:53 AM MST [link]

Paper trail to face White River hikers
Hikers in the Holy Cross and Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness areas will be required to fill out some government paperwork before heading out on the trail this spring.

The White River National Forest is implementing a mandatory permit system for both day hikers and backpackers for some of its most popular trails, located near Vail and Aspen. Hikers will be able to get a permit at the trailhead.

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06.04.03 @ 05:50 AM MST [link]

I-70 closed again, might last a month
EAST VAIL - The Colorado Department of Transportation shut down Interstate 70 near Vail again Wednesday morning and it might remain closed for up to a month, said CDOT Executive Director Tom Norton.

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CDOT Highway Alerts
06.04.03 @ 05:47 AM MST [link]

Forest thinning could force need to take money from recreation, wilds protection
The Forest Service wants to clean out fire fuels on five times more land in Colorado than in past years, but that might mean fewer road repairs, campgrounds, trails and amenities for visitors.

In 2002, the Forest Service spent $11.7 million on thinning trees and cleaning out dead wood, pine needles, brush and other fire fuels on 47,107 acres in Colorado.

"We want to do five to six times that. We don't have the money, so we are developing a strategy to shift money from other programs," said John Twiss, acting director of fire and aviation for the agency's Rocky Mountain Region, based in Lakewood.

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06.04.03 @ 05:41 AM MST [link]