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This week on the Regional Roundup, we look at concerns over a proposed move by the U.S. Forest Service from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City, and what that could mean for public lands management in the West. We’ll also visit a conserved organic orchard in Western Colorado, and we hear about new composting efforts in Aspen aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions from food waste. Plus, a longtime avalanche rescue dog in Telluride retires after years of service, and a conversation with Denis Moynihan of Democracy Now! about the new documentary Steal This Story Please! and the importance of independent journalism. A report on concerns about the proposed U.S. Forest Service move from Washington D.C. to Salt Lake City. (RMCR/KRCL) A feature on an organic orchard in Western Colorado that is now permanently conserved. (KVNF) A feature on composting efforts in Aspen that seek to reduce greenhouse emissions from wasted food. (Aspen Public Radio) A feature on a retiring avalanche rescue dog in Telluride. (KOTO) A two way with Denis Moynihan of Democracy Now! about the new documentary Steal This Story Please! (RMCR)

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear songs of resistance from around the region that were part of the March 28 No Kings rallies. We look at new efforts to support local news outlets in Colorado, at a time when many are struggling to survive. And in Telluride, a first-of-its-kind skijoring event brought horses, skiers, and spectators together. Plus, a conversation about the growing threats facing salt lakes around the world, including Utah’s Great Salt Lake.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the record low water levels in Lake Powell that are threatening deadpool this year after scare snowfall this winter. We also recap the No Kings rally in Moab, and give an update about upcoming free medical screenings that will take place in town later this month. - Show Notes - • Lake Powell is heading for a record low https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/the-situation-is-dire-lake-powell-is-heading-for-a-record-low-as-colorado-river-states-remain-deadlocked/ • No Kings protest draws 350 protesters in Moab https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/no-kings-protest-draws-350-protesters-in-moab/ • Moab Free Health Clinic to offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-free-health-clinic-to-offer-free-breast-cervical-cancer-screenings/

National park staff in Utah are reviewing dozens of signs after new federal orders call for the removal of any displays deemed critical of the government or American history. Leaked documents show the confusion this is causing among park staff nationwide who are questioning signs about climate change, mining, and Indigenous history. /Photo: A sign about writer and former park ranger Ed Abbey has been flagged in Arches National Park for possible removal. Photo courtesy of Tom Ryan.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear about community concerns over an ICE detention facility in Glenwood Springs, the impact of the abortion ban in Wyoming, and a possible reason for high mule deer death rates in southeastern Utah. We finish the show with a conversation with a tribal water attorney on the relationship between Indigenous communities and the Colorado River.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the county’s recommendation for a new airline service contract at the airport. We also discuss the new director for the county’s tourism office. And we finish with a story about recent vandalism at a petroglyph panel near Tusher Tunnel.

Measles cases continue to rise across Utah, with more than 440 infections reported statewide since the outbreak began in June. In Moab, only three confirmed cases have been identified, but the virus has repeatedly appeared in local wastewater, suggesting infected people are still moving through the community. Health officials say tourism could increase the risk of transmission, even though vaccination rates in Grand County are slightly above the state average. Medical workers are urging people with symptoms to call ahead before seeking care so hospitals can isolate potential cases safely. - Show Notes - • Utah Department of Health https://epi.utah.gov/measles-response/ • Utah Wastewater Testing https://avrpublic.dhhs.utah.gov/uwss/ Photo: A young boy shows symptoms of measles. Via Wikimedia Creative Commons.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear why moose populations are declining in the region and why Wyoming’s annual moose count is such an important event. We also dive into the mountain West’s unique sport of skijoring, which combines skiing and horseback riding. Later, we hear how a mountain community is building resilience in the face of climate change. And we round out the show with best-selling author Terry Tempest Williams, who talks about protecting public lands and her new memoir, The Glorians.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Lizzie Ramirez, reporter at the Times-Independent, about a new cafe and shop that opened in town this week. We also discuss the county’s yearly trail maintenance volunteer weekend, which is scheduled for April 10 - 13. And we hear about an uptick in tourism trends in Moab this winter. - Show Notes - • The Press, Moab’s newest business opens March 19 https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/the-press-moabs-newest-business-opens-march-19/ • Spring Spruce Up seeks volunteers https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/spring-spruce-up-seeks-volunteers/ • Register for Spring Spruce Up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3wwTzZh7OVcDxi0wbhrBXNKM-gy1omxcez1FC5MBu9s2gBA/viewform • Winter tourism was good for Moab as city budget season arrives https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/winter-tourism-was-good-for-moab-as-city-budget-season-arrives/

In southeastern Utah, mule deer fawns are dying at unusually high rates, and researchers are trying to understand why. A collaborative study in the La Sal and San Juan mountains has found signs that Chronic Wasting Disease may be affecting deer much earlier in life than previously thought, possibly even before birth. As infection rates climb in the Moab area, scientists say the disease could be playing a growing role in the region’s struggling deer populations.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear a report on the growing outdoor recreation economy, a look at an abortion doula program supporting patients in Western Colorado, and a feature on youth activists rallying at the Utah legislature in support of efforts to save the Great Salt Lake. The show also features a story about a new mobile food bank serving rural communities in Colorado, and explores free speech and censorship: from a Durango bookstore’s lawsuit to block police from accessing a customer’s book purchase records, to a conversation with a Colorado librarian featured in the documentary The Librarians, which examines the rise of book bans and challenges to libraries.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about construction on the bike path on River Road, WabiSabi’s new building, and a recent decision to allow Class 1 e-bikes on certain Moab-area bike trails. - Show Notes - • Colorado River Trail Gap construction begins March 9 https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/colorado-river-trail-gap-construction-begins-march-9/ • WabiSabi makes huge strides on its relocation project https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/wabisabi-makes-huge-strides-on-its-relocation-project/ • Moab area trails open to Class 1 e-bikes on about 190 miles of singletrack https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-area-trails-open-to-class-1-e-bikes-on-about-190-miles-of-singletrack/

At their next meeting, Grand County commissioners will make a recommendation to the U.S. Department of Transportation about which airline they hope will serve Moab for the next four years. The county's current contract with Contour Airlines expires in September. In the meantime, the airline plans to add a second daily flight to Denver starting in April. Contour is one of four airlines in the running for the contract with Canyonlands Regional Airport. Residents can submit comments about the decision online or during the upcoming commission meeting. - Show Notes - Agenda for Grand County Commission Meeting - 3.17.26 https://grandcountyut.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2922/overview Photo by Emily Arntsen/KZMU

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear about an animal sanctuary in Wyoming that looks after animals who used to spend their days in laboratories. We find out what happens to patients when a rural health facility closes. Then we meet a Navajo basket weaver who is keeping the tradition alive for the next generation. We round out the show with a story about a recent community event on Colorado's Western Slope to educate young community members about the reality of drought and water conservation.

This week on the News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the responses from local business owners about the end of timed entry at Arches. Plus, we give a preview of Stoopfest, a performing arts festival that will take place in Moab this weekend. - Show Notes - • Moab's stoops becomes stages at new performance arts festival https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moabs-stoops-become-stages-at-new-performance-arts-festival/