Utah and Colorado are in some ways sisters. They share a border of over 200 miles, are both world-renowned skiing destinations that straddle the beautiful and rugged Colorado Plateau, and both revere the mighty Colorado River that passes through them on its way to the sea. But they could not be farther apart when it comes to the new administration and its current and promised actions regarding open lands and environmental protections. One embraces it, the other is girding its loins against it. Why?
–Written by Kevin T. Jones, a writer who lives in southwest Colorado and served as Utah’s state archaeologist for 17 years.

Other Colorado River news:

• Communications Earth & Environment: Report: Multidecadal drought impacts on the Lower Colorado Basin with implications for future management
• Navajo-Hopi Observer: Navajo Nation Council celebrates introduction of the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement before Congress​