** Visiting public lands this summer? Better plan ahead
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Monday, May 24, 2021
Sunset from the Alpine Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo by Jacob Frank ([link removed])

Millions of Americans have sought refuge from the stress and confinement of the global pandemic in the outdoors, and the trend is expected to continue heading into this summer. Courtney Whiteman, a spokesperson for the National Park Service, cautions ([link removed]) would-be visitors that "If you're planning on going out to a national park this year, or really any public lands, the first and most important thing right now is to plan ahead."

Several popular destinations in Colorado have started to require reservations, including the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, which both saw a 200% spike ([link removed]) in visitation last year. All Colorado state parks ([link removed]) now require a reservation for camping, and some will soon require reservations for parking and shuttle service as well.

Rocky Mountain National Park became the first in the country last year to implement an entry permit system, a practice that will continue in 2021, much to the chagrin ([link removed]) of some visitors. The park was the 4th most visited in the country and saw a 38% increase ([link removed]) in visitors in 2020. Recognizing the impact of skyrocketing visitation on both natural resources and visitor experiences, the park is asking for public feedback ([link removed]) on a proposal to better manage crowds.


** Colorado cracks down on financial water speculation
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At the direction of state lawmakers ([link removed]) , a working group has been meeting regularly to explore ways to strengthen Colorado’s anti-speculation law, a reference to the practice of buying property specifically for the water rights to be sold for future profit. The topic is becoming more frequent at meetings among water managers, basin roundtables, and boards of county commissioners.

Under Colorado law, a water-rights holder must put their water to “beneficial use ([link removed]) ,” meaning the water must be used for the purpose it was decreed in order to hang onto the water right. However, Colorado also treats the right to use water as a private-property right, allowing for the buying and selling of water rights, that even allows for changing the use for the water, say from agriculture to growing cities. This system is used widely in the West, and has created an opening for investors ([link removed]) who see water as an increasingly valuable commodity in a water-short future, driven by climate change and population growth.
Quick hits


** Colorado's updated oil and gas regulations ushered in a new era—kind of
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Denver Post ([link removed])


** Six nature-based infrastructure solutions to create jobs and address climate change
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Center for American Progress ([link removed])


** Reservations for visiting popular public lands in Colorado is part of the new normal
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CPR ([link removed]) | CBS4 ([link removed])


** Indigenous archaeologists say "petroglyph vandalism is not a victimless crime"
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High Country News ([link removed])


** Colorado aims to strengthen anti-water speculation law
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KUNC ([link removed])


** Anti-public lands extremist Ammon Bundy remains free until trial, files paperwork to run for Idaho governor
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Associated Press ([link removed]) [race for governor] | E&E News ([link removed]) [trial]


** Eight can't-miss national monuments in Arizona
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Travel Awaits ([link removed])


** Opinion: Reviewing energy policy is good governance; oil and gas reforms are needed to protect public lands
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Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed]) [good governance] | The Hill ([link removed]) [public lands]
Quote of the day
It is fundamental to responsibilities of the agencies entrusted with the stewardship of our public lands that they periodically assess policies and management actions to ensure these measures are serving their intended purpose. Likewise, any new administration has the right—and obligation—to review its predecessor’s policies, determine how they comport with laws and administrative priorities, and make any needed changes."
—Ed Arnett, Chief Scientist, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership ([link removed])
Picture this


** @Interior ([link removed])
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Many @ZionNPS ([link removed]) visitors like to stay for sunset and catch some final photos of the massive cliffs glowing vivid neon orange in the late day sun. The craggy walls of cream, pink and red, soar into a brilliant blue sky. Pic courtesy of Toni Torena

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