Public Lands

Pitkin County's move to change the zoning of most federal land within its boundaries won't affect how the land is used today but is intended to limit development there if it's ever transferred to private ownership.

The Trump administration declared a national energy emergency in January, hoping to spur domestic energy and mineral production. Some advocates say the administration is using the declaration as a pretense to bolster the fossil fuel industry.

On Thursday, July 31, Rocky Mountain Community Radio hosted a regional call-in show that brought together listeners across the Mountain West to talk about the future of our shared landscapes.

Senate Republicans would have mandated the sale of over a million acres of BLM lands across the West, but that proposal was axed late Saturday night. Conservation advocates are celebrating, but say the fight isn't over yet.

Plus there’s no guarantee the public would maintain access.

The report comes as the Trump administration tries to “unleash” domestic energy supplies.

Forest Service seeks economic development and wildfire-fighting routes, but environmental advocates are furious

How governors are pushing back on Republicans public lands proposals

Proponents say the land would be used for much-needed housing, but environmental groups say eligible areas could include those treasured by communities in the Mountain West.

Millions of acres across 11 Western states would be up for sale. Republicans say it will help solve the affordable housing crisis, but environmental advocates say it's not a serious solution.