Science does confirm red dust melts CO snow
"Strong scientific evidence shows that desert dust from the Colorado
Plateau is causing early snowmelt in Colorado and that the majority of
this dust is likely caused by human activity. So which human activities
are causing this dust? ORVs, grazing, and oil and gas development are
likely the biggest culprits since they are the main soil-destabilizing
activities in this region." Read more- Aspen Times

Monument critic gets it all wrong
"Cedar
City Daily News Bureau Chief Jennifer Weaver recently commented on the
proposed American Red Rock Wilderness Bill. Her apparent disdain for
conserving Utah's undeveloped public lands would seem to show her lack
of appreciation for the fantastic area of the planet in which we are
privileged to live." Read more – Spectrum

Man jailed for illegal ATV trail
"Building an illegal trail and clearing trees in the Gallatin
National Forest will cost a Livingston man five months in federal
prison, a fine and $25,000 restitution." Read more – Billings Gazette

CO writer cites dust on snow threat

"Breathable air and drinkable water are two
critical criteria, keys to a long-term quality of life. And what provides these
benefits? Wild lands." Read more – Aspen Times

"Kicking and screaming, the BLM makes a deal"

"It's taken much longer than it should have, but the world's longest
outdoor art gallery will finally get some protection from the gas
drilling that threatens it." Read more- High Country News

Controversial nuke
plant proposed along the Green River raises
water supply concerns from diverse stakeholders

"Power plants need water —
lots of water — and the group working on a proposal for Utah's first
nuclear power plant is asking the Utah Division of Water Rights to
approve a proposal for a large diversion of water from the Green River.
That was the subject of an all-day hearing in the town of Green River
on Tuesday." Listen – KUER

Talks to save Colorado's
Roan Plateau from massive natural gas development still yield no
solution

"Western Colorado's Roan Plateau is the kind of place that should be
declared off-limits under new federal energy leasing policies, said an
attorney for environmental groups suing to limit drilling on the
landmark. A coalition of groups is suing the federal government, claiming a 2007
plan by the Bureau of Land Management for natural gas development on
the plateau's public land didn't adequately analyze the potential
impact." Read more – Associated Press

SUWA fights in court to prevent road giveaways to counties

"Environmentalists
say they can't rely on government lawyers to safeguard Kane County's
backcountry. That's why
an attorney representing the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, The Wilderness
Society and the Sierra Club went Wednesday to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals
and asserted that conservation groups should have a seat at the table when Kane
County and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management decide the fate of more than a
dozen roads that cross wilderness-quality public lands."  Read More – Salt Lake Tribune

Choices between large-scale renewable utilities and conservation on public lands play out in California

"It's easy to see why Schwarzenegger thought it was possible. Earlier
that year, oilman T. Boone Pickens characterized the Southwest U.S. as
the Saudi Arabia of solar power, offering the choicest elevation and
sun strength in the world for optimal power generation. On that, everyone agreed. Where to put the solar panels continues to be a different story."  Read More – Newsweek