In the Rockies today, we wrap up our week of coverage of Colorado College's 2006 State of the Rockies Report Card and Conference.
The conference and report, which will be available online in the next week or so, took a thorough look at the eight-state region's economy, environment and culture, addressing such issues as global warming, the fate of ranching, and environmental justice.
Last week, we ran a Western Perspective, which summarized much of what the report and conference covered, and we will publish a follow-up report next week.
We invite you to weigh in on the issues and tell us what you think about the state of the Rockies.
Rockies today
Colo wildlife agency ahead of the curve on energy development threats
The Colorado Division of Wildlife chief said the battle between energy development and endangered species is growing, and his agency is collecting data to determine which species face the biggest risk so it can be proactive in protecting them.
Aspen Daily Times; April 14
State of the Rockies 2006
Study: Environmental justice too often overlooked in the region
Environmental justice — defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people — often isn't addressed by environmentalists and government leaders, and, according to a study discussed at the 2006 Colorado College State of the Rockies, is most lacking in Salt Lake City, Phoenix and Pueblo, where poor and minority citizens bore disproportionate exposure to toxic substances.
NewWest.net; April 14
State of the Rockies 2006
Report: Climate change could doom Colorado ski areas by 2050
A climate model performed on the eight Rocky Mountain states and included in the 2006 State of the Rockies Report Card shows that climate change could lead to an average 50 percent decline in snowpack, which would devastate ski resorts around the region. Another look with more details.
TheDenverChannel.com (AP); April 14
Coal industry needs to embrace clean technology, group says
A representative of Western Resource Advocates said that the West's coal industry needs to embrace clean coal technology if it is to survive, because global warming will ultimately lead to tighter emission restrictions and higher production costs.
Denver Post; April 14
Shareholder wants ski company to sell its vast holding
One of Intrawest's largest shareholders is encouraging the ski company giant with several Colorado investments to sell off some of its vast real estate holdings and take advantage of soaring real estate prices and its 74 percent stock increase.
Aspen Daily Times; April 14
Canada company pushes nuke plant to fuel oilsands development
A newly formed energy company in Canada wants to build a nuclear plant in Alberta that would power the development of the province's supposedly vast reserves of oilsands, and company leaders say they have public support for it.
Edmonton Journal; April 14
Rescuers save Arizona cacti from developers' blades
Arizona is second only to Nevada in population growth, and rescue teams have formed in Phoenix, Tucson and Lake Havasu City to move in and save cacti and other native plants from road work, subdivisions and shopping malls.
New York Times; April 14
Colorado roadless panel continues to create a state plan
The Colorado task force charged with making recommendations on how best to manage the state's roadless lands meets again today, and will try a new approach to a job many say is to big to be completed by summer.
Grand Junction Sentinel; April 14
Opinion
Idaho county's growth plan challenges status quo
Blaine County 2025 puts in place new restrictions that concentrate residential development in and around cities, in an effort to preserve the rural atmosphere, farmland, wildlife and water resources — those tangible offerings that attract people to Idaho.
Idaho Mountain Express (Sun Valley); April 14
Beyond the region
Arizona senator makes campaign stops in Iowa
U.S. Sen. John McCain skipped Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses in 2000 when he was running for the Republican nomination for president, but he was in Iowa yesterday to help the Republican Party and three GOP candidates, underscoring how serious the Arizona senator may be about another run in 2008.
Washington Post; April 14
Groups divided over May 1 'Day Without Immigrants'
The dispute between groups about a massive work and economic boycott by immigrant activists shows the decentralized nature of the immigrant movement, with organizers in Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas pushing for the May Day demonstration, and organizers in Washington D.C. fearing it will create a backlash.
Washington Post; April 14
California rep wants another study on poverty on reservations
Tribal leaders said there have been ample studies on why economic development on Indian reservations has been stifled, but said U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo's plan for yet another one will at least get Congress talking about ways to encourage job creation.
Great Falls Tribune; April 14
Oregon senator says rural schools shouldn't count on funding
Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., said Western counties and rural school districts have factored federal payments meant to subsidize areas hurt by a slowdown in timber production into their operating budgets, a mistake because those payments are temporary and he urged counties to ramp up timber production.
Idaho Falls Post-Register; April 14
In depth
Nevada senator on the hot seat for immigration reform impasse
President Bush publicly blamed Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., for blocking immigration reform legislation on procedural grounds and impeding efforts for reform, but the Senate minority leader said Republicans were to blame for the stalemate.
New York Times; April 14
Number of Hispanics in northern AZ doubled during the 1990s
The increase in the Hispanic population in many northern Arizona cities was well over 100 percent between 1990 and 2000, but estimates could be low because of the number of undocumented immigrants, and the Hispanic population boom is having an enormous effect on the culture and economy in that part of the state.
Arizona Republic; April 14
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