Friday July 23, 2021

As federal managers consider a water shortage declaration throughout the Colorado River Basin, the region’s reservoirs are beginning emergency releases to prop up a stressed Lake Powell. KUNC water reporter Luke Runyon is covering this troubled scenario and explains what it could mean for the 40 million people who rely on the river in the short and long term.

Plus, our Weekly News Reel where we chat with reporters about their most recent stories of the Moab area. The Times-Independent’s Doug McMurdo (9:30) discusses ‘exceptional’ drought in Utah, property tax increases considered at Moab City and the Grand County School District, as well as an upcoming reptile and amphibian viewing. The Moab Sun News’ Maggie McGuire (18:00) reports on a summer visitation slump after a record-breaking spring, strategic planning at the county, and a teen facing jail time for destroying a ‘back the blue’ sign in Garfield County.

Show Notes:

Photo: Bureau of Reclamation Glen Canyon Dam manager, Bob Martin, stands on a ledge overlooking the Colorado River as it leaves Lake Powell. KUNC reporter Luke Runyon took this photo as part of his recent coverage of water in the West (see below).

KDNK: News Brief – Luke Runyon on Western Water Shortages
https://www.kdnk.org/post/news-brief-luke-runyon-western-water-shortages
KUNC: Colorado River Basin Reservoirs Begin Emergency Releases To Prop Up A Troubled Lake Powell
https://www.kunc.org/environment/2021-07-15/colorado-river-basin-reservoirs-begin-emergency-releases-to-prop-up-a-troubled-lake-powell
KUNC: Hydropower Worries Grow As Colorado River Reservoirs Keep Dropping
https://www.kunc.org/environment/2021-07-13/hydropower-worries-grow-as-colorado-river-reservoirs-keep-dropping

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: 65% of Utah in worst-case ‘exceptional’ drought
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/65-of-utah-in-worst-case-exceptional-drought/
The Times-Independent: Sticker shock – School board seeks property tax increase
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/sticker-shock-school-board-seeks-property-tax-increase/
The Times-Independent: View Utah’s reptiles, amphibians at Moab’s wetlands preserve
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/view-utahs-reptiles-amphibians-at-moabs-wetlands-preserve/

Moab Sun News: Moab takes a breather after record-breaking spring ¬– 2021 shaping up to be busiest year on record for parks, businesses
https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_612c4d3c-eb15-11eb-841e-ef79c6ddccc7.html
Moab Sun News: What do you love about Grand County? Commissioners workshop strategic plan and vision for county
https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_1d826224-eafc-11eb-a02c-9706af798496.html
Moab Sun News: Teen charged with ‘hate crime’ in Garfield County – Woman could face a year in jail for destroying ‘Back the Blue’ sign
https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_435517fa-eb13-11eb-8aa4-7f3caf89b962.html