Wednesday July 14, 2021

Have you seen a long-whiskered, webbed-footed carnivore swimming in the river lately? The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is calling on boaters, anglers, and other water-based folks to let the agency know about any sightings of the northern river otter. The information will help draft an updated management plan for the animals, who are notoriously secretive but a good indicator of the health of an aquatic ecosystem. Plus, it’s been over ten weeks since Moab City and Grand County passed more rigorous noise ordinances aimed at quieting the town. And, the historic drought in Western states will probably start showing up in peoples’ energy bills, because the Colorado River’s dams can’t produce as much electricity.

Show Notes:

Photo: River otter sitting on some logs. Photo taken 6-1-2005 by Ron Stewart, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

River Otter Sightings Email
[email protected]

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources: Northern River Otter Management Plan 2010-2020
https://wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/furbearer/otter_plan_2010-2020.pdf

Sand Flats Recreation Area Vehicle Statistics
https://grandcountyutah.net/1132/Statistics?fbclid=IwAR2LaEgdLm9IKzAvniMxIxKq7zQS4SRkYHq4M5nu0GJ-FKnQG6nO5U4mFCE

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