KSJD's Outdoor Report

Utah’s Supreme Court has upheld a ruling rejecting a proposal to pipe 55,000 acre-feet of Green River water from Utah to Colorado’s Front Range. The long-debated project, led by Fort Collins developer Aaron Million and Water Horse Resources, would have sent water more than 300 miles across Wyoming. The court agreed with the state engineer’s finding that Water Horse must prove the water would be beneficially used in Colorado before any export can be approved. Conservation groups are calling the decision a major victory for the Colorado River, while Million says the project isn’t over yet.

As freezing temperatures return to the forecast, protecting your home’s plumbing is about more than just good practice — it’s science. When water freezes, it expands and can burst pipes, but wrapping them with foam insulation or heat tape traps existing heat and slows the cooling process. Even a few degrees’ difference can prevent costly damage and keep water flowing when temperatures drop.

Sunny skies and gusty winds are expected across the Four Corners today, while northern Colorado sees light mountain snow and colder air moving in behind a passing front.

Trail reporter Phil says it’s shaping up to be another great Four Corners weekend for mountain bikers and hikers, with cool temperatures, clear skies, and plenty of color still hanging on in the cottonwoods — plus a new local event for riders in Dolores.

As winter returns to Colorado’s mountains, transportation officials are reminding drivers that updated chain and traction laws are important to know as winter weather rolls in.

The U.S. Supreme Court leaves in place a ruling that protects public land access across the West by upholding legal corner crossing.

Today’s KSJD Outdoor Report takes us to the marble quarries of Mount Pentelicus in Greece — where ancient workers carved the fine white stone that became the Parthenon. Built in 447 BCE under Pericles’ leadership, the temple of Athena showcases a blend of Doric and Ionic design, precise optical refinements, and artistry that continues to inspire architecture around the world.

Trail conditions around Dolores are looking great for the weekend, with hero dirt forming after recent rains and no storms in the forecast.

Today’s KSJD Outdoor Report takes a detour across the pond to the English countryside, where the Absolute Units podcast from the Museum of English Rural Life explores stories of queer life outside the city. In its new episode, “Queer Rural Lives: Searching the Archives,” hosts Ollie Douglas and Joe Vaughan talk with researcher Tim Jerrome about uncovering hidden LGBTQ+ histories in farm records and rural archives — and how museums can bring those voices to light.

Recent storms brought record rainfall across the Four Corners — with some areas seeing a third of their annual total in a single day — but drought conditions remain. Water users across the Upper Colorado River Basin are facing deep, uncompensated cuts, forcing widespread farmland fallowing and new pressure on long-term water management.