KZMU News

As Utah’s vaccine supply increases, state officials are asking for volunteers to help ensure the capacity to administer them matches that supply. Plus, the pandemic has complicated efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages. Many programs have shut down entirely, especially in rural communities. But others are using technology to reach their students, and to bring far-flung tribal citizens into the fold. And later, a new collaboration called Wood for Life is taking logs from thinning projects on national forests and converting them into free firewood for tribes.

Show Notes:

Utah Public Radio: Utah Leaders Asking For Volunteers To Help Distribute Vaccine

https://www.upr.org/post/utah-leaders-asking-volunteers-help-distribute-vaccine

Mountain West News Bureau: Online Indigenous Language Learning Opens Doors For Far-Flung Tribal Citizens

https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/post/online-indigenous-language-learning-opens-doors-far-flung-tribal-citizens

Wood for Life Tribal Fuelwood Initiative

https://www.nationalforests.org/who-we-are/regional-offices/southernrockies/wood-for-life-tribal-fuelwood-initiative

KJZZ: Many Navajo Nation Residents Struggle To Heat Their Homes. The Pandemic Has Made it Harder

https://fronterasdesk.org/content/1658333/many-navajo-nation-residents-struggle-heat-their-homes-pandemic-has-made-it-harder?_ga=2.221406808.1945977689.1613097518-101729423.1594337169

SLATE: A Home Heating Crisis. A Devastating Forest Fire Waiting to Happen. One Innovative Solution.

https://slate.com/technology/2021/01/wood-for-life-native-elders-heat-williams-mountain-wildfire.html

Locals expressed shock, disappointment, and dismay after several art installations on Center Street were found vandalized. The pieces were part of Moab ArTTrails’ most recent public sculpture exhibition. The City of Moab is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the vandalism. The co-founders of Moab ArTTrails say the incident places a question mark over the future of their public art exhibition, and would like to hear input from community members.

Then, our Weekly News Reel, where we hear from local newspaper reporters and editors about their latest stories in our area. Times-Independent editor Doug McMurdo (5:30) highlights the latest on curbing motorized noise in the Moab community. And, differing opinions on a local housing ordinance complicate affordable development. Plus (16:00), Moab Sun News editor Maggie McGuire details the need for more data on local use of force incidents. And, SITLA presents conceptual ideas for a new high end housing development.

Show Notes:

Contact the Moab City Police Department on sculpture damage:

435-259-8938

Write to MoabArTTrails on the future of local public art:

Photo: Helen the Heron, by Serena Supplee was one of the sculptures on public display in Moab vandalized this week.

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: SB 168 would allow curfews on OHVs; times in flux

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/sb-168-would-allow-curfews-on-ohvs-times-in-flux/

The Times-Independent: Local OHV firms resist fleet limits; acknowledge noise problem is real

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/local-ohv-firms-resist-fleet-limits-acknowledge-noise-problem-is-real/

The Times-Independent: A new conflict could cost Grand hundreds of new homes

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/a-new-conflict-could-cost-grand-hundreds-of-new-homes/

The Times-Independent: 26 and Oh!

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/26-and-oh/

Moab Sun News: Scant data available on Moab police use-of-force incidents

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_3ec92018-6c98-11eb-af7e-73b46da20d76.html

Moab Sun News: SITLA plans future high-end housing development near Arches, north of Moab

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_e2c8b00e-6caf-11eb-9dd3-830e5fc593c1.html

Utah policymakers are often touting the idea of local control. But when it comes to communities being able to regulate ATVs on their roads, lawmakers are resistant. SB 168 would allow resort communities like Moab to restrict street legal ATVs on their roads from 8PM to 8AM. The machines are loud, and they rumble through neighborhoods nearly constantly during high tourist season. But reps from the motorized community say the bill is not about noise, it’s about attacking recreational access. Plus, a public lands bill ten years in the making may finally become a reality soon.

Show Notes:

Photo: Throttle Down in Town signs still appear in Moab neighborhoods. The signs are from a 2016 education campaign urging ATV and UTV drivers to slow down on residential streets in order to reduce vehicle noise.

SB 168: Designated Vehicle Routes Amendments

https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0168.html

CORE Act.org

https://coreact.org

Today on the news, we head to rural Garfield County in Southwestern Utah. There, one in every thirteen people have tested positive for COVID-19. Much like the rest of the state, the pandemic has shuttered their usual way of life, but now that the vaccine has arrived, residents in the county are hopeful. Plus, Colorado regulators proposed early closures for three coal-fired power plants to improve air quality and fight climate change. Then, regulators did a 180 on the decision a month later. Our partners at KVNF have more on the proposal and why it was abandoned.

Show Notes:

Photo: Craig Station/KVNF

KUER: In A Place Where Everybody Knows Everybody, COVID-19 Losses Cut Deep. Now, Vaccines Offer Hope

https://www.kuer.org/health-science-environment/2021-02-03/in-a-place-where-everybody-knows-everybody-covid-19-losses-cut-deep-now-vaccines-offer-hope

Proponents of the ‘Colorado River Authority of Utah,’ say the new agency would protect the state’s share of the Colorado River system. But environmental groups question whether the river authority will consider the realities of climate change. They allege that this agency, which would be created through HB 297, plans on developing controversial infrastructure projects like the Lake Powell Pipeline. For a local perspective on this issue, we speak with Moabite John Weisheit, of Living Rivers.

Show Notes:

HB 297: Colorado River Amendments

https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/HB0297.html

The Salt Lake Tribune: Proposed river authority would assert Utah’s claims to the Colorado’s dwindling water

https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2021/02/05/proposed-river-authority/

Utah Rivers Council: New Water Bill Rushed Through Committee as Lobbyists Eliminate Public Oversight

https://utahrivers.org/blog-post/2021/2/5/hb297-2021-legislative-bill-update

A bill that would allow resort communities like Moab to restrict ATVs on roads between certain hours is now before a state Senate committee. ATV reform is a priority of both Moab City and Grand County, but locally-driven changes are facing opposition in the state. And later, a bill that would allow Grand County to spend a greater percentage of Transient Room Tax revenue on mitigating the impacts of tourism – rather than promotion and advertising – advances from committee. Plus, the Southwest continues to experience ‘extreme’ and ‘exceptional’ drought. Our radio partners at KOTO looked into how residents in Norwood, Colorado have been coping and adapting.

Show Notes:

Photo: Moab City posted new speed limit signs for Off-Highway Vehicles like ATVs. SB 168 would allow cities to restrict ATVs on roads between certain hours.

SB 168: Designated Vehicle Route Amendments (McKell)

https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0168.html

Dispatch from the Undisputed Motorhead Capitol of the West: A Radio Special by Jon Kovash and Josie Kovash

https://www.kzmu.org/dispatch-from-the-undisputed-motorhead-capitol-of-the-west-a-radio-special-by-jon-kovash-and-josie-kovash/

HB 247: Transient Room Tax Amendments (Albrecht)

https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/HB0247.html

KOTO: Norwood Deals with Drought

https://www.koto.org/featured-news-stories/2021/2/5/norwood-deals-with-drought

Today on the news, representatives from local nonprofits undertake the homeless point in time count. The count is meant to help communities better understand needs in their area as well as access state and federal funding to help address homelessness. We hear from people who have experienced homelessness in Moab, and from those who work throughout the year on emergency resources.

And, our Weekly News Reel! where we hear from local newspaper reporters and editors about their latest stories in our area. Carter Pape at The Times-Independent has a follow-up piece about beloved local educator Margaret Hopkin (10:00), who passed away in December. And (13:00), Moab Sun News editor Maggie McGuire gives the latest on a new masking requirement at America’s national parks. Plus (9:00), an addendum on Easter Jeep Safari.

Show Notes:

Photo: Liz Donkersloot (left), a volunteer, and Sara Melnicoff look for unsheltered people during the point in time count.

Housing Insecurity Resources:

Sara Melnicoff at Moab Solutions

435-401-4685

https://www.moab-solutions.org

Liz Donkersloot at Moab Valley Multicultural Center

435-259-5444

https://moabmc.org

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: The lives touched by Margaret Hopkin

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/the-lives-touched-by-margaret-hopkin/

The Times-Independent: Upon further review – Jeep Safari trail runs are on; no vendor expo this year

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/jeep-safari-half-un-canceled/

Moab Sun News: Easter Jeep Safari…uncanceled? Event requests change to special event restrictions

https://www.moabsunnews.com/article_7d4a9e4e-67dd-11eb-8bc2-a36dd58904bb.html

Moab Sun News: Masks required at Arches, all national parks

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_4db315f8-658f-11eb-a50f-032388884da8.html

Hundreds of bills are moving through the Utah legislature, and many have far-reaching, statewide effects. Others could more uniquely impact Grand County. Earlier this week, local lawmakers opposed a bill that would violate dark night sky ordinances and threw their support behind another that would give Grand County more control over Transient Room Tax revenue. Plus, a new study shows that when seasonal monsoon rains diminish, the entire Colorado River system suffers. And, a proposal for what could be Colorado’s largest fracking site is drawing community opposition from a group of high schoolers.

Show Notes:

Photo: Members of Niwot High Environmental Club before testifying in front of Boulder County Commissioners Jan 2020. Maeve Conran/KGNU

SB 61: Outdoor Advertising Amendments

https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0061.html

SB 144: Billboard Restrictions Amendments

https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0144.html

The Salt Lake Tribune: Bill that would allow any billboard in the state to go digital advances through House committee

https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/02/03/bill-that-would-allow-any/

HB 247: Transient Room Tax Amendments

https://le.utah.gov/%7E2021/bills/static/HB0247.html

When Moab City purchased a trailer park with the intention of building long-term affordable housing, they knew it was going to be difficult. Converting the trailers on Walnut Lane into an 80-unit housing complex without displacing current residents is a major challenge. And so is developing consensus on what that development should look and feel like. In the spirit of community involvement, city leaders want input on the architectural style and amenities for the future Walnut Lane Apartments. Plus, face masks are now a requirement in national parks, not only within park buildings but also on trails when physical distancing is difficult. And, our partners at KVNF speak with a representative from the Center for Western Priorities, who confronts the current ‘chicken little’ rhetoric from the oil and gas industry.

Show Notes:

Photo: Illustration depicting potential design elements for Walnut Lane Apartments/Moab City

Walnut Lane Apartments

https://moabcity.org/571/Walnut-Lane-Apartments

NPS: National Park Service implements mask requirement across all parks and federal buildings

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/covid-mask-requirement.htm

KVNF: Confronting ‘Chicken Little’ Rhetoric from Oil & Gas Industry

https://www.kvnf.org/post/confronting-chicken-little-rhetoric-oil-gas-industry#stream/0

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Economy or CORE Act would protect 400,000 acres of public lands across the state, including portions of the Thompson Divide near Carbondale. The Act was first introduced in Congress in 2019. Our partners at KDNK spoke with local stakeholders who have been working on these protection issues for over a decade. Plus, according to some new analysis, national monuments can create jobs and boost local economies. And, as a new semester is underway at USU’s main campus, school officials are trying to support students who test positive for COVID-19.

Show Notes:

Photo: Ranchers, conservationists, hunters, anglers, and recreationists gather in the heart of the Thompson Divide. Amy Hadden Marsh/KDNK

KDNK: Stakeholders Hope CORE Act Gets New Chance in Congress in 2021

https://www.kdnk.org/post/stakeholders-hope-core-act-gets-new-chance-congress-2021

UPR: A Look At How Utah State University Has Been Addressing Student Infection During The Pandemic

https://www.upr.org/post/look-how-utah-state-university-has-been-addressing-student-infection-during-pandemic