KZMU News

Across the nation, almost half of tribal homes don’t have steady access to clean drinking water. The Colorado River Basin is home to many of those, where families depend on bottled water, trucked in from faraway cities. And as our radio partners report, even in the few communities that have seen substantive improvements, the road to getting clean water is lined with hurdles. Plus, what will be the country’s largest wind farm is being stalled by a federal agency.

Show Notes:

Photo: Frank Pablo hauls water in the back of his truck, and relies on bottled water for drinking. People living in To'hajiilee, New Mexico — one of many tribal communities that lack safe water infrastructure — don't have access to piped clean water. Alex Hager/KUNC

KHOL: The U.S. wants more clean energy projects on public lands. One Wyoming wind farm shows it’s not that easy.

https://891khol.org/the-u-s-wants-more-clean-energy-projects-on-public-lands-one-wyoming-wind-farm-shows-its-not-that-easy/

KUNC: Many tribal homes don’t have clean water, and the road to getting it is a lined with hurdles

https://www.kunc.org/environment/2021-12-08/many-tribal-homes-dont-have-clean-water-and-the-road-to-getting-it-is-lined-with-hurdles

Going to Arches National Park next year? Don’t forget your ticket. National Park Service staff recently released details on the timed entry reservation system running April through October in 2022. The NPS hopes to reduce overcrowding – and the strain on park resources – caused by increasing visitation. Plus, the EPA has ruled the White Mesa Mill in San Juan County can no longer accept radioactive waste from Superfund sites. KZMU News speaks with a lawyer who fought for this decision. And, some of the most important decision makers in Western water will gather this week to discuss the future of the Colorado River.

Show Notes:

Photo: A timed entry reservation system at Arches National Park will run from April through October in 2022, 6AM to 5PM. The pilot project aims to better spread visitation throughout the day and reduce traffic congestion. Delicate Arch/Veronica Verdin

Arches National Park Timed Entry Pilot

https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/timed-entry.htm

Frequently Asked Questions on the Timed Entry System

https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/timed-entry-faq.htm

US EPA Region 8 Dec 2nd Letter to Energy Fuels Resources

https://www.kzmu.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CERCLA-OSR-Unacceptability-Notice-Letter-December-20211.pdf

KUNC: With the Colorado River in crisis, those who decide its future gather under one roof

https://www.kunc.org/environment/2021-12-08/with-the-colorado-river-in-crisis-those-who-decide-its-future-gather-under-one-roof

An aging workforce, burnout from the pandemic, and more competitive salaries elsewhere are contributing to a shortage of nurses in rural areas like Moab. And here, a lack of housing is preventing hiring from outside the community. Today on the news, a report on this trend and its impact on local healthcare. Plus, a town in our region is hoping to ease the housing crunch by purchasing a hotel and converting it into apartment units.

And later, the Weekly News Reel, where we check in with reporters on their latest stories of the Moab area. Carter Pape of The Times-Independent (11:00) discusses the county’s new electoral districts and an overnight lodging application for stargazers. He also reflects on his time as a reporter in Moab. Alison Harford of the Moab Sun News (20:00) discusses the Moab Free Health Clinic’s expanded offerings, a new monologue competition, and the return of Science Moab on Tap.

Show Notes:

Photo: There are over 20 open positions on Moab Regional Hospital's website, and more than half are for nurses. The Health Resources and Services Administration says rural regions make up 60 percent of those facing shortages of health professionals.

NRHA: Health Care Workforce Distribution and Shortage Issues in Rural America

https://www.ruralhealth.us/getattachment/Advocate/Policy-Documents/HealthCareWorkforceDistributionandShortageJanuary2012.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US

PEW: Rural Hospitals Can’t Find the Nurses They Need to Fight COVID

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2021/09/01/rural-hospitals-cant-find-the-nurses-they-need-to-fight-covid

The Washington Post: As covid persists, nurses are leaving staff jobs - and tripling their salaries as travelers

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/covid-travel-nurses/2021/12/05/550b15fc-4c71-11ec-a1b9-9f12bd39487a_story.html

Moab Regional Hospital: Recruitee

https://mrhmoab.recruitee.com

KSUT: Durango looks to buy a hotel and convert it into affordable and transitional housing

https://www.ksut.org/news/2021-11-23/durango-looks-to-buy-a-hotel-and-convert-it-into-affordable-and-transitional-housing

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: County approves new electoral districts

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/county-approves-new-electoral-districts/

The Times-Independent: Public Weighs in on Overnight Lodging Addition

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/public-weighs-in-on-overnight-lodging-addition/

The Times-Independent (opinion): Moab needs better ideas. Here’s how to come up with them.

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-needs-better-ideas-heres-how-to-come-up-with-them/

Moab Sun News: Free Health Clinic expands offerings – Community outreach system, dental clinic, diabetes specialist now available

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_fa4e69f4-592a-11ec-b84b-03a85ae103d9.html

Moab Sun News: Local to host first Moab Monologue competition

https://www.moabsunnews.com/get_out_and_go/article_9c955dba-592d-11ec-ae8f-ebba0cd4cdc6.html

Moab Sun News: Conservation scientist Joel Berger kicks new series of Science Moab on Tap

https://www.moabsunnews.com/get_out_and_go/article_e7f6526e-592d-11ec-98cd-0fcf5d004d19.html

A recent investigation by High Country News found that the National Park Service buried an internal report that documented widespread harassment within the agency. The Voices Tour Report was completed in 2018 but kept quiet until a parks employee leaked a copy in early November. Our partners at KHOL spoke to reporter Lyndsey Gilpin, who broke the story, to learn more about her reporting and the lack of major changes within the park service thus far.

Show Notes:

Photo: More than a third of National Park Service employees said they experienced workplace harassment over the course of a 12-month period, according to a 2017 study. (christianthiel.net/Shutterstock)

KHOL: National Park Service ‘Shelved’ Internal Study on Workplace Harassment

https://891khol.org/national-park-service-shelved-internal-study-on-workplace-harassment/

High Country News: The Park Service buried its own study on harassment

https://www.hcn.org/articles/south-national-park-service-breaking-the-park-service-buried-its-own-study-on-harassment

NPS Voices Tour 2018

https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/upload/NPS-VOICES-FINAL-REPORT-11-17-19.pdf

Avalanche forecaster Eric Trenbeath hopes skiers and snowmobilers headed into the backcountry will pack some knowledge this season. That’s because weak snow layers are once again likely to plague winter recreation, increasing avalanche risk in certain areas. And later, our radio partners report on how some service providers are attempting to curb chronic homelessness by offering housing - without conditions.

Show Notes:

Photo: Weakened snowpack in the La Sal Mountains will likely plague winter recreation once again this year, according to Moab’s local avalanche forecaster. Early-season October snow became weakened with a dry November. Courtesy Utah Avalanche Center.

Utah Avalanche Center:

https://utahavalanchecenter.org/forecast/moab

Know Before You Go:

Thursday, December 9th at 6:00 p.m

Moab Arts and Recreation Center, 111 E 100 N

KGNU: Not Paying For Housing Is More Expensive Than You Think

https://news.kgnu.org/2021/11/housing-first-approach-breaks-down-barriers-to-treating-chronic-homelessness/

What does fish food have in common with methane flaring? More than you’d think, according to a new study published in the journal Nature. Today on the news, a researcher has a novel use for methane in our state. Plus, Utah was ranked the worst in the nation for women’s equality four years in a row. Now USU’s Women & Leadership Project has recommendations to improve women’s equality statewide. And, environmental groups are calling on Colorado River states to tighten their belts as they discuss the future of the West’s main water source.

Show Notes:

Photo: An image of methane sources and capture potential from research published in Nature Sustainability. The Four Corners region is known as a methane ‘hot spot’ due to flaring. Scientists are researching ways that may incentivize its capture, like creating a simple protein.

USU: Women’s Equality in Utah – Why Utah Is Ranked as the Worst State, And What Can Be Done

https://www.usu.edu/uwlp/blog/2021/white-papers-womens-equality-in-utah

USU: Utah Gender Wage Gap – A 2021 Update

https://www.usu.edu/uwlp/blog/2021/utah-gender-wage-gap-2021-update

WalletHub: Best & Worst States for Women’s Equality (2021)

https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-women-equality/5835

Nature Sustainability: Displacing fishmeal with protein derived from stranded methane

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-021-00796-2.epdf?sharing_token=bBWiqGDSRpvRe8RrjGseXtRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0Pu0zhSQ9pLEGPO3qq9OjeKN8GpZpJ2dtooxv2fnqnsKvDL3jB6Bp1vBt_WtD7q5i4RtvtiZlpcTL3nTdTIPFyx9efkPsuTAlyModEhMCl0A1fcIvnIWsgp5EEMs3P-UVA%3D

The University of Utah: Methane emissions – Falling, but leaking

https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/uinta-basin-methane/

Many towns in our region are under pressure to enact solutions to the affordable housing crisis. But how might college life fit into this particular puzzle? Today on the news, a report on Durango’s Fort Lewis College, where both student and workforce housing is strained. Plus, snowpack numbers in every part of the Colorado River basin are lower than average for this time of year. And, Utah healthcare reform advocates are pressing the US Senate to approve the Build Back Better Act to improve Medicaid and CHIP, the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Show Notes:

Photo: Animas Hall, a recently-built residence facility at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. The college has housing needs for students and staff. Mark Duggan/KSUT.

Utah State University recently celebrated the construction of a traditional Hogan at its Blanding campus, where nearly 70 percent of students are Native American. The Hogan will be used by students as a place to practice traditional ceremonies and find peace and meditation. Today on the news, a report on the structure’s importance for the college and the community. Plus, a Home of the Brave artist shares some of their musical creations during their residency in Cisco.

And, the Weekly News Reel, where we check in with reporters about their latest stories of the Moab area. Doug McMurdo of The Times-Independent (9:00) discusses Rally on the Rocks’ plans to forgo a 2022 event and the county soon finalizing a new voting district map. Alison Harford of the Moab Sun News (16:00) has updates on some local events including Moab Pub Trivia, avalanche awareness, and Navajo hoop dancing.

Photo: The newly completed Hogan on USU-Blanding’s campus was recently celebrated by staff and students. Courtesy USU-Blanding.

Show Notes:

Utah State University: USU Blanding to Hold Blessing Ceremony for Completed Navajo Hogan

https://statewide.usu.edu/news/2021/blanding/2021-11-22-hogan-ceremony

Home of the Brave: Artist Residency

https://www.eileenmuza.org/residency

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: No Rally on the Rocks in 2022

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/no-rally-on-the-rocks-in-2022/

The Times-Independent: County commissioners narrow redistricting maps to two

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/county-commissioners-narrow-redistricting-maps-to-two/

Moab Sun News: Pub Trivia return for in-person trivia nights

https://www.moabsunnews.com/get_out_and_go/article_8e57d304-578e-11ec-be44-f7198214e644.html

Moab Sun News: Utah Avalanche Center hosts safety program; forecasters say this year’s La Sal snowpack expected to be unstable

https://www.moabsunnews.com/get_out_and_go/article_7bec50d6-578f-11ec-8ed5-9fa090e86ef7.html

Moab Sun News: Award-winning Navajo hoop dancers to perform Friday, Dec. 10

https://www.moabsunnews.com/get_out_and_go/article_fabdbba8-578e-11ec-85bc-d31e7f67a832.html

After months of delay, work has finally begun on the first affordable homes in the Arroyo Crossing development. The 40-acre parcel off Spanish Valley Drive will eventually house a mix of single family, townhomes, and apartments – all deed restricted and perpetually affordable to locals. Today on the news, we check in with Audrey Graham, chair of the Moab Area Community Land Trust board, about the project. Plus, an important national voter registration document will be available for the first time in Native American languages.

Show Notes:

Photo: (from left) Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah staff Lindsey Clements, Kate Weigel, and Chad McDonald at work in Arroyo Crossing. After months of delay, construction is now underway on the affordable development.

Moab Area Community Land Trust

https://www.moabclt.org

Community Rebuilds

https://www.communityrebuilds.org/become-a-homeowner

Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah

https://www.hasuhomes.org

As the price for goods increases around the country, rural Americans have been hit especially hard. Today on the news, we visit with local farmers and ranchers about how the combination of drought, COVID shortages, and commodity rallies have impacted them. Plus, our radio partners report on how the only shelter for people experiencing homelessness in the Cortez area fits into the complicated housing crisis.

Show Notes:

Photo: Cunnington Farms is a local sheep ranch, whose owner says feeding her flock has become more difficult due to price increases of certain goods. Courtesy Cunnington Farms

KSJD News: In Southwest Colorado’s Montezuma County, the only homeless shelter within 40 miles can’t help everyone who needs it

https://www.ksjd.org/podcast/ksjd-local-newscasts/2021-11-23/the-only-homeless-shelter-within-40-miles-cant-help-everyone-who-needs-it-in-rural-colorado