Department of the Interior

Visitors to Lake Powell unload non-motorized watercraft at Stateline boat ramp. The reservoir's low level prompted the ramp's closure to all motorized boats.

Lake Powell 鈥� Nation's Second-Largest Reservoir 鈥� Hits Record Low

Luke Runyon

The massive reservoir on the Colorado River hit a new historic low on July 24, dropping below 3,555.1 feet in elevation. The previous low was set in 2005. The last time the reservoir was this low was in 1969, when it first filled.

Politics

Western Governors Meet To Talk Invasive Species, Internet Access, Water Management

Rae Ellen Bichell

Top politicians are in Vail, Colorado, this week for the annual meeting of the Western Governors Association.The governors of 11 Western states will meet鈥�

From Congress To K Street: Zinke Takes Up Post At Washington Lobbying Firm

Nate Hegyi,

Nate Hegyi

Former U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke might be the first member of President Trump鈥檚 cabinet to join a lobbying firm after leaving office.

DOI Aims To Increase Internet Access Across Federal Lands For Rural America

Maggie Mullen

Wi-Fi can be hard to find in the rural parts of our region. In fact, about six in ten rural Americans believe access to high-speed internet is a problem...

Environment

New Lawsuit Aims To Halt Gross Dam Expansion In Boulder County

Luke Runyon

Update 12/20 9:07 a.m.: This story was updated to include comments from Denver Water. A handful of environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to halt鈥�

The Dave Johnson coal-fired power plant against the morning sun in Glenrock, Wyo. Democrats in some midterm swing races are targeting the Trump administration's environmental rollbacks and climate denial.

After Midterms, Democrats Hope To 'Change The Narrative' On Environmental Rollbacks

Nathan Rott

Democrats are making Trump's environmental rollbacks and climate denial a big issue in swing races this fall. If they take the House, they plan lots of oversight hearings and tough questions.

Zinke Memo: Interior Will Defer To States For Wildlife Management

Amanda Peacher,

Amanda Peacher

A leaked memo this week from the Interior Department shows Secretary Ryan Zinke wants to give states more clout over wildlife management on public lands...

The South Fork River near Henry's Fork in Idaho is one area that was protected through the Land, Water and Conservation Fund.

Zinke Reorganization Plan Moves Ahead With 12 Interior Regions

Amanda Peacher,

Amanda Peacher

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has released more details about his plan to reorganize the Department of Interior. The plan could have big impacts for...

Trump Administration Eases Protections For Migratory Birds

Nate Hegyi,

Nate Hegyi

You may not have noticed, but a few months ago the Trump Administration stopped using a century-old law to fine industries when birds are accidentally...

Protestors Rally Against Interior Secretary Zinke In Colorado

Ali Budner

Some Steamboat Springs, Colorado residents are welcoming the Interior Department Secretary with a protest Friday evening. Ryan Zinke is the keynote...