Sneffels - News

Forest Service proposes day-use permits for Blue Lakes hikers

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Plan aims to mitigate resource damage from increased visitation, other impacts

Forest Service proposes day-use permits for Blue Lakes hikers

By Erin McIntyre

October 17, 2023

Hikers who want to visit the popular Blue Lakes at the base of Mt. Sneffels may need permits starting in 2025, if a Forest Service management plan is approved. Blue Lakes, located within the Mt. Sneff...

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Factors behind the fire: What drove its spread?

Experts: Age-old forests, climate change, extreme drought created prime conditions for Gold Mountain Fire

By By Chart Riggall chart@ouraynews.com

August 26, 2026

In the summer of 1879, the largest wildfire in Colorado history at the time tore through 26,000 acres of rugged forest about eight miles south of Silverton and presaged a vast shift in its landscape. ...

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Pilot’s death ruled an accident

Report: Divers had to wait to recover body from helicopter due to risk from electric current

By Chart Riggall

August 25, 2026

The death of a pilot whose firefighting helicopter crashed into Silver Jack Reservoir last month has been ruled an accident by a Grand Junction medical examiner, according to an autopsy report obtaine...

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Fire, EMS consolidation proponents consider next steps

By James Hanlon

August 25, 2026

Advocates for a county-wide consolidated fire and emergency response authority still believe there is a path forward, even though the proposal suffered another setback last week when the Ouray City Co...

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Best feathers forward

August 19, 2026

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Bear activity ramping up

Second bruin killed in a week after several conflicts, entering home

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

August 19, 2026

State wildlife officials killed a young, female bear that entered a Ridgway home last weekend after days of conflicts and at least one incident with the bear killing chickens. Colorado Parks and Wildl...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines