Year in review: March – April

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Online independent journalism in Colorado

Extensive environmental coverage in Summit Voice included several stories on Antarctica.

SUMMIT COUNTY — One of the biggest stories of last winter was the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that wracked Japan, severely damaging a nuclear power plant. A few weeks later, the EPA reported radioactive rain falling across the USA. While the levels of radioactivity were very low, the entire episode gave pause to the quest to develop new nuclear power plants, as some countries even announced they would close existing facilities: Radioactive rain reported from West Coast to New England.

Some of the fallout was reflected in public hearings on a proposed nuclear power plant near Pueblo: Pueblo hearing on nuclear plant extended to third night.

In March, Summit Voice continued its sustained and often ground-breaking coverage of forest health issues. While lawmakers continued to ask for more federal dollars, we asked whether more money is really the answer, unless you plan to beat the bugs to death with stacks of $100 bills: Forest health: Is more federal money the answer? (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, climate and weather, Colorado, Environment, Forest health, global warming, pine beetles, Summit County news, Summit County snow and weather | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Breckenridge: Police to crack down on ‘tourist harrassment’

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Law enforcement officers will patrol the slopes of Breckenridge April 1 to discourage harrassment of tourists.

‘Zero tolerance’ on April 1 for illegal and disrespectful behavior

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — The Breckenridge Police Department says it will help the ski resort crack down on April 1 “Gaper Day” shenanigans, an occasion when some people have made fun of visiting tourists.

While the practice has sometimes been dismissed as harmless late-season fun, the harassment has sometimes turned mean-spirited, prompting concern among tourism officials.

“April 1 has been a busy day for us the past four to six years,” said Breckenridge Police Department spokesperson Kim Green. “The ski area has been asking for our involvement.”

In the past few years, Green said police officers have issued citations for violations of open container laws, as well as cannabis infractions. Asked about harassment of tourists, Green cited incidents of locals being rude and verbally abusive to visitors, for example skiing too close and spraying them with snow. (more…)

Filed under: Breckenridge, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado, Ski Resorts, skiing and riding, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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