Tag Archives: Western U.S.

Droughts: The ‘Vanishing’ Great Salt Lake In Utah

CBS Sunday Morning (February 26, 2023) – Utah’s Great Salt Lake has been in decline, owing to climate change, drought, and over-use of water resources, and is now one-third the size it was in the 1980s. A new scientific report out this month warns that, without dramatic and immediate cuts in water consumption, the lake could vanish in just five years. Correspondent Lee Cowan talks with Sen. Mitt Romney, who co-sponsored a bill studying the lake’s problems, and with experts who say aggressive action is needed.

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Utah Mountain Views: The Patmos Ridge Ranch (2022)

Hall and Hall – Located about 140 miles southeast of Salt Lake City near Price, Utah, Patmos Ridge Ranch lies among the eastern Book Cliffs Mountain Range, with views of Bruin Point and the entire Castle Valley. The rugged terrain creates a thriving natural habitat for big game and upland birds, as well as multiple recreational opportunities.

Nature: Bryce Canyon National Park In Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park, a sprawling reserve in southern Utah, is known for crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. The park’s main road leads past the expansive Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled depression lying below the Rim Trail hiking path. It has overlooks at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. Prime viewing times are around sunup and sundown.

Drought: How Las Vegas Conserves So Much Water

As severe drought in the West forces states to make drastic water cuts, Las Vegas offers a road map to making the most out of every drop of water. Since 2002, Southern Nevada has cut its Colorado River water use by 26% while its population has grown by 750,000.

Nature: Zion National Park, Southwest Utah

“Sunday Morning” takes us to Zion National Park in Utah. Videographer: Brad Markel.

Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River. The river flows to the Emerald Pools, which have waterfalls and a hanging garden. Also along the river, partly through deep chasms, is Zion Narrows wading hike.

Western Views: Idaho’s Evolving Frontier (PBS)

America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston: Episode 2 | Idaho: Tied to the Land Life on the American frontier is evolving. To find out how, and what it means, Baratunde Thurston ventures into the wilds of Idaho in search of its outdoor culture. He finds ranchers and backcountry pilots sharing the wilderness with newly resettled refugees, and sees how climate change is playing havoc with the age-old salmon fishery.

Colorado Ranches: 143-Acres On San Juan River

A classic “gentleman’s” property, the San Juan River Retreat offers approximately one mile of both banks of the designated “blue ribbon” San Juan River. It is rare for a smaller acreage property to offer such an abundance of the river’s main stem, control of both banks, excellent fishery for rainbows and browns, and all while offering high-grade fish habitat.

The property is complemented by a custom-built 3,100 square foot primary residence which is nicely appointed and complements the land, while not being overdone. A 3,500 square foot guest house and small shop provide room for guests and equipment storage/work area.

Water rights irrigate approximately 20 acres, and two wells provide domestic water. The land is diverse, presenting a mixture of old-growth cottonwoods lined along the river, productive irrigated meadows, mild topography, smaller areas of evergreen tree cover, and good habitat for migrating big game animals.

The San Juan River Retreat is located 16 miles south of Pagosa Springs, 30 minutes from Stevens Field FBO, and less than an hour from Wolf Creek Ski Area. https://hallhall.com/property-for-sal…

Nature Views: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Northern California

“Sunday Morning” takes us to a real hot spot – Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. Videographer: Jaime McDonald.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is in northern California. It’s rich in hydrothermal sites like Bumpass Hell, with its acres of bubbling mud pots. The summit of Lassen Peak Volcano offers views over the surrounding wilderness. Nearby, the Devastated Area is littered with lava rocks from its last eruption. A network of trails through forest and around several lakes connects with the Pacific Crest Trail in the north.