The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared every Colorado county a ìprimary natural disaster area.îAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all 64 counties in Colorado experienced severe drought for eight-plus straight weeks, extreme drought or exceptional drought.Recently, the Colorado River has been ranked the most endangered waterway in America. The designation is the result of decades of climate change and management conflicts.The drought has greatly affected reservoirs Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Both are at record lows. Lake Powell has dropped below the threshold of 3,525 feet, which could mean danger for hydropower production.Itís mind-boggling to me to see photos of Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The thought that the water could be completely gone in a few years is painful. I worry about what the environment will be like for my grandchildren.The Colorado River and its tributaries supply drinking water to about 40 million people. More than 5 million acres of farmland use this water for irrigation, and the Colorado River basin is home for 30 Native American tribes. The river flows through nine National Parks and is essential for healthy wildlife habitat.We all know the consequences of drought ó fires. And Colorado has already had its share, including Falcon. Extreme dry weather and wind create perfect storms for fires. Some say 2022 could be the worst year for fires in Colorado.All of us have a role to play to reduce the threat of fires. As many as 90% of wildland fires in the United States are caused by people, according to the U.S. Department of Interior. ìHuman-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, downed power lines, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson.îSpeaking of fires, in this monthís issue, Mark Stoller discusses getaways in the face of a quickly spreading fire.As the primary approaches, politics are heating up, too. Barney Rummel has interviewed three of the candidates for sheriff.D 49 had to put out a recent fire when they were accused of violating church and state regulations. Our editor, Marylou, has written an op-ed on the subject.On a lighter side, we have featured some unique businesses in this issue. Of course, May is Motherís Day and Memorial Day so Ava Stoller has written tributes to both.Itís May, and whatís that saying, ìSpring showers bring May flowers.î Bring on those showers.Happy Motherís Day! And to the Gold Star mothers (those who have lost sons and daughters to wars) ó I wish you peace for your childrenís sacrifices.See you in June.– Michelle
