Sen. Michael Bennet

Last month, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper of Colorado requested a hearing for their Dolores River conservation area bill in a Senate committee. On Wednesday, the committee will hold a hearing on the legislation. But now, in addition to Bennet and Hickenlooper’s bill, groups that advocate on behalf of the Dolores River Canyon are discussing the idea of President Joseph Biden designating part of the river not covered by the legislation as a national monument.

KDNK’s News Director Morgan Neely brings you local and regional news from the Roaring Fork Valley ... and beyond.

In less than four months, temporary pay raises given to federal wildland firefighters are set to end just as the season typically starts winding down. This week a group of Western senators, including one Republican, sent a letter to leaders of the Homeland Security Committee urging “swift consideration of legislation that authorizes a long-term solution to increase wildland firefighter recruitment and retention.” Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, a Democrat, said that “failure is not an option” when it comes to addressing the pay issue.

KDNK's news team brings you local and regional news from the Mountain West.