parks
Federal cyanide traps return to BLM lands in Colorado
By Jonathan BowersAspen Times at Steamboat Pilot
· June 16, 2026
· 1 min read
Within Pitkin County, there are 27,490 acres of Bureau of Land Management land, according to the BLM’s Colorado River Valley Field Office.
These are acres used for recreation and ranching purposes.
Quietly, back on April 14-15, 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the U.S....
Key takeaway Quietly, back on April 14-15, 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the U.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The return of cyanide traps to BLM lands in Colorado raises concerns for Pitkin County residents who recreate or ranch on these 27,490 acres. With the lifting of the national ban on M-44s, the risk of accidental poisoning of non-target species, including pets and wildlife, increases. The fact that the Memorandum of Understanding was signed quietly, without public notification, is troubling, as it suggests a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. For Aspen residents, who value the natural beauty and wildlife of the surrounding areas, the potential consequences of M-44 use are particularly worrisome. The city's own police department and government may need to consider how to educate residents and visitors about the risks associated with these devices, and how to respond in case of an emergency. Local outdoor enthusiasts and ranchers should be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or incidents to the authorities.
About this story
Original reporting by Steamboat Pilot . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: parks ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: Steamboat Pilot ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Within Pitkin County, there are 27,490 acres of Bureau of Land Management land, according to the BLM’s Colorado River Valley Field Office.
These are acres used for recreation and ranching purposes.
Quietly, back on April 14-15, 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the U.S....
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by Steamboat Pilot and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jonathan BowersAspen Times at Steamboat Pilot. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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