parks
Lead with Love: For the love of the trees
By Gina Murdock Follow at Aspen Times
· July 4, 2026
· 4 min read
I wake up each day with anticipation. Will the sky be brilliant, sparkling Colorado blue? The sky I remember stirring awe within me when I first came to visit Fort Lewis College in Colorado with my dad in 1993. We marveled at its consistent beauty. It was striking. The blue, blue sky and the frie...
Key takeaway The sky I remember stirring awe within me when I first came to visit Fort Lewis College in Colorado with my dad in 1993.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The reality of summer wildfire smoke in Aspen is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley and the growing threat of climate-related disasters. As the county seat of Pitkin County, Aspen's city government and residents must navigate the challenges of living in a high-risk wildfire zone, where the health and safety of residents and visitors are increasingly compromised. The economic impact of poor air quality and frequent evacuations also cannot be ignored, as it affects the local tourism industry and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. Furthermore, the proximity of the Roaring Fork River and the surrounding wilderness areas means that the consequences of wildfires can be felt far beyond the immediate burn zones, with potential long-term effects on the local ecosystem and water quality. As the community continues to adapt to this new normal, it is crucial to prioritize proactive measures to mitigate the risks and protect the natural assets that make Aspen a unique and desirable place to live and visit.
About this story
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? I wake up each day with anticipation. Will the sky be brilliant, sparkling Colorado blue? The sky I remember stirring awe within me when I first came to visit Fort Lewis College in Colorado with my dad in 1993. We marveled at its consistent beauty. It was striking. The blue, blue sky and the frie...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gina Murdock Follow at Aspen Times. 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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