local
Shannon: ‘Usually safe’ is not good enough
By Dennis Shannon at Aspen Times
· June 21, 2026
· 1 min read
The Aspen Times recently reported that the Bureau of Land Management has once again opened the door to the use of M-44 sodium cyanide devices on public lands (“Federal cyanide traps return to BLM lands, including Pitkin County,” June 14).
I believe these devices should be banned outright on al...
Key takeaway Although I live in Parker, my wife and I spend much of our free time exploring Colorado’s mountains, wildlife areas and public lands.
Why this matters in Aspen News
In Pitkin County, where outdoor recreation is a way of life, the presence of M-44 sodium cyanide devices on public lands poses a unique threat. The county's vast wilderness areas and popular trails, such as those in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, attract millions of visitors each year. The use of these devices in such areas increases the risk of accidental exposure to cyanide, which could have devastating consequences for residents and tourists alike. Furthermore, the devices could also harm the very wildlife that draws people to the area, including elk, deer, and mountain lions. As Aspen continues to grow as a recreational hub, it is crucial that public lands are managed with safety and conservation in mind, rather than relying on potentially lethal devices to control wildlife. The city's strong environmental ethos and commitment to preserving natural beauty make it an ideal location to advocate for a ban on M-44 devices.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . 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 .
For the complete original report, visit Aspen Times . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Aspen Times recently reported that the Bureau of Land Management has once again opened the door to the use of M-44 sodium cyanide devices on public lands (“Federal cyanide traps return to BLM lands, including Pitkin County,” June 14).
I believe these devices should be banned outright on al...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dennis Shannon 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 local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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