Salida Daily Digest Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Ty's Take
The Willow Fire evacuation orders are lifted, which is good news for folks who packed up and headed out, but the real conversation starts now. Wildfire in this valley doesn't just burn timber and structures, it changes how water moves downhill, how the Arkansas runs, what color it turns after the next hard rain. A burn scar upstream means debris flows, silt loads, temperature swings that mess with everything from the rafting season to the trout fishery. We've been worried about drought pinching our water supply for years, and that's real enough. But experts are pointing at something we sometimes forget to plan for, which is that fire can be just as destructive to these waters as too little snow.
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Ark Valley Voice
Experts Warn Wildfire Could Pose a Greater Long-Term Threat to the Arkansas River Than Drought
Water managers and watershed experts say a major wildfire in the Upper Arkansas watershed poses a greater long-term threat to the Arkansas River than the current drought conditions. The forests that feed the Arkansas River could suffer lasting damage from a significant fire that would impact water...
BV School Board Appoints Members to Various Committees
The Buena Vista Board of Education held its first meeting since June on Monday, August 10, appointing members to several committees. The board filled positions on the Joint Town Water Committee, Property and Facilities Committee, BOCES, and designated a CASB Legislative Representative.
U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and other Senate Rules and Administration Committee members are calling on the Trump Administration to halt voter roll purges before Election Day. With 83 days remaining until the 2026 midterm election, federal law prohibits large-scale voter purges under the National...
Letter To The Editor: Colonizing the West, at What Price?
A letter to the editor addresses the migration of hundreds of thousands of Midwesterners to Colorado and the inter-mountain West in recent decades. The writer expresses concern about the cultural and environmental impact of rapid population growth in the region.
All Remaining Evacuation Orders Lifted for the Willow Fire
The Lake County Sheriff's Office has lifted all remaining evacuation orders for the Willow Fire, including Zones 6, 21, and 21A. The fire has burned 7,534 acres with 67 percent containment, though some roads remain closed in the affected area.
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The Mountain Mail
Salida and the surrounding area are hosting numerous community events from August 13 through 20, including concerts, trivia nights, and festivals featuring local and regional musicians. Notable activities include the High Country Talks Lecture Series at Buena Vista Heritage Museum, Concerts in the...
Salida Concerts concludes season Aug. 15 with bassist, pianist
Salida Concerts will conclude its season on August 15 with a performance featuring a bassist and pianist.
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