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Colorado Edition: Wildfire And Water

Today on special episode of Colorado Edition: We’ll hear four stories out of Wyoming and Colorado about the intersection of water and wildfires, including a look at how wildfires impacted water in Yellowstone National Park. The stories are a part of KUNC’s Wildfire and Water series.

Jackson, Wyoming

In the summer of 1988, Yellowstone National Park was engulfed in flames. TV coverage of the fires captivated the nation for months. After the fire was extinguished, plenty of thorny questions remained: What did those fires mean for the park’s near-pristine rivers and lakes? And what is their legacy? From KHOL, Robyn Vincent reports from Jackson, Wyoming.

No Name, Colorado

Major wildfires have burned through the Western U.S. this year. Fires have immediate effects on air quality and nearby homes. But now, people are coming to grips with the lingering danger of wildfires, long after the flames are gone. As Aspen Public Radio’s Alex Hager reports, people who live near burn scars can find themselves in a brand new flood zone.

Fort Collins, Colorado

Water supplies in many Western communities originate from melting snow, high up in the mountains. But this summer’s record-breaking wildfires have reduced some headwater forests to burnt trees and heaps of ash. KUNC’s Luke Runyon has more on the Cameron Peak Fire and the impact on Fort Collins.

Sheridan, Wyoming

Wildfires and drought are hitting the Mountain West especially hard this year. And fires don’t just burn in forests. Grasslands full of invasive plants can burn just as big. Catherine Wheeler of Wyoming Public Radio has more on the researchers looking at solutions to keep grassland fires in check.

Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman, and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. KUNC news director Brian Larson is our executive producer. We get production help from Rae Solomon.

KUNC's Colorado Edition is a news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.