River Talks Still in Limbo

Officials from the seven Colorado River states met for an annual conference in Las Vegas last week, but negotiators made scant progress on how to manage the water supply for 40 million people.

Upstream states, including Colorado, have been deadlocked with downstream states for months over the new rules that will decide who bears the brunt of cuts in the drought-strained basin.

The states, which missed a federal deadline in November, now face a Feb. 14 deadline to draft an agreement. If a seven-state consensus can’t be reached, the federal government will decide how to manage the river.

In the absence of a long-term consensus, the states may consider a five-year deal as a stopgap to avoid litigation, one negotiator said.

RMNP to Manage Moose Boom

The National Park Service (NPS) is weighing how to address the impact of growing moose populations on the fragile wetlands of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).

Moose, once rare in Colorado, have steadily grown in number statewide and now total about 3,500, with around 240 in RMNP. Because they heavily browse tall willows, moose are a key factor in the ongoing loss of the park’s wetlands.

Though wetlands make up just 4% of the park, officials say they’re uniquely valuable and difficult to restore once damaged. Scientists hope to prevent the wetlands from permanently becoming grasslands.

The NPS is inviting the public to provide input on possible approaches to balance moose populations with wetland restoration. The comment period runs through Jan. 8.

Flying together with our sponsor

Car insurance premiums up 64% since 2020

Car insurance premiums are up more than 64% since 2020, and Colorado drivers are paying some of the fastest-rising rates in the country. From hail damage to increased repair costs and traffic growth, insurers have adjusted pricing statewide. See how your current rate compares with Money’s auto insurance comparison tool.

COMPARE RATES

➤ Breckenridge and Palmer Lake rank among the 10 most festive holiday towns in America, according to a new Zillow analysis. (See List)

➤ Need last-minute stocking stuffer ideas? This list of Colorado-inspired goodies has everything from Telluride truffles to Boulder-based pet treats. (See Stuffers)

➤ Denver is the 18th-best city in the U.S. for celebrating Christmas, according to a new list based on indicators like traditions, shopping, and costs. (See List)

➤ Elitch Gardens has transformed into a winter wonderland—complete with 4 million Christmas lights, a 25-foot snowman, and a 300-foot candy cane tunnel—for Elitch Holidays, which runs through Jan. 4. (See Details)

➤ Aspen lands on Travel + Leisure’s 2025 reader-voted list of the 15 best cities in the U.S. Readers cited its natural beauty, recreation opportunities, and boutique shops and restaurants. (See List)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ USB-Powered Warmth That Follows You Everywhere. Stop paying to heat empty rooms. The Vital Heating Blanket ($99.99) delivers targeted warmth at your desk, couch, or car. Luxury-soft. Auto shut-off. USB-powered. Machine washable. Thousands are cutting heating bills while staying warmer. Selling out fast. (LEARN MORE)

Enjoy reading The Colorado Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

Flying together with our sponsor

Are Colorado drivers overpaying for car insurance?

Many are. Between hailstorms, higher repair costs, and growing congestion along the Front Range, rates can vary significantly by provider. The policy you chose years ago may no longer be the best deal. Take a few minutes to compare quotes and see if you could save.

SEE IF YOU COULD SAVE

What’s your favorite holiday drink?

1. Hot chocolate
2. Hot cider
3. Hot toddy
4. Eggnog
5. Mulled wine
6. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you support requiring national park gift shops to sell only U.S.-made products?

1. Yes: 28%
2. No: 24%
3. Neutral: 24%
4. Unsure: 24%

What is Colorado’s state mineral?

Show me the answer