Michael Fanelli
Climate Desk ReporterMichael Fanelli is the inaugural reporter for Aspen Public Radio’s Climate Desk. He moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in June 2025, after living and working in two very different parts of Alaska. A Southern California local, he got his start in public radio at KCRW in Santa Monica.
At Alaska Public Media in Anchorage, he hosted the statewide morning news and reported on stories ranging from glacier tourism and EV’s to a bagel oasis. Michael was most recently the news director of KRBD in Ketchikan, where he covered local issues like homeless services and kelp entrepreneurship, plus an occasional bizarre story about imitation totem poles. His work has been recognized on several occasions by the Alaska Press Club, including an environmental reporting award for a story about federally funded heat pumps.
Michael is excited to live in a place with a little more sun and a lot less rain. Say hi if you bump into him while exploring the natural beauty of the Western Slope.
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Pitkin County Commissioner Greg Poschman organized an electric shuttle ride to the Maroon Bells. He says the vehicles could replace diesel-powered buses currently shuttling visitors to the popular landmark. -
Los responsables de la gestión de recursospesqueros afirman que se trata de un problema cada vez mayor, que está agotando las posibilidades de pesca en la cuenca hidrográfica de Roaring Fork. -
Fish managers say it’s part of a growing problem, depleting fishing opportunities in the Roaring Fork Watershed.
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The structure in a remote stretch of Roan Creek will protect an extremely rare genetic strain of cutthroat trout from invasive species. -
Roaring Fork Safe Passages recently released a plan to build two wildlife crossing structures north of the airport. They could increase safety and reduce collisions, but they may cost more than $30 million. -
The City of Rifle recently approved a plan to improve energy efficiency and increase climate resiliency. Meanwhile, Garfield County commissioners approved dozens of new natural gas wells just outside the city. -
Chief Balentine retired on Aug. 1 after 36 years with the Aspen Fire Protection District. He’s staying on as president of the Aspen Wildfire Foundation, focusing on wildfire mitigation and education. -
For the first time since the 1940s, new aspens have joined the forest canopy in Yellowstone National Park. Researchers say that wouldn’t have happened without wolves. -
The district received a state grant for $78,400 to study whether local conditions are conducive to the technology. If it works, it could save the schools money and carbon emissions. -
Colorado Parks and Wildlife commissioners held a special meeting to discuss the Copper Creek Pack Monday. CPW staff said they’re working closely with producers to prevent further depredations.
