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.
-
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. -
The mudslide that shut down Highway 133 north of Redstone on Thursday afternoon has been cleared. -
Gen Zers are increasingly worried about a warming world. Sarah Newman and Leslie Davenport, who presented at Aspen Ideas Festival over the weekend, are providing resources to help navigate those emotions. -
Adam McCurdy, the forest and climate director for the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, is concerned that staff cuts in the U.S. Forest Service could make for a more severe wildfire season. -
With the help of the Wildfire Collaborative Roaring Fork Valley, forest officials are taking steps to reduce the threat of wildfires. But protecting your home can be simple enough to do over the weekend. -
Colorado Parks and Wildlife commissioners have decided not to lethally remove more wolves from the Copper Creek Pack. The decision came after a two-day meeting last week. They will revisit the issue in a special meeting in the coming weeks.
