Colorado
Wildlife officials aim to keep Colorado’s wolves from meeting the endangered Mexican wolf. Is separation the right goal?
A Mexican gray wolf called Asha wandered hundreds of miles across Arizona and New Mexico searching for a mate — no easy task for one of the most endangered mammals in the United States.
After five months of scouring hills and arroyos, she crossed Interstate 40 west of Albuquerque in the fall of 2022 and headed into the forests outside of Santa Fe. But when she traipsed across the interstate blacktop, she crossed an invisible boundary set by federal wildlife officials. As part of longstanding federal policy, any Mexican gray wolf found north of the interstate can be relocated — which is why Asha was darted and flown south, as documented in news stories and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports.
The Mexican gray wolf subspecies has made a significant recovery over the last 25 years, but government biologists now worry that the reintroduction of the larger northern gray wolf in Colorado could derail that progress, should the two populations mix via wandering wolves like Asha.
Those worries prompted Colorado wildlife officials in September to sign first-of-their-kind agreements with New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. They will allow those states to relocate any roving northern gray wolves back to Colorado. The agreements will help keep the 10 wolves released in Colorado in December inside the state, crucial to establishing the self-sufficient population mandated by voters who approved reintroducing the species.
“This is not a typical kind of agreement for us to have between states,” said Eric Odell, the wolf conservation program manager at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “It’s not common practice. Wildlife work usually involves geographic boundaries, not political ones.”
Much is at stake with the Mexican gray wolf. Its recovery took hold through an extensive, decades-long effort involving a captive breeding program, international transplantations and ongoing litigation.
The states’ recent agreements, coupled with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s I-40 policy, will create a buffer zone between the two wolf populations.
Without the precaution, Odell said intermixing could result in Colorado’s larger northern gray wolves taking dominant breeding positions in packs, changing the subspecies’ gene pool until they are indistinguishable. In effect, government biologists believe northern gray wolves likely would take over the Mexican gray wolf population.
“Having that hybridization would become detrimental to the Mexican wolf,” Odell said. “We’re working hard to keep (northern gray wolves) separate from those Mexican wolves.”
But conservationists question whether allowing the two to mingle would imperil the rare southern subspecies, and some say the Mexican gray wolf needs the northern gray wolf to survive. The wild Mexican gray wolf population suffers from a limited gene pool, so breeding with the northern gray wolf could help diversify the population.
“Historically, there was a spectrum of wolf species and subspecies from Mexico up to the Arctic Circle,” said Chris Smith, the Southwest wildlife advocate for WildEarth Guardians. “To have this wolfless zone between Colorado and Mexican gray wolves is a bizarre and arbitrary symptom of the politicization of our legal treatment of these wolves.”
A subspecies on the brink
The Mexican gray wolf — also called the lobo — is a smaller subspecies of the gray wolf that historically ranged across Mexico and into Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The Mexican gray wolf is managed separately under the federal Endangered Species Act than the northern gray wolf, which numbers in the thousands across the northern Rocky Mountains and the Great Lakes region.
People nearly eradicated the Mexican gray wolf from both the United States and Mexico by the 1970s. Decades of unregulated hunting and targeted trapping by the federal government to protect livestock took their toll.
By 1977, there were only seven known remaining Mexican gray wolves in the two countries.
Wildlife officials returned the subspecies to the wild in 1998 and, after decades of management, at least 241 Mexican gray wolves now roam New Mexico and Arizona, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.
The federal agency imposed the boundary along I-40, which cuts across the Southwest, in part because the documented historical range of the subspecies did not extend north of the interstate. Officials also faced pressure from ranching and hunting interests to restrict the recovery area.
But the wild population has a lack of genetic diversity.
Each wild Mexican gray wolf’s genes are as similar to the next as siblings’ genes would be, said Michael Robinson, a senior conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity and the author of a book on wolf management.
Instead of creating a wolfless buffer zone, Smith and Robinson said, wildlife managers should introduce Mexican gray wolves into southwestern Colorado.
Those wolves then would breed with northern gray wolves and add much-needed genetic diversity to the subspecies, while minimizing the risk of the northern species’ genes taking over the Mexican gray wolf population. The risk to the Mexican gray wolf would be greater if northern gray wolves established themselves farther south in the core of the Mexican gray wolf’s habitat.
“We can try to approximate the gradation of wolf types that (once) existed from north to south,” Robinson said.
Wandering under watch
The technical working group that shaped Colorado’s wolf reintroduction plan considered reintroducing Mexican gray wolves here but found them the “least desirable” option.
The ballot measure that mandated Colorado’s reintroduction of wolves did not specify whether a subspecies could be reintroduced. But the group wrote in its final report that the Mexican gray wolf should be the lowest priority for reintroduction because Colorado was not part of its historical range. It also cited logistical management concerns due to the subspecies being managed separately under the Endangered Species Act.
“Because they are listed as a unique entity under the ESA, maintaining the genetic uniqueness of this subspecies is paramount,” the November 2021 report states. “If Mexican wolves were present in Colorado, premature interbreeding with wolves from the north could compromise the Mexican wolf recovery effort.”
It’s unlikely that Mexican gray wolves roamed in Colorado before their extirpation, but the subspecies is better adapted than the northern gray wolf to warmer, drier climates — which is the expected future for southwest Colorado as the climate shifts, Smith said.
“We have to recognize that we’re imposing not just political boundaries, but also pretty complicated legal frameworks on wildlife that do whatever they want on a landscape,” he said. “It’s a problem that we’ve painted ourselves into.”
Biologists have said that Mexican gray wolves need at least three separate but connected populations to thrive, Robinson noted. One study found that one of those populations should be located in southwest Colorado.
It would have made sense to keep the Mexican gray wolves separate when there were only a few dozen of them, Robinson said. But the population is now robust enough to allow some northern gray wolf genetics into the pack, he said.
While all of Colorado’s 12 current wolves — including two that predated the reintroduction effort — and the wolves released in the state in coming years will have radio collars, their progeny will not. That will make tracking whether the wolves have moved into neighboring states more difficult, Odell said.
“It’s not in perpetuity,” Odell said of the agreements with the other states. “We’ll revisit this in time and see how things are going.”
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DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado leaders are reacting after President Donald Trump and other top U.S. officials were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner after a shooting incident on Saturday evening.
Officials said the incident occurred when a gunman opened fire in the lobby entrance of the Washington Hilton, which was outside the ballroom where Trump and other guests were seated.
All officials protected by the Secret Service were evacuated and uninjured. Those in attendance included Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio — and many other leaders of the Trump administration.
Colorado leaders from both parties reacted to the incident throughout Saturday night.
Here’s what they had to say.
Rep. Jeff Hurd
Rep. Hurd on X said the following:
“Grateful for the law enforcement officers and first responders who acted quickly to keep people safe following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
“Violence has no place in our politics. It must be condemned clearly and consistently.
“Keeping all those involved in my prayers tonight.”
Senator John Hickenlooper
“Appalled by the shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner. A night meant to celebrate the First Amendment was disrupted by political violence, which has no place in America. Grateful to the Secret Service and law enforcement who acted quickly and bravely to save lives,” said Sen. Hickenlooper on X.
Rep. Jason Crow
On X, Rep. Crow provided the following statement:
“Grateful that everyone attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is safe.
“Thank you to the Secret Service and law enforcement for quickly responding to shots fired at the event.
“Violence is never acceptable.”
Senator Michael Bennet
Sen. Bennet posted to X the following:
“A time-honored event dedicated to the First Amendment and a free press was disrupted by violence that has no place in our country.
“Grateful that those in attendance are safe, and thankful to the Secret Service and law enforcement who acted swiftly to protect lives.”
Rep. Diana DeGette
“The reported shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner is deeply disturbing. Violence is never acceptable,” said Rep. DeGette on X.
Rep. Jeff Crank
Rep. Crank provided the following statement on X:
“Thankful for the swift action from Secret Service and law enforcement at this evening’s WHCD to ensure President Trump and all attendees are safe.
“Pray for our country. There is no place for violence.”
Rep. Gabe Evans
On X, Rep. Evans said the following:
“My family and I are keeping everyone affected by tonight’s shooting in our thoughts and prayers.
“We are so grateful for the brave men and women in law enforcement who acted swiftly to ensure everyone was kept safe.
“There is no place for violence in our country.”
Gov. Jared Polis
“While details are still emerging, violence, even the attempt and I’m glad the President, Vice President and all in attendance are safe. I appreciate the law enforcement who responded quickly to ensure everyone’s safety. We all have the right to disagree, but never to try and hurt each other,” said Gov. Polis on X.
Rep. Lauren Boebert
Rep. Boebert said the following on X:
“Thank God President Trump is safe.
“The United States Secret Service hasn’t been funded for 70 days because of the Radical Left.
“Either this is their plan OR they need to change course and fund DHS/USSS NOW.”
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
“Political violence has no place in our democratic republic. And those who engage in such actions must be held accountable. Thinking about those at the WH Correspondents’ Dinner tonight and their safety and praying for healing our republic,” said AG Weiser on X.
Developing details
The shooting suspect was later identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, two law enforcement officials told the Associated Press.
In a White House press briefing later on Saturday night, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect is being charged preliminarily with two charges related to using a firearm and assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, but that there will be many more charges filed “based on the information that we are learning in this very fluid situation.”
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the investigation is ongoing.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was scrapped, but White House officials said it will be rescheduled.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Colorado
Colorado’s Serene Mountain Lake Is A Deep-Blue Vacation Haven For Camping, Paddling, And Fishing – Islands
High up in the Rocky Mountains at nearly 10,000 feet of elevation sits the serene escape of Turquoise Lake. Less than 10 miles from the U.S.’s highest city, Leadville, Turquoise Lake is a popular outdoor spot to enjoy the scenery, explore nature, and engage in outdoor activities. Here you’ll find Coloradans from all over the state vacationing to escape the heat and embrace some peace and quiet. Thanks to the altitude, the area won’t often get above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the peak of summer. The surrounding Sawatch Range with Mount Elbert and Mount Massive (some of the range’s peaks that exceed 14,000 feet) give every view of the lake a sense of drama.
If you are expecting vibrant green-blue colored waters like Moraine Lake in Banff, you may be in for a surprise when you find out the waters of Turquoise Lake are clean and clear. Further out from the shore, the water takes on a deep blue color. The turquoise in the name doesn’t come from the lake’s appearance, but the stone that was once mined in the area. The lake was dammed in the 19th century. Today, it provides water to cities along the Front Range.
As a former local, I lived about 30 miles away, close to the quaint adventure town of Buena Vista, and regularly camped on the shores of Turquoise Lake. I still come back to visit family and often hit the lake with the locals on a hot day.
Turquoise Lake is perfect for camping on the shores under the stars
Around the lake are 300 campsites across eight different campgrounds, meaning you can almost always find a spot for the night. Stretches of the lake have sand-covered shores, letting you enjoy the beach in the middle of the Rockies. A three-day weekend vacation is well spent along the lake with days for paddling and fishing and nights around the campfire. Remember that you’re camping in the mountains, so our essential tips can help you plan.
That mountain serenity is doubled with the lapping waters on the shore and the rustling wind through the lodgepole pines. When I’m here on a hot July day, this shoreline is where I place my camping chair slightly in the water so I can sit with my feet in the refreshingly cool water and a cold drink in my hand. After the sun sets, it’s time for the campfire. Campfires are shown to lower blood pressure, just make sure you check the fire restrictions beforehand so you can completely relax. At night, the stars are on full display over the lake on a clear night. (The region is working on become a certified International Dark Sky Community.) This is bear country –- you’ll sleep better if food and all your smelly stuff is locked up and away from your camp.
What to do at Turquoise Lake
After waking up in your tent in the morning, there’s plenty to do in and around Turquoise Lake. The 12.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail is a mostly flat hike with the occasional slight elevation change. The out-and-back trail includes spots to enjoy the view and swim in the cold water.
The lake is stocked with a variety of trout, so bring your fishing pole to catch your own dinner. Make sure you have a Colorado fishing license, which you can purchase online. If you have your own equipment at home, check out our guide to fishing gear you can take on vacation and save on renting a rod. Get on the lake using the ramp at the Matchless Boating Site. Whether you brought a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or motor boat, you have 1,800 acres of water to explore and fish, or you can rent your own paddleboard for exploring the lake, fishing, or yoga. Paddling out to the middle of the lake is a great opportunity for peace and quiet with expansive mountain views.
If you’re there in the winter, ice fishing is popular on the lake. Make sure you check the conditions before you head out –- the ice should be at least 4 inches thick to safely walk on it. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling can all be done on the groomed system of trails surrounding the lake. Turquoise Lake is about 100 miles southwest of Denver and the Denver International Airport. If you’re flying, rent a car to explore the area on your own or take the bus from Denver.
Colorado
Ex-owner of Colorado funeral home where decomposing bodies were found is sentenced to 30 years
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A former Colorado funeral home owner who helped her ex-husband hide nearly 200 decomposing bodies was sentenced to 30 years in prison Friday in a case that forced the state to clamp down on an industry plagued by repeated scandal and notoriously lax oversight.
Carie Hallford faced between 25 and 35 years in prison under a plea agreement. Some family members of those whose bodies were left to rot had urged Judge Eric Bentley to impose the maximum sentence. But the judge said Carie Hallford made credible claims of being a victim of domestic violence and her ex-husband, Jon Hallford, was the driving force in their relationship.
Bentley added that 30 years was a “staggeringly huge sentence” and appropriate for her crimes.
Jon Hallford was sentenced to 40 years on corpse abuse charges at a February hearing in which he was called a “monster” by relatives of the victims.
Carie Hallford was the public face of Return to Nature, dealing with bereaved customers at the couple’s funeral home in Colorado Springs. Jon Hallford performed much of the physical work, including at a second location south of Colorado Springs in Penrose.
That’s where authorities found bodies piled throughout a bug-infested building after neighbors complained about a foul odor in 2023.
One of those corpses was the mother of Tanya Wilson, who told Bentley on Friday that the family released what they thought were her ashes from a boat in Hawaii. It turned out her body was lying in toxic fluids on the floor of the Hallfords’ makeshift mortuary. Like other Return to Nature customers, the family received fake ashes instead of the cremated remains they were promised.
They had prepared her mother’s body for meeting her Korean ancestors in the afterlife, Wilson said. To preserve her dignity, they brushed her hair, applied her favorite moisturizer and dressed her in special clothes to preserve the dignity she had in life.
“Carie Hallford annihilated that dignity,” Wilson said.
Carie Hallford apologized in court Friday, saying she was raised to know right from wrong but had lost who she once was.
She fought back tears as she said her marriage had been “a convoluted web of lies, deceit and abuse.” She said she was not a monster but deserved punishment.
Discovery of corpses spurred first routine inspections
Prosecutors have alleged that the Hallfords were motivated by greed. They charged more than $1,200 per customer, and authorities said the amount they spent on luxury items would have covered the cremation costs many times over.
The case became the most egregious in a string of allegations involving Colorado funeral homes as details emerged about the their lavish spending and their pattern of defrauding customers.
Colorado had been the only state that did not regulate funeral homes before lawmakers adopted recent changes. The Hallfords’ case prompted laws mandating routine inspections and adopting a funeral director licensing system.
State inspectors acting under the new law last year found 24 decomposing bodies and multiple containers of bones behind a hidden door of a funeral home owned by the Pueblo County coroner and his brother. It was the first inspection of that Pueblo mortuary.
Before the bodies were found at Penrose, a mother and daughter who operated a funeral home in the western Colorado city of Montrose were sentenced to federal prison after being accused of selling body parts and giving clients fake ashes. In 2024, authorities in Denver arrested a financially troubled former funeral home owner who kept a body in a hearse for two years at a house where police also found the cremated remains of at least 30 people.
Carie Hallford was ‘the one who fed the monster’
Carie Hallford asked for leniency in March when she was sentenced in the federal fraud case, saying she was a victim of abuse and manipulation in her marriage.
Her attorney, Michael Stuzynski, said Friday said Carie Hallford initially believed what happened at Return to Nature was entirely her fault. He said she had a “lonely, gray and terrifying existence” and found solace in the interactions she had with the funeral home’s customers.
But Chief Deputy District Attorney Rachael Powell said Jon Hallford couldn’t have carried out the crimes alone. While his actions were gruesome, Powell said, Carie Hallford was the one manipulating clients as she smiled and took their money, knowing she was lying to them.
“She solicited bodies and took the checks. She fed Jon the bodies,” Powell said.
The Associated Press left voicemail and email messages with Jon Hallford’s attorney seeking comment on the abuse allegations.
The Hallfords, who divorced following their arrest, received prison sentences in the related federal fraud case — 18 years for Carie and 20 years for Jon. They have each appealed.
Plea agreements call for the Hallfords’ state prison sentences to be served concurrently with the federal sentences.
Authorities recovered 189 sets of remains from the Penrose building and said another two bodies were improperly buried. Two of the remains have not yet been identified, but officials continue trying, Fremont County coroner Randy Keller said.
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