Utah

This week’s Farm News and Views examines worsening drought across western rangelands, rising diesel prices, beef import concerns, and new satellite-based virtual fencing technology for ranchers.

Today’s Outdoor Report tracks changing spring conditions across the Four Corners, with scattered storms, gusty winds, and a stronger system bringing mountain snow and possible travel impacts midweek.

Widespread drought and fears of a power crisis is forcing the Interior Department to start sending billions of gallons of water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir downstream to prop up Lake Powell.

Strong winds up to 55 mph are expected midweek across the Four Corners, followed by cooler, unsettled weather and mountain snow later this week.

Invasive species are on the march in the Colorado River, threatening everything from endangered native fish in Arizona to Colorado's juicy Palisade peaches.

The Bureau of Reclamation announced plans to release water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and to reduce flows out of Glen Canyon Dam on Lake Powell in an attempt to prop up the Colorado River Basin's infrastructure.

Authorities are investigating vandalism at a petroglyph site near Moab, where ancient rock art was defaced, prompting reminders to visit cultural sites respectfully.

Near-record heat, low humidity, and gusty winds are increasing fire danger across the Four Corners, with critical conditions expected midweek.

Rain Enhancement Technologies, a private company, is testing a different approach to cloud seeding at a couple of project sites in the Rocky Mountains. The method is known as ionization cloud seeding and doesn't use silver iodide.

Utah lawmakers are advancing a plan to expand mining and processing of critical minerals used in technologies like semiconductors and energy systems. The strategy includes a proposed national research center and comes as operations continue at the White Mesa Mill, a site that has also drawn environmental protests.