NEWS

Lenny Frieling is the current board chair of Colorado NORML – the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The organization recently worked to pass Amendment 64, and now has a seat on the governor’s 24-member task force to advise the legislature on regulating marijuana and hemp. A criminal defense attorney for the past 37 years, Frieling is also a one of the 350-plus lawyers who make up the NORML legal committee. Marty Durlin spoke with Frieling from his office in Boulder about the future of regulating legal marijuana in Colorado.

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Headlines:

• Washington state puts pot jobs up for bid
• Colorado NORML officials work to enact Amendment 64 regulations
• ATV users challenge BLM's new RMP draft for Mesa County  public lands
• Fatality at Winter X Games for first time in 18 years

Headlines:

• Elk Creek Mine working on cleanup, still weeks away from opening
• Environmental groups challenge roadless rule in appeals court
• Governor Hickenlooper issues new wildfire prevention orders
• Paonia grapplers No.1, girls basketball undefeated as regionals approach

Governor John Hickenlooper announced new initiatives on Wednesday to try and make Colorado better prepared for wildfires. State officials say they’re also planning for a drought this summer and a potentially bad fire season. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Last week the local advocacy group Citizens for a Healthy Community announced it would file a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management if the agency does not withdraw the remaining 20,000 acres in the North Fork from its February 14 lease sale. Along with other citizens’ groups and individuals, CHC has been fighting the proposed sale since it was announced in December of 2011, saying it jeopardizes the North Fork’s economy, its organic farms, orchards, ranches, wineries and way of life. KVNF’s Marty Durlin spoke with CHC director Jim Ramey.

Headlines:

• CHC director Jim Ramey discusses possible legal action
• BLM accepting nominations for advisory councils
• Fern Lake Fire continues to smolder in Rocky Mtn. Nat. Park
• Colorado shoppers don't face new surcharges, fees
• Gov. Hickenlooper hopes tourism industry recovers from drought

Governor John Hickenlooper says a lack of water in Colorado poses a series challenge for the state’s tourism industry. Hickenlooper answered questions from industry representatives as part of the annual tourism day at the state capitol. Bente Birkeland has more.