Water contributor: Heather Sackett, Aspen Journalism Heather Sackett is a Colorado-based freelance writer. https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/contributor/heather-sackett/rss en Colorado Bill Aims to Protect Water Near Mining Operations American West Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Fri, 13 Apr 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Heather Sackett, Aspen Journalism https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/04/13/colorado-bill-aims-to-protect-water-near-mining-operations https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/04/13/colorado-bill-aims-to-protect-water-near-mining-operations In the wake of the 2015 Gold Mine King spill, the Colorado legislature is considering a bill that aims to ensure better water quality at mines and more financial accountability from companies. Study Shows How Dams Affect Ecology of Colorado Rivers American West Climate & Weather Environment & Wildlife Fri, 12 Jan 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Heather Sackett, Aspen Journalism https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/01/12/study-shows-how-dams-affect-ecology-of-colorado-rivers https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/01/12/study-shows-how-dams-affect-ecology-of-colorado-rivers A study of two different rivers – one dammed and one free flowing – may help provide insight into how riparian ecosystems across the west respond to climate change.