Stories in this list received the most page views on postindependent.com from April 7- 14.

1. Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert’s bill to strip gray wolves of Endangered Species Act protections heads to U.S. House 

A bill to delist gray wolves from the federal Endangered Species Act is heading to the U.S. House of Representatives after clearing its first hurdle.

The legislation — championed by Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert and her Republican colleague from Wisconsin, ​​Rep. Tom Tiffany — was passed by the House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, April 9, in a 24-17 vote. 

The Pet and Livestock Protection Act would not only delist the species but also prevent judicial review of the legislative action. 

-Ali Longwell 

2. Nearly 2,000 rally in Glenwood Springs to push back against Project 2025 

Nearly 2,000 people filled Sayre Park in Glenwood Springs on Saturday in a powerful show of local resistance to Project 2025 and other far-right policies, joining millions across the country for a national “Hands Off!” day of action.

The Glenwood Springs rally, organized by Mountain Action Indivisible, was one of more than 1,200 events held in all 50 states. Organizers estimate over 5.2 million people took part nationwide.

“We had about 400 people pre-registered,” local organizer Debbie Bruell said. “But most people just showed up. By the time we counted it out, it was closer to 2,000. It really shows how eager people are to express their outrage and hope.”

-Taylor Cramer 

3. Factory Outdoor set to close its doors after nearly 50 years of serving the Roaring Fork Valley 

Finding a Roaring Fork Valley native that hasn’t benefited from Factory Outdoor is like trying to turn left into their parking lot while headed south on Colorado Highway 82 — easier said than done. 

Factory Outdoor was born into Glenwood Springs nearly 50 years ago and will be remembered long after they close their doors. They kicked off their massive liquidation sale on Thursday, and will close their doors once their backstock safely finds new homes within the Roaring Fork Valley community. 

The closure of the store will serve as the fourth and final step in the retirement process of longtime owners and brothers Pat and Shannon Long. They previously closed their Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins locations, but always felt a special connection to their Glenwood store. 

-Jaymin Kanzer 

4. Court ruling opens door to 50,000 acres of federal land after nine-year fight 

After nine years of litigation, a legal battle between Garfield County and The High Lonesome Ranch over public access to a county road crossing the ranch’s private property has concluded, opening up more than 50,000 acres of federal land to county residents and visitors.

In September, a federal court ruled that part of North Dry Fork Road, also known as Garfield County Road 200, and Middle Dry Fork Road, which runs through the ranch’s private property west of De Beque, are public roads. 

The dispute began in 2016 after Garfield County asked The High Lonesome Ranch, 275 County Road 222, De Beque, to unlock a private gate blocking access to County Road 200, also known as Dry Fork Road, west of De Beque and east of its intersection with Middle Dry Fork Road. In response, the ranch filed a lawsuit in state court, arguing that the road was not public. The Bureau of Land Management was later added to the case, and the dispute moved to federal court.

-Julianna O’Clair 

5. Community champions honored at 2025 Garfield County Humanitarian Awards

Applause echoed through the Hotel Colorado ballroom Monday night as Garfield County gathered to celebrate those who give without asking, lead without demanding, and serve without expecting anything in return.

The 2025 Garfield County Humanitarian Awards recognized four locals whose compassion, service and vision have left lasting marks on the valley. Honorees included Dee Warwick, Patricia Horwitz, Quinn McSwain and Rita Marsh.

Each received one of the night’s signature awards: Heart and Soul, Lifetime Service, Taking Flight and Wellness Visionary. Their stories were told not through resumes or stats, but through emotional tributes, memories and reflections from community members who’ve seen their impact firsthand.

-Taylor Cramer