Public Lands/Wilderness / Public News Service

Oregon forestry officials say climate change, warmer-than-average temperatures and current megadrought conditions present new fire prevention and suppression challenges. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Rural OR communities face new challenges in fighting wildfires

By Julia Tilton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Oregon News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaborati…

In addition to thousands of jobs, analysis shows outdoor recreation annually contributes $3.2 billion to New Mexico's economy. (Upper Pecos Watershed Association)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

NM designates 250 miles as 'Outstanding National Resource Waters'

A New Mexico agency has stepped up vigilance of the state's limited water resources. On Tuesday, the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission …

About 70% of the 40,000 acres burned by wildfires across Wyoming in 2024 were on private or state lands, Gov. Mark Gordon said in a budget speech Monday. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Gordon seeks $130 million more for WY wildfire mitigation budget

In the Wyoming governor's new supplemental state budget, the biggest line item by far is wildfire recovery. Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday gave a …

Nearly 23 million acres of public lands in Utah, representing about 42% of the state, fall under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management. (AdobeStock/AlcornImagery)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Utah leads effort to sell off public lands in NM, other states

Utah is leading a battle over control of public lands, with New Mexico and other Western states caught in the crosshairs. Utah's Republican …

Save Ohio Parks group photo taken July 1st 2023 at Salt Fork State Park. (Photo Credit Paul Becker Photo)

Monday, December 9, 2024

Protesters rally against fracking near Ohio parks

Protesters are gathering at the Columbus Public Safety Building today to voice opposition to plans that could expand fracking activities near the stat…

A lawsuit could affect management of public lands, including Idaho's Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 9, 2024

ID joins lawsuit that could threaten access to public lands, critics say

Advocates for public lands access are raising alarms about a lawsuit that could be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Utah has filed a suit arguing …

The Union of Concerned Scientists warns that several Midwestern states, including Minnesota, could lose $22 billion in flood mitigation benefits as industrial farm expansion threatens wetlands. (Freepik)

Monday, December 9, 2024

New research says Midwest is prime target for wetlands loss

Minnesota is credited for having strong wetland protections. But the research community warns the growing presence of factory farms in the Midwest …

According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, mule deer were uncommon in the early 1900s. Their populations surged in the 1950s and 1960s, peaked in 1991, but are now seeing historic lows. (M. Leonard Photo/Adobe Stock)

State agency hosts talks across Wyoming on declining mule deer

After a devastating recent winter, the already-struggling mule deer population in Wyoming took a big hit and the state's wildlife agency is …

Studies show nature-based outdoor learning has measurable socio-emotional, academic and physical health benefits for students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME counters learning loss with expanded outdoor programs

Maine educators are expanding outdoor learning opportunities to help build the next generation of environmental stewards. The state has unveiled a …

A new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cattle grazing rule is being challenged by environmental advocates who claim it would increase dangerous interactions between cattle and grizzlies. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental groups buck grazing expansion in MT's Custer Gallatin

A federal court in Montana has held a hearing more than two years after a coalition of environmental advocates sued the U.S. Forest Service and the …

Goats on the Go clear brush and other unwanted vegetation, including poison ivy, often to restore native grasses to Iowa farm and grass lands. (Matt Vermeersch)

Hungry goats help restore native Iowa habitat

Some Iowa farmers are putting a new spin on an age-old animal behavior. They're using goats to remove weeds, overgrown brush, and non-native …

An Emmy award-winning television spot features regenerative ranching practices in grasslands on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. (Ron Nichols)

SD PSA on grasslands wins regional Emmy award

Native grasslands are the most threatened ecosystem in North America. A South Dakota advocacy group hopes its educational campaign will reach a …

Backers of the Maine Trails Bond said an infusion of $30 million will provide greatly needed funding to design, build and maintain all public-use trails statewide. (Adobe Stock)

ME voters weigh trail bond measure as climate change alters terrain

It is Election Day and Maine voters are weighing the future of the state's extensive trail system. If passed, the Maine Trails Bond would inject …

Since 1991, Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Fund has provided about $700 million to over 1,700 projects statewide, including things like research work for soil health. (Adobe Stock)

MN voters asked to reauthorize key environmental funding

Election Day in Minnesota will bring environmental funding into focus in the form of a ballot question. At stake is lottery revenue that over the …

The proposed Chuckwalla National Monument near Joshua Tree National Park is home to more than 50 species which are threatened, endangered, sensitive or otherwise of concern. (Adobe Stock)

CA Tribes call for national monuments at world biodiversity conference

This week, more than 100 Californians are in Cali, Columbia, for the 16th United Nations Conference on Biological Diversity. Tribes, policymakers …

Conservation experts say less than 7% of the acreage within Wisconsin's Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has old-growth forest characteristics. (Adobe Stock)

Could WI forests see more towering old trees? Federal plan provides hope

CORRECTION: In the second paragraph, the term "mature forests" was replaced with language to more accurately describe the lands connected to the …

Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park saw more than 4 million visitors in 2023, according to National Park Service data. (Adobe Stock)

National Parks advocates: You can't tell the 'players' without a scorecard

For Colorado voters who want to consider national parks and public lands when they head to the polls, a 2024 Congressional Scorecard shows lawmakers' …

Fewer U.S. House members have received an 'A' on the National Parks Action Fund Scorecard since 2022, and more have received failing grades for not voting to fund and preserve national parks. (Adobe Stock)

Sharp divides among WI reps in Congress over protecting national parks

A conservation group wants people heading to the polls to consider an issue that hasn't come up on the campaign trail - preserving and funding the nat…

According to Hispanic Access, an urban canopy provides enormous benefits, from reducing the urban heat island effect and lowering energy bills to absorbing carbon dioxide and pollutants. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

'Nuestros Bosques' to boost urban green spaces in disadvantaged communities

A national nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latino communities and improving access to public resources has launched a $10 million initiative to incr…

There are 24 national park units in New York State, with about half located in New York City. (Adobe Stock)

NY, federal lands prove important in 2024 election

National parks and public lands in New York and nationwide are proving to be an important issue in this year's election. Despite increasing …

According to the National Park Service, visitors to national parks in North Carolina spent $2.6 billion and supported 38,800 jobs in local communities in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

National Parks: How NC's votes could shape future of public lands

As public lands emerge as a defining issue in November's elections, advocacy groups like as the National Parks Action Fund are urging North Carolina …

Minnesota is home to six National Park sites, including Voyagers National Park. (Adobe Stock)

MN reps graded on National Park support as election nears

A conservation group wants Minnesotans heading to the polls to consider an issue that may not have come up on the campaign trail: preserving and fundi…

The gray bat, one of Tennessee's two endangered bat species, is the state's largest mouse-eared bat. Its gray coat sets it apart from other Myotis bats, and it's mainly found in eastern and middle Tennessee. (creativenature.nl/Adobe Stock)

Debunking the horror: Tennessee bats essential to ecosystem, economy

From vampires to Dracula to the Halloween thriller Bats, stories often paint bats as scary animals. A spooky Halloween-themed campaign Real Scary …

Oregon has six national park units across the state, including Crater Lake. (aiisha/Adobe Stock)

Scorecard shows how Congress voted on national parks ahead of election

As Election Day approaches, Oregonians and people around the country can see how their members of Congress voted on issues related to national parks…

Hazel Mountain Overlook in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. (NPS| Brett Raeburn/Wikicommons)

Virginia’s national parks highlighted in Congressional votes as election nears

With Election Day around the corner, Virginians and others nationwide have a clear view of where their representatives stand on critical issues …

The National Park Service is grappling with underfunding, staff shortages and a nearly $12 billion repair backlog, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. (Adobe Stock)

Tucson councilman urges nonpartisan support for national parks

Public lands and national parks are set to be one of the many issues Americans are paying attention to this election cycle and a new scorecard looks a…

According to 2022 data, there were roughly 2,800 wolves distributed across at least 286 packs in seven western states, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Adobe Stock)

Conservationists reframe the 'big, bad wolf' narrative

From Little Red Riding Hood to the Halloween thriller "Wolf Man," stories often paint wolves as scary creatures but conservationists argued it is the …

How greener schoolyards benefit Colorado kids, communities

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publi…

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a 350,000-acre national wilderness area located at the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers in southern Georgia. (Mike Sepelak/USFWS)

GA swamp creatures may be creepy but pollution makes them really scary

"The Creature from the Black Lagoon" is a scary story told around Halloween, but conservationists say the real danger in Georgia's swamps is how …

Popular recreation sites like those found in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are included in the Northwest Forest Plan area. (jpldesigns/Adobe Stock)

Recreation groups follow update to Northwest Forest Plan

An update to the Northwest Forest Plan is expected soon, and Washingtonians who enjoy the outdoors are being urged to follow the process closely…

Their distinctive fins make oceanic whitetip Sharks especially desirable in the international shark fin trade. Fishermen often cut off the fins and sell them. (ThomasEhrensperger/WikiCommons)

Debunking the horror: To oceans, sharks are vital, not villains

As Halloween approaches, a spooky campaign aims to clear up the common misunderstandings about some of nature's most feared creatures. In …

Emergency management officials in North Dakota say dry air with less than 20% relative humidity and dried vegetation are providing plenty of fuel for wildfires this season. (Adobe Stock)

ND wildfires: Heavy damage to cropland; importance of early warnings

From power outages to burnt farmland, North Dakota is coming to grips with the impact of several large wildfires that are linked to at least two …

An initiative on November's ballot in Washington state could slow the transition to electric equipment like heat pumps. (nikomsolftwaer/Adobe Stock)

Diverse coalition opposes WA ballot measure rolling back natural gas transition

A diverse coalition of groups is opposing an initiative in Washington that could upend the state's push to make buildings greener and more efficient…

The BLM's Blue and Gold timber sale is on the Oregon coast north of Roseburg. (Cascadia Wildlands)

Groups challenge project to stop logging old growth OR forests

Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to stop the logging of centuries-old trees on the Oregon coast. The Bureau of Land Management is moving …

New federal legislation would allow land managers to prioritize the needs of wildlife during critical times, including calving season. (Adobe Stock)

GORP Act would conserve 730,000+ acres of public lands in Colorado

New legislation making its way through the U.S. Senate would conserve more than 730,000 acres of federal public lands in and around Colorado's …

Salmon species in the Northwest have been struggling because of increasing temperatures. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

Salmon habitat set to benefit from updated Northwest Forest Plan

Struggling salmon and other fish species could benefit from an updated Northwest Forest Plan. The U.S. Forest Service is set to release a draft …

Supporters of large-scale aquaculture say it's needed to meet the growing demand for seafood. U.S. per capita consumption of fish and shellfish rose from nearly 16 pounds in 2002 to more than 20 pounds in 2021, a 31% increase, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. (Adobe Stock)

Federal court rejects permit for industrial aquaculture structures

Ocean advocates are hailing a federal judge's decision that deemed a nationwide permit for industrial aquaculture structures unlawful. The U.S…

To date, the Bureau of Land Management has permitted clean-energy projects on public lands adding 29 gigawatts of electricity, or enough to power more than 12 million homes, according to the agency. (Adobe Stock)

BLM’s proposed Western Solar Plan leaves room for wildlife

A new federal proposal details which public lands across the West would be open to solar development. Wildlife advocates are glad to see that some - …

A rendering depicts the proposed entryway for Teague Park in Longview, Texas. (Photo courtesy City of Longview)

East TX city receives federal grant money to improve park

The City of Longview, in east Texas, will use a $1.3 million federal grant to make upgrades to one of its largest parks. Teague Park sits in the …

Visitors can take in the view from Bear Rocks at the Dolly Sods. According to data collected by the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, an estimated 35,000 people visit the Dolly Sods each year. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Dozens of volunteers help maintain West Virginia’s Dolly Sods

A volunteer program has caught the attention of West Virginia tourism officials. The Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards program has been recognized with …

National parks in Wyoming supported about $479 million in labor income in 2023, according to a National Park Service report. (Adobe Stock)

Grand Teton National Park sees high visitor spending, seeks input

Visitor spending in and near national parks contributed to the U.S. economy at a record high level last year. Grand Teton is one park looking at how …

The GIANT Company and the nonprofit organization Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful provided more than $108,000 in funding to support 32 different tree planting projects. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)<br />

Grant funding boosts tree planting efforts in Lancaster, PA

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is making significant strides in Pennsylvania's environmental efforts. A $4,000 grant from The GIANT …

Little Rye was among the winners of the 2023 Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund's Pups for Public Lands photo contest. (MCVEF)

Pups with a purpose: Photo contest a backdrop for MT public lands

A Montana conservation group is holding a photo contest, with a focus on dogs and social media to promote the state's vast trove of public lands…

Critics of Project 2025 allege it would put water at greater risk of pollution and contamination for the sake of corporate profits. (wckiw/Adobe Stock)

NM news org identifies impacts of 'Project 2025' on state residents

A New Mexico nonprofit news organization wants voters to know what is included in "Project 2025" and how it could potentially change the course of the…

Just one-third of Latinos live within walking distance of a park, compared to half of all white Americans who can easily access green spaces. (Adobe Stock)

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates, preserves Colorado's great outdoors

Communities in Colorado and across the U.S. are making time to connect with nature during Hispanic Heritage Month. Hilda Berganza, climate manager …

A Hispanic Access Foundation poll showed Latinos are extremely concerned about pollution in the Mississippi River and view the presence of microplastics, trash, chemical waste and PFAS, or

Latino voters in AR call on Congress to clean up Mississippi River

Some Latinos in Arkansas were among 400 residents across 10 states polled about the health of the Mississippi River. Both registered Republicans and …

Historically, the U.S. had tens of thousands of gray wolves but now fewer than 5,000 remain, spread over a few Western states including California. (Gary Kramer/USFWS)

Conservation groups slam federal effort to reduce gray wolf protections

Environmental groups are slamming a Biden administration effort to remove federal protections for the endangered gray wolf. The U.S. Fish and …

The Land for Maine's Future program has helped preserve more than 67 miles of shoreline on rivers, lakes and ponds, as well as 42 farms and 9,819 acres of farmland and the conversion of 158 miles of former railroad corridors into recreational trails. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME boosts land conservation projects as climate change alters terrain

Maine officials are stepping up land conservation projects as climate change continues to alter the state's terrain. New funding from the Land for …

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