Limited Memorial Day reopening of Grand Canyon ‘premature,’ critics say
PHOENIX - The Grand Canyon will reopen on a limited basis for Memorial Day weekend, a move critics call "premature" during the COVID-19 pandemic and "tone-deaf" in the face of startling infection rates in the neighboring Navajo Nation.
Opinions on water, willingness to protect it varies by region, survey finds
American Public Media surveyed more than 1,000 Americans about their thoughts on water quality and availability. Among the findings is that knowledge of water issues isn’t the biggest predictor of whether someone takes action. Personal connections to rivers, lakes and oceans lead to people taking more conservation measures.
As if firefighting wasn’t dangerous enough, crews grapple with COVID-19
TEMPE - As if fighting fires wasn't dangerous enough, firefighters now have to worry about COVID-19 while they're on the job, making for what fire officials say will be the "most challenging season we're going to have."
Tool shows what many know: Arizona communities at high risk for wildfire
PHOENIX - A new U.S. Forest Service tool removes any doubt that wildfire poses a high risk Arizona properties, mapping the state in blazing reds and flaming yellows, but officials hope the tool can help community leaders and fire experts take steps to reduce risk to homes and businesses.
Recycling increases in Phoenix during the pandemic
Recycling programs throughout Arizona have struggled during the COVID-19 outbreak, as they work to collect recyclables safely.
With safety measures, many Arizona parks and trails remained opened during stay-at-home order
PHOENIX – With Arizona’s stay-at-home order extended until May 15, some parks and trails will continue to stay open with necessary precautions.
Green burials adapt to protect ‘death care’ workers in the time of pandemic
LOS ANGELES – The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the safety of morticians and other death care workers. Green burials are adapting to changes, allowing body bags to be buried and discouraging embalming for the safety of death care workers.
Plan to ‘revive’ uranium mining called unneeded, unwanted by advocates
PHOENIX - Environmentalists are blasting a Trump administration call for "bold action to revive and strengthen the uranium mining industry," an industry whose history they say has left a "toxic trail" through the Grand Canyon.
‘Borrowing from the future’: What an emerging megadrought means for the Southwest
PHOENIX – A new report finds the period from 2000 through 2018 was the driest 19-year span since the late 1500s, and humans are partly to blame.
With much of the planet on lockdown, Earth Day goes digital
PHOENIX – The 50th anniversary of Earth Day looks a little different because of COVID-19, but that isn’t stopping Arizona environmental groups from celebrating.
Feeding sea urchins could be one way to restore the West Coast’s vital kelp forests
LOS ANGELES – The purple sea urchin population decimated kelp forests on the West Coast, where researchers are working to bring the creatures under control and supply them to restaurants around the world.
Feds kill 4 Mexican gray wolves, days after announcing population gains
PHOENIX - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized the killing of four endangered Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico during one week in late March, a move conservation groups call a significant setback to wolf recovery.
