Joshua trees are first plant to get California protections because of climate change
JOSHUA TREE, Calif. – Joshua trees have interim protections in California under the state’s Endangered Species Act, but the threat of climate change and wildfires could wipe out most of the population of the iconic yuccas.
4FRI revived: Wildfire-prevention program back on track after months of delay
WASHINGTON – The popular 4FRI forest maintenance program is back on track with a more focused, "more realistic approach" that appears to have government, industry and environmental officials in rare agreement.
With the Colorado River in crisis, those who decide its future gather with a sense of urgency
Some of the most important researchers and decision makers in Western water management will be in Las Vegas discussing the future of the Colorado River, which comes ahead of major cutbacks implemented by the federal government.
SRP lowers Salt River water levels, reducing eelgrass for wild horses, advocates complain
MESA – Water levels on the Salt River have been healthy all summer and have led to ample eelgrass for the wild horses that roam its banks. Now SRP is cutting back on releases into the river, and a group dedicated to the horses is worried about the horses’ food source.
Buttigieg visits Phoenix to sign grant for light-rail expansion, tout infrastructure bill
PHOENIX – Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was in Phoenix Friday for the signing of a federal transit grant, which will provide $158 million toward the second phase of the Valley Metro Northwest Extension project.
The West needs tons of snow to escape drought, and that’s unlikely this winter
This winter isn’t expected to produce sufficient snowpack to make a serious dent in the long term drought that grips most of the Southwest, forecasters say. The reason is a phenomenon called La Niña.
‘Becoming Jane’: LA exhibit explores the evolution of conservationist Jane Goodall
LOS ANGELES – Jane Goodall began living among chimpanzees in Tanzania in 1960, and over the decades she has given scientists a new understanding of our closest relatives.
Heat has a new enemy in Phoenix: A city office dedicated to fighting rising temperatures
PHOENIX – Phoenix has created a first-of-its-kind office to respond to rising temperatures from climate change. Heat is a greater weather hazard than floods or storms, and the new office aims to improve livability in the desert city.
The pandemic blew up home gardening, but will the trend wither on the vine?
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Americans to take on new hobbies. Gardening was one of the hottest trends of the year.
Rosy-faced lovebirds use human innovations to keep cool when Arizona temperatures soar
PHOENIX – Rosy-faced lovebirds have found ways to survive in the Valley by using air-conditioning and water fountains. Drought and climate change are impacting this nonnative bird’s ability to survive in the desert.
Public can comment on proposed changes to management plan for Mexican wolves
PHOENIX – Public hearings have begun over proposed changes to how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages endangered Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico. The hearings were spurred by a 2018 court ruling.
Water for wildlife: Game & Fish refurbishing, replacing old catchment systems
FLAGSTAFF – A water catchment is being rebuilt near Flagstaff to provide reliable water to wildlife. It’s part of an ongoing effort by Arizona Game & Fish and volunteers to make sure there’s water for animals during hot, dry times.
