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.
Dairy farmers forced to adjust their practices during COVID-19 pandemic
The dairy industry has been forced to resort to extreme practices to offset sales lost because restaurants and schools have been shut down to stop the spread of novel coronavirus.
Myth is reality: Discovery of bald eagles nesting in a saguaro confirms longtime speculation
PHOENIX – Biologists have documented the first sighting in decades of bald eagles nesting in the arms of a saguaro cactus near an undisclosed reservoir.
EPA won’t expand pollutant rule; ‘mistake’ during COVID-19, critics say
PHOENIX - The Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday it will not expand Obama-era air quality standards, a move environmentalists call "the wrong thing to be doing" during a global pandemic that threatens lung health.
Prescott’s bid to draw more groundwater could threaten Verde River
PRESCOTT – In the wake of a growing population and planned housing developments, the Prescott City Council has proposed a water policy it says would provide water for the city’s current and future residents.
Urban farm provides homeless shelter residents with good food and opportunities
LOS ANGELES – An urban farm in Los Angeles provides food, therapy and paid job training for residents of a homeless shelter across the street. Called Grow Good, this nonprofit organization offers an innovative solution to homelessness, helping the city’s underserved individuals gain their independence once again.
COVID-19 fears close Grand Canyon National Park after weeks of pressure
PHOENIX - The National Park Service abruptly closed Grand Canyon National Park on Wednesday, bowing to weeks of pressure after health officials expressed "extreme concern" about the potential for spread of COVID-19 in the park.
EPA defends plan to ease compliance requirements in face of coronavirus
PHOENIX - The Environmental Protection Agency defended its plans to waive some environmental compliance requirements during the COVID-19 outbreak, insisting the policy chage is "not a license to pollute," but environmentalists were not convinced.
Why the air in metro Phoenix is fresher these days
PHOENIX – Metro Phoenix was below average for moderate ozone days for the month of March. ADEQ is studying the reasons for this – including COVID-19 and recent wet weather.
Officials call for Grand Canyon closure to help stem coronavirus spread
TEMPE - Arizona lawmakers joined local and tribal officials Tuesday calling on the Interior Department to reverse its "reckless" decision to keep Grand Canyon National Park open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deadline to request early ballot for SRP Board election is 5 p.m. Friday
PHOENIX – 5 p.m. Friday is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot to elect members of the board of the Salt River Project, which provides water and or electricity to 2 million residents of metro Phoenix.
