Rain check: How Arizonans can prepare for rainy drives
PHOENIX – As Arizona gets winter rain, ADOT and local experts remind drivers of important safety habits to keep in mind while on the road. From vehicle maintenance to awareness of road conditions, Arizonans are urged to slow down and remember to get their cars inspected by professionals.
Arizona rock climbers speak out against National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service proposal to restrict anchors
TUCSON – The National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service drafted policy in November that could prohibit climbing anchors in wilderness areas around the country. The Climbing Association of Southern Arizona is one of several climbing organizations speaking out against the proposals, saying that they would discourage and endanger climbers.
Lessons from abroad: the environmental and social costs to lithium mining in Argentina
One of North America's lithium mining powerhouse companies has lobbied for a record $1 billion Department of Energy low-interest loan — despite having never owned or operated any kind of mine in the U.S.
Environmental groups champion nature, wildlife and water to Arizona policymakers
PHOENIX – Activist groups and legislators gathered at the state Capitol for “Environmental Day” to address nature, wildlife and water. With the “Save Water, Save Life” theme, dozens of groups advocated for legislative changes and support for the environment and general sustainability.
Watershed Management Group removes invasive plants to aid in river flow, land restoration in Tucson
TUCSON – Tucson-based nonprofit Watershed Management Group works to restore area waterways by removing invasive arundo from riparian preserves. The reedy arundo takes water from other plants, negatively affects the ecosystem, increases flood risk, decreases vegetation and trees, and reduces groundwater used for irrigation and reclamation.
Gardening helps protect threatened bees in Arizona
PHOENIX – Urban expansion limits bees’ habitat options, putting more space between the bees and the water and food sources they need access to. But community members can attract native bees to their gardens and help them thrive by planting native, desert-acclimated wildflowers.
Arizona Sailing Foundation makes waves with sailing lessons in the Valley
TEMPE – The Arizona Sailing Foundation has helped people of all ages learn to sail in the desert since 1958, mostly on Tempe Town Lake and Lake Pleasant. On select weekends throughout the year, the organization teaches youth and adult classes for those yearning to become mariners. The students learn key skills such as control, patience and a capsize drill.
A 120-year legacy: Tempe’s historic Hayden Flour Mill set for revitalization
TEMPE – Tempe's historic Hayden Flour Mill, a landmark dating back to 1918, has been approved for redevelopment after standing vacant since 1998. The project includes new retail businesses, a public park, improvements to the A Mountain trailhead and preservation of the historic buildings.
An early-winter ‘snow drought’ is leaving the West’s mountains high and dry
Winter is off to a dry start across the West, with wide swaths of the Rocky Mountains seeing lower-than-average snow totals for this time of year. That "snow drought" could affect the region's water supply, but experts say there’s plenty of time to turn it around.
‘Pumped’ hydropower plans proliferate; one in particular stirs opposition
WASHNGTON - Plans for pumped storage hydropower projects - which recirculate water on a loop to generate power - are proliferating in Arizona, but one in particular, at Black Mesa on the Navajo Nation, has drawn opposition from local groups.
Montezuma Castle among Arizona national park sites combating vandalism
PHOENIX – In March, Montezuma Castle National Monument used burlap to cover the bark of six Arizona sycamore trees that had been vandalized along public trails. Vandalism has been an ongoing issue at Arizona’s national park sites.
Winter snow could help recharge the Colorado River. But what if it doesn’t?
The snows falling in the mountains of Colorado are the first step toward recharging the Colorado River. But this winter's precipitation outlook is unclear, and how it unfolds will have an outsized impact on coming years of managing the drought-stressed river.
