‘Like the chain saw’: Drones have become a lifesaving tool for fighting wildfires
MIAMI – Federal wildfire managers increasingly are turning to drones to monitor blazes across the West in terrains where hotshots’ lives would be at risk.
House panel OKs bills to rein in mining around Grand Canyon, elsewhere
WASHINGTON - Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee beat back a series of GOP amendments before advancing bills to restrict mining around the Grand Canyon and on tribal lands in Arizona and New Mexico, and rein in uranium mining.
‘Non-soon season’: Arizona’s dry heat is delaying the start of summer rains
PHOENIX – Arizona’s rainy season has yet to begin due to a delayed start to crucial weather systems. Though monsoon season holds 30 percent of the Valley’s rainfall, Phoenix has seen none since the start of June.
Ducey not among governors supporting 55 mpg fuel efficiency standards
PHOENIX – Governors of 23 states and Puerto Rico this week urged the Trump administration to adopt a stronger emissions standard for vehicles. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey was not one of those governors.
Arizona has had fewer wildfires than last year, but the blazes are bigger
PHOENIX – There are fewer wildfires in Arizona this year compared to last, but these blazes are burning significant acreage.
Arizona quakes are mostly minor, but hundreds happen every year
PHOENIX – The aftershock of the Southern California earthquakes was the first quake Arizonans have felt since 2015, but the Grand Canyon State has hundreds of minor quakes each year.
Salt shakers: Removing brine from river water causes earthquakes along Utah-Colorado line
MONTROSE, Colo. – The Colorado River has been dammed and diverted for massive cities and large-scale farming, which has led to all kinds of unintended consequences.
U.S. recyclers hope to upgrade infrastructure to end dependence on China
PHOENIX – A $2 trillion infrastructure bill died last spring, so the beleaguered U.S. recycling industry is seeking funds through EPA grants to states.
BLM considering restrictions on dispersed camping on fragile lands in Utah
MOAB, Utah – Camping far from the crowd is an American tradition, but it can damage the environment. Public-lands managers are considering ways to curb the abuse.
‘A flowing stream from here on out’: Tucson using effluent to revive ‘dead’ stretch of river
TUCSON – The Santa Cruz River west of downtown Tucson is receiving treated wastewater under a Heritage Project meant to restore riparian areas and replenish aquifers.
Town shows its gratitude for the sacrifices of the Yarnell Hill 19
YARNELL – The sixth anniversary of the Yarnell Hill Fire was remembered in a ceremony on Sunday. The town continues to heal, grow and show gratitude in the wake of the tragedy.
Climbing in Joshua Tree: Breaking bones and belaying friendships
JOSHUA TREE, California – Two climbers trace the evolution of the sport through their 40-year friendship. Todd Gordon and Tucker Tech pioneered many of the routes in Joshua Tree National Park, as visitors surge to nearly 3 million a year.
