Public Lands/Wilderness / Public News Service

Yellowstone National Park supports about 8,500 jobs in surrounding communities including Gardiner, Montana, which in 2023 had a population of 791. (Melissa MN/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Senate bill cuts would ‘decimate’ National Park Service, advocate says

The U.S. Senate's answer to the House Republicans' "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" includes proposals that advocates for public lands say would …

According to a 2023 report, more than one-third of all foreign tourists traveling to the United States, or 14 million people annually, visit a national park site like Wyoming's Yellowstone. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Fee hike for international visitors could bode well for national parks, report finds

International tourists visiting U.S. national parks may pay more at the gate starting next year. Advocates say it's a "common-sense policy" that …

A parklet is an elevated public space, usually converted from a parking space and used to enhance community experience and support local businesses. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

AARP grant funds help enhance WI communities

Eight Wisconsin cities, including four rural communities, will receive improvements to help make their communities more livable. Eleven grantees …

In its most recent report, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks estimated the state's 2023 wolf population numbered 1,096 individuals. (Michal/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Montana judge hears case on federal protections for gray wolves

Most gray wolves in the U.S. are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, but not those in the Northern Rockies. A federal judge in …

Monday, June 16, 2025

Report: Fee hike for international visitors could pay dividends for national parks

International tourists visiting U.S. national parks may pay more at the gate starting next year. Advocates have called it a "common-sense policy" …

Sensitive areas such as San Diego's Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve are experiencing impacts from degraded water quality and sea level rise. (Nancy D. Regan/Flickr)

CA Ocean Protection Council adopts roadmap to protect 30% of waters by 2030

California took a big step Tuesday toward the goal of conserving 30% of land and waters by 2030. The Ocean Protection Council adopted a roadmap to …

The temporary permitting process at Hobbs State Park includes specific collection zones, boundaries and safety requirements. Only dead trees impacted by the 2024 storm may be removed. (Kit Leong/Adobe Stock)

Firewood permits available for Arkansas' Hobbs Park

As the cleanup effort continues at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area in Rogers, officials with Arkansas State Parks have authorized a temporary …

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, believes much of Utah's public land should be transferred to the state so natural resources can better provide for the state's constituents and serve multi-use purposes. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

UT Senator proposes public lands sell-off in big budget bill

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, has announced plans to reintroduce a public lands sell-off amendment to the big budget reconciliation package in Congress…

Nearly 150 of New Mexico's 500 bird species are in need of conservation, according to the draft 2025 New Mexico State Wildlife Action Plan. (spatesphoto/Adobe Stock)

Final day to comment on NM's State Wildlife Action Plan

New Mexico residents have until the end of today to comment on a draft of the new State Wildlife Action Plan. It identifies more than 500 species …

New Mexico's Bandelier National Monument, where many of its Ancestral Pueblo structures date back to 1150 and 1600, is the oldest in the state, designated in 1916. (recreation.gov)

Las Cruces, Taos host rallies in support of national monuments, public lands

New Mexicans will gather in Las Cruces, Taos and other locations tomorrow for a day of action to defend national monuments and public lands. The …

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said one in every 435 people living in the United States is currently homeless, an 18% increase from last year. (Crystal Madsen/Adobe Stock)

Among OR's rising homelessness, sweeps continue

With rates of homelessness on the rise, advocates are decrying plans to remove a long-standing camp from the Sandy River Delta, also known as …

The Northern Spotted Owl first gained critical habitat protection in 1992 and has since been the subject of many protracted legal battles between the timber industry and environmentalists. (PKZ/Adobe Stock)

OR conservation groups intervene to protect spotted owl habitat

Conservation groups are pushing back on a timber industry lawsuit brought against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, seeking to remove Northern …

The Habitat Conservation Fund has protected many species, including the pika, which lives at high elevations in the Sierra Nevadas. (Beth Pratt/NWF)

CA Senate to consider extension of Habitat Conservation Fund

California's Habitat Conservation Fund escaped the budget axe for the past two years -- but this week, the state Senate is considering a bill to …

Along Minnesota's Iron Range, taconite mining is one of the heavily scrutinized industries in the push to protect surrounding resources, like Lake Superior. (Adobe Stock)

How will Great Lakes region fare with diminished EPA enforcement?

Minnesota has its own carbon emissions reduction goals in place but under a changing federal Environmental Protection Agency, it is an open question …

A draft of the 2024 Yellowstone National Park Bison Management Plan received comments from 27,000 people. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuits filed against NPS over Yellowstone bison plan

The National Park Service faces at least two lawsuits for its latest bison management plan for Yellowstone National Park, the first update released …

Advocates say completing the Ocklawaha River restoration project would benefit Florida's largest spring, Silver Springs, and the 20 lost springs of the Ocklawaha River. (Adobe Stock)

Ocklawaha River restoration hangs in balance as Florida budget stalls

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this story did not capture the correct scope of economic benefits identified in the Jacksonville University study…

Wildlife crossing structures in Montana now have a dedicated funding stream after the governor signed a bill funneling marijuana tax revenue to conservation projects. (Steve Gadomski/Adobe Stock)

MT conservation groups applaud new marijuana tax revenue law

Tax revenue from marijuana sales in Montana will now support a wider variety of conservation projects, since Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed House …

NV hunters, anglers react to possible sale of western public lands

Hunters and anglers are voicing concerns regarding the possible sale of hundreds of thousands of acres in Nevada and Utah. U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei…

Congress considers the sale of public lands in UT, conservationists raise concerns

Hunters and anglers are voicing concerns about the possible sale of hundreds of thousands of acres of public land in Utah and Nevada. U.S. Rep…

Among species protected under the Endangered Species Act, 99% have been saved from extinction, including the bald eagle. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado celebrates Endangered Species Day

Today is Endangered Species Day and people in Colorado and across the nation are celebrating successful efforts to save bald eagles, brown pelicans…

The peninsular bighorn sheep is federally listed as an endangered species. (Chrismr/Adobe Stock)

On Endangered Species Day, expert warns of 'destructive' federal policies

Today, on the 20th anniversary of Endangered Species Day, conservation advocates warn polices of President Donald Trump's administration are …

In New Mexico, 89% of those responding to the 2025 Colorado College poll said existing national monument designations from the last decade should be kept in place. (Randy/Adobe Stock)

NM's Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks targeted for energy development

The sale of public lands along with a rollback of protections for national monuments is back on the table now that Republicans control both houses of …

The Environmental Protection Agency said it will roll back 31 environmental rules including a scientific finding which has long been the central basis for U.S. actions against climate change. (Simon/Adobe Stock)

New dashboard shows effects of possible EPA rollbacks on TX environment

A new mapping tool from the Sierra Club showed how proposed rollbacks on coal-pollution safeguards could affect the Texas environment. The Trump …

More than 250 rare, threatened or endangered species live along the Appalachian Trail corridor. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio has ties to Appalachian Trail’s uncertain future

As the Appalachian Trail turns 100, conservation groups are sounding alarms over federal funding freezes and staff cuts. The trail runs through the …

Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., is one of 14 lawmakers on the new bipartisan Congressional Public Lands Caucus, launched last week. (Adobe Stock)

Public land sales voted down in MT Statehouse, added to federal budget bill

Correction: An earlier version of this story attributed a quote to Rep. Zinke which was made by Alex Blackmer. (5:05 p.m MST., May 12, 2025) Montana …

A hunter stands in the Minnesota Heritage Forest Project area, which is protected from heavy industrial use under a new land deal covering nine counties. (Photo courtesy of Jay Brittain)

Mighty Mississippi in MN gets extra shield thanks to land deal

The Mississippi River is the drinking water source for 20 million people and its starting point in northern Minnesota has new protections following co…

In 2024, volunteers with the Pacific Crest Trail Association worked more that 57,000 hours and maintained more than 1,100 miles of trail. (PCTA)

Access to Pacific Crest Trail threatened by federal cuts

Access to the beloved Pacific Crest Trail may soon be limited - due to a drop in federal grants and big layoffs proposed for federal public lands agen…

More than three in four Utahns polled believe current oil and gas development fees on national public lands should not be reduced. (Adobe Stock)

House panel eyes boosting oil, gas drilling; most Utahns don't agree

This week, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee is considering overhauling Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas leasing which could affect …

In a new survey, 71% of Montanans said they believe oil and gas drilling should be restricted to areas of public land that are highly likely to contain fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

House Committee takes up 'drill, baby, drill' budget today

Today, the Republican budget package on the nation's energy policy gets a closer look from the House Natural Resources Committee in Congress…

According to a new poll, 93% of Wyomingites agree oil and gas development on public lands should proceed with caution, especially in relation to drinking water and wildlife habitat. (Adobe Stock)

WY poll: 81% say 'don't drill where there isn't oil or gas'

Today, the Republican budget package on the nation's energy policy gets a closer look from the House Natural Resources Committee in Congress…

Almost three in four Nevada voters polled believe current oil and gas development fees on national public lands should not be reduced. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Nevadans oppose ramping up oil, gas development

The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources will consider reversing Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas leasing in states like Nevada on Tuesday…

A recent Supreme Court ruling narrowed the scope of which U.S. bodies of water are protected under the Clean Water Act. A wetlands protection advocacy group said a proposed EPA rule would narrow the definition even further, leaving millions of acres of wetlands across the country unprotected. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA rule could put remaining IL wetlands at risk

Protected wetlands across Illinois could be at risk as the Trump administration considers changes to the Clean Water Act. The Environmental …

Feds fast-track Wyoming energy projects through environmental permitting

The Trump administration has announced what it terms "emergency permitting" for energy projects, streamlining a sometimes yearslong process down to 28…

Indiana has four military installations: Camp Atterbury-Muscatatuck near Edinburgh, Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, USCG Station Michigan City, and Grissom Air Reserve Base near Peru. (Adobe Stock)

IN military sites work with nonprofit to preserve land

The U.S. military and a nonprofit environmental group are seeing success in a partnership that strengthens military readiness and conserves Indiana's …

Secure Rural Schools and Communities Act funding pays for job training programs like welding and carpentry, a post-high-school counselor and a therapist, among other things in Skamania County. (EFStock/Adobe Stock)

Rural WA counties face challenges without key federal funding

By Claire Carlson and Lane Wendell Fischer for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Isobel Charle for Washington News Service for the Public News Ser…

Western Watersheds Project Executive Director Erik Molvar says a permitting change announced by the U.S. Department of the Interior this week will mean

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Feds unveil 'emergency permitting' for energy projects in MT, U.S.

This week, the Trump administration announced what it terms "emergency permitting" for energy projects, streamlining a sometimes yearslong process …

Conservation voices said when European settlers first arrived in South Dakota, 96% of the state was grassland but today only around 50% of the original native grasslands remain. (Adobe Stock)

SD grassland enthusiasts hope for a native plant rebirth

April is National Native Plant Month, an observance at the core of South Dakota's identity. People wanting to protect the state's beloved grasslands …

The Environmental Protection Agency said exemptions to clean air regulations will

Pollution exemptions granted to AR coal plants

Two coal plants in Arkansas have received an exemption from the Trump administration and will have two additional years to comply with updated clean a…

America's 63 national parks and 433 National Park Service-managed sites such as New Mexico's White Sands have been ordered to remain open, despite significant worker cuts. (nps.gov)

DOGE cuts at NM's national parks create alarm, anxiety

New Mexico's national parks generally operate year-round - but they might not operate at 100% efficiency this year due to employee firings, layoffs …

Colorado forests have not seen below-average winter temperatures in more than three decades, and four of the last five years have brought below-average precipitation. (Adobe Stock)

Drought, warmer winters make CO forests 'beetle buffet'

Warmer winters and prolonged drought have turned Colorado forests into a budworm and beetle buffet, according to a new report from Colorado State …

The Texas horned lizard currently is listed as a threatened species in Texas. It can be found from the south-central United States to northern Mexico, throughout much of Texas, Kansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. (David McGowen/Adobe Stock)

From horny toad to Guadalupe bass, Texans work to save wildlife

Wildlife conservationists are working with landowners and concerned Texans to recover at-risk species. Currently, more than 1,100 animals from …

Wolves are not expert hunters, only succeeding about 10% of the time, but their presence keeps deer and other animals from destroying too much plant life. (Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife)

Wildlife advocates decry WA wolf population decline

Wildlife advocates are alarmed by a new report from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife showing the state's wolf population fell nearly 10%…

More than 1,300 mine claims across the country are within the boundaries of units managed by the U.S. National Park Service, according to the National Park Conservation Association. (LM Swanson/Adobe Stock)

Study: 15,000 mining claims near national parks in WY, MT, ID

The number of mining claims on U.S. public lands is growing. A 27% increase since 2019 has brought the total to nearly $500,000. A new study shows …

Of the nearly half million mining claims on federal public lands across the U.S., more than 120,000 are within 30 miles of a national park or monument. (Billy Clay Myers/Adobe Stock)

Mining claim map shows encroachment on national parks, monuments

The number of mining claims on U.S. public lands is growing. A 27% increase since 2019 has brought the total to nearly a half-million. A new study …

Some two million gray wolves roamed North America in the early 1800s but today, fewer than 7,000 remain on just 10% of their historic range in the Lower 48 States. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado's Boebert targets renewed effort to remove federal wolf protections

Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., has introduced a bill to remove gray wolves from the list of endangered and threatened species under the Endangered …

For 2025, 14 women's wildland firefighter boot camps were scheduled, including 12 with the U.S. Forest Service and one each with the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. All have been canceled. (Adobe Stock)

Boot camps to fill wildland firefighter workforce shortage cut due to DEI

Wildland firefighting is a tough job and the industry has long struggled with worker retention. Training boot camps have helped bring new …

Common barriers to hiring and retaining federal wildland firefighters include low pay, mental health challenges and limited workforce diversity, according to a 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. (BLM Oregon and Washington/Wikimedia Commons)

Women’s wildland firefighting boot camps axed by new DEI policies

Wildland firefighting is a tough job and the industry has long struggled with worker retention. Training boot camps have helped bring new …

According to the 2025 Conservation in the West poll, 65% of Western voters oppose giving state governments control over national public lands. That's up from 56% in 2017. (Adobe Stock)

Opponent calls MT resolution 'slap in the face' to public land owners

Months after the nation's highest court declined to hear a Utah case about ownership of public lands, a Montana House committee will debate whether …

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