Public Lands/Wilderness / Public News Service

The Nature Conservancy says the U.S. loses nearly 1 million acres of forest lands each year through development and other factors, reducing nature's ability to capture and store carbon dioxide. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Mapping Out Nature's Ability to Store Carbon with Pinpoint Accuracy

DULUTH, Minn. - As Minnesota looks to address the impact of climate change on the region, land managers and policymakers are reminded of the role …

More than 80% of Nevada is public land owned by the federal government, which is charged with managing it for the public's benefit. (Kurt Kuznicki)

Monday, September 20, 2021

State Parks Free This Saturday for Nevada Public Lands Week

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Admission to any state park in Nevada is free this coming Saturday, as part of the first Nevada Public Lands Week - with a series …

A new report examined 15,221 miles of Colorado's rivers that currently lack any conservation designation, but that also met criteria for protections under state law. (Adobe Stock)

Report Spotlights Key Colorado Rivers for Protections

DURANGO, Colo. - Colorado's rivers and streams supply drinking water and outdoor recreation opportunities, and support biodiversity and wildlife…

The oil and gas industry has more than 800 approved permits to drill in Montana, according to Wild Montana. (kat7213/Adobe Stock)

Calls for Reform as Oil, Gas Leasing on Public Lands Resumes

HELENA, Mont. -- Conservation groups in Montana are calling on the federal government to overhaul oil and gas leasing on public lands. President Joe …

More than 2 million acres of state forest land in Pennsylvania is protected by public ownership. (Adobe Stock)

State Foresters' Group Celebrates 100-Plus Years in PA

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The National Association of State Foresters was formed in 1920, with its first meeting in Harrisburg amid an increase in large …

About 14% of Idaho's electricity was generated from wind in 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

ID Wind Project Stirs Concerns for Impact on National Parks, Wildlife

TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- The public has an opportunity to weigh in on a large wind-energy project proposed in Idaho. The Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project …

In 2018 an unknown hunter killed and skinned one of the few remaining jaguars in Arizona, a male named Yo'oko. (Center for Biological Diversity)

Groups Look to Expand Jaguar Habitat After Victory Against Proposed Mine

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The battle against copper mining the Santa Rita Mountains outside of Tucson continues - even though the feds just handed a …

Tropical Storm Ida left towns like Conshohocken, in Montgomery County, completely submerged in floodwaters. (Michael Stokes/Wikimedia Commons)

PA Forest Action Could Help Prevent Damage from Extreme Weather, Like Ida

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania's creeks and rivers flooded at historic levels last week after Tropical Storm Ida decimated the Northeast. In the …

During late summer and fall, bears eat and drink nearly nonstop in preparation for winter hibernation, a process known as hyperphagia. (Adobe Stock)

Safety Tips Offered for Pre-Hibernation Bear Sightings

JACKSON, Wyo. - Bears throughout Wyoming, including celebrated Grizzly 399 and her four adolescent cubs, are becoming increasingly active in search …

The jaguar named "El Jefe" is one of only two of the species known to cross from Mexico into Arizona. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Copper-Mining Fight in Santa Ritas Continues After Feds Protect Jaguars

TUCSON, Ariz. - The battle against copper mining the Santa Rita Mountains outside of Tucson continues - even though the feds just handed a victory to …

The Bridger-Teton National Forest is home to 1.3 million acres of wilderness and thousands of miles of free-flowing rivers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Migration Key to Conserving Big Game in Bridger-Teton Forest

JACKSON, Wyo. -- A report published today focuses on data-driven efforts to conserve big-game migration in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest…

The headwaters of the Mississippi River play a key role in providing drinking water to 2.5 million Minnesotans. (Adobe Stock)

Key MN Resource Swept Up in Climate-Change Threat

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Despite recent rain, the effects of Minnesota's dry summer remain visible, including shrinking levels in waterways. Those monitoring …

State authorities say the Greenwood Fire in Superior National Forest was caused by a lightning strike. (U.S. Forest Service)

Greenwood Fire Prompts Safety Reminders to Protect Crews, Public Assets

DULUTH, Minn. -- With summer winding down, Minnesotans might be tempted by a last chance to soak up nature in the northern wilderness. But a growing …

A report on ecologically important rivers in Oregon highlights the Chetco River in the southwestern part of the state. (Zachary Collier/Flickr)

Research Pinpoints 'Best of the Best' Oregon Rivers to Conserve

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A new report identifies some of the most ecologically important rivers in Oregon. Conservation Science Partners looked at 54,000 …

About 12% of the nation's lands and one-quarter of its waters are currently protected, according to research by the Center for American Progress. (tn.gov)

New Mexico Joins Other Western States in Conservation Challenge

SANTA FE, N.M. -- As Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order to adopt what is known as the "30-by-30" plan promoted by the Biden …

This summer's unprecedented heat waves, droughts, fires and severe storms are occurring now, where global temperatures have only risen 1.2 degrees Celsius. Scientists project that average temperatures will rise by 2 degrees Celsius in the next two decades. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming Business Leaders Urge Feds to Take Action on Climate

LANDER, Wyo. - Less than a decade remains to avoid potentially catastrophic impacts of a warming planet, according to the latest scientific reports…

Radio telemetry can identify radio-tagged animals 10 or miles away. (West Virginia Department of Commerce)

WV Using Radio Technology to Track Wildlife Migratory Patterns

UNION, W.Va. -- West Virginia researchers are utilizing old-school radio technology to study the migratory patterns of wildlife in remote areas of …

Together, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests are home to many diverse ecosystems, with elevations ranging from 5,000 feet to more than 14,000 feet. (P Owens/usda.gov)

Groups Urge More Wilderness in GMUG National Forests' Draft Plan

DELTA, Colo. - The U.S. Forest Service has released its draft management plan for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests. The plan …

Pronghorn populations migrate more than 200 miles between Montana and Canada. (Sue Smith/Adobe Stock)

Fence Mapping Project Helps Wildlife Move Across West

MISSOULA, Mont. - Wildlife is being fenced in across the West, and researchers are now mapping these lines to understand how they affect animals…

Bighorn sheep can run into fencing while migrating in Colorado. (richardseeley/Adobe Stock)

Mapping Project Identifies Fences Stopping Wildlife Migration

DENVER - Wildlife is being fenced in across the West, and researchers are now mapping these lines to understand how they affect animals. In some …

There are 40,000 to 45,000 pronghorn in New Mexico, according to recent estimates from state wildlife officials. (Brianna/Adobe Stock)

Researchers Study Effects of Fences on Western Wildlife

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Wildlife is being fenced in across the West, and researchers are now mapping these lines to understand how they affect animals…

Sage grouse already are endangered in Wyoming and other states, and the proliferation of fences is seen by wildlife experts as one more barrier to their recovery. (Stan/Adobe Stock)

Fences Change Movement Patterns for Western Wildlife

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Wildlife is being fenced in across the West, and researchers are now mapping these lines to understand how they affect animals…

The recently formed union Workers for Biological Diversity is part of a national movement by employees of nonprofit agencies to unionize. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Group Employees Form Union

TUCSON, Ariz. - When most people think of a labor union, images of factory workers, carpenters or pipefitters come to mind. But what about workers on …

Spearfish Creek in Black Hills National Forest. (Adobe Stock)

One Year Later, Great American Outdoors Act Put Into Action

PIERRE, S.D. -- Conservation groups and federal officials are cheering the first anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law last …

National historical parks, like Harpers Ferry in West Virginia, could soon reduce their backlog of deferred maintenance by using funds from the Great American Outdoors Act. (Adobe Stock)

WV Parks Expect Upgrades Soon from Great American Outdoors Act

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. -- West Virginia's national parks and historic sites will soon get a much-needed makeover as workers replace bridges, fix roads …

Acadia National Park's maintenance center is being revamped through the Great American Outdoors Act. (Jake/Adobe Stock)

One Year Later, Great American Outdoors Act Projects Underway in Maine

BAR HARBOR, Maine -- One year after the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law, repairs and maintenance to the nation's more than 400 …

Chronic wasting disease can be transmitted between deer, along with food and soil contaminated by bodily fluids. (Adobe Stock)

Wildlife Feeding Ban Proposed in Allegheny National Forest

WARREN, Pa. -- A temporary animal-feeding ban is being proposed for the Allegheny National Forest after a captive deer tested positive for chronic …

Resource Institute and partners recently restored a portion of Big Elkin Creek in Surry County to improve habitat and downstream water quality.(Resource Institute)

NC Community Tackles Erosion, Sediment Issues in Water Supply

ELKIN, N.C. -- Surry and Wilkes County residents will have cleaner water with less pollution and less sediment, thanks to a recently completed stream …

Before Mackinaw City, the Red Road to DC Project stopped in Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. (House of Tears Carvers)

'Red Road to DC' Project: Protect Sacred Lands from Resource Extraction

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. -- A group of artisans from Lummi Nation is carrying a 25-foot carved totem pole from Washington state to Washington, D.C.…

Pennsylvania's parks and recreation economy provides an estimated $1.9 billion annually in state and local tax revenue. (Adobe Stock)

PA Mayors Call on Congress to Pass Parks, Jobs & Equity Act

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A petition signed by 19 mayors from across Pennsylvania urges the state's congressional delegation to pass the Parks, Jobs…

Because of river-flow reductions and habitat alteration and loss, the southwestern willow flycatcher teeters on the brink of extinction. (eBIrd.org)

Saving America's Wildlife Earns Bipartisan Support

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Wildlife experts say about one third of all wildlife species in the U.S. are in decline or vulnerable - which makes revived …

Effects of Oregon's Bootleg Fire stretch all the way to the East Coast, with smoke carried thousands of miles by high-level winds.(Clandestino/Pixabay)

Experts: More Logging Won't Stop Oregon's Wildfires

PORTLAND, Ore. -- As the Bootleg fire burns in southern Oregon, the U.S. Senate is considering an infrastructure package that environmental …

The Gila monster is listed as a protected species in Nevada. Wildlife officials would like to boost its population by importing lizards from Utah.(Josh Olander/Wikimedia Commons)

New Bill Would Help Save Bighorn Sheep, Golden Eagles

CARSON CITY, Nev. - A bill just introduced in the U.S, Senate would help thousands of species stay off the Endangered Species List - including …

Almost 190 miles of wall on the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona were built before President Joe Biden called a halt to construction earlier this year. (Elizabeth/Adobe Stock)

Border Map Shows Wall Construction Damages Landscape, Migration Routes

TUCSON, Ariz. - A newly released map identifies portions of the U.S.-Mexico border wall built by the Trump administration, and many conservation …

The Recovering America's Wildlife Act would dedicate $1.3 billion dollars to state conservation efforts and $97.5 million to tribal nations. (Tyler/Adobe Stock)

Blunt Sponsors Bipartisan Senate Effort to Protect Wildlife

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Senators reintroduced the Recovering America's Wildlife Act Tuesday, led by Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., along with Sen. Martin …

Churches and community groups are organizing dozens of events this week in California to promote outdoor recreation for all. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

Latino Conservation Week Draws Families Across State

LOS ANGELES -- This week is the eighth annual Latino Conservation Week, sponsored by the Hispanic Access Foundation, with more than 150 events taking …

About 39 miles of the Gallatin River would be designated Wild and Scenic under legislation in Congress. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Diverse Coalition Backs Legislation to Protect MT Rivers

HELENA, Mont. -- A wide range of groups are supporting an effort to protect cherished rivers in Montana. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., has introduced …

Chronic wasting disease spreads through prions, which, unlike bacterial and viral infections, don't die with infected animals. Prions persist in the soil, and can be transmitted to animals through plants growing in infected areas. (Adobe Stock)

WY Game and Fish Moving Ahead on Elk Feedground Planning

JACKSON, Wyo. -- Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is expected to be a hot topic next week when the Wyoming Game and Fish Department kicks off phase two …

Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir situated on the Arizona-Utah border, draws upwards of 2 million visitors a year for boating and other forms of outdoor recreation. (forcdan/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /> — Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir situated on the Arizona-Utah border, draws upwards of 2 million visitors a year for boating and other forms of outdoor recreation. (forcdan/Adobe Stock)

River Managers Take Emergency Steps to Refill Lake Powell

PAGE, Ariz. -- The federal Bureau of Reclamation is taking emergency measures to shore up water levels in Lake Powell, to preserve the reservoir's …

Minnesota-based CD3 Systems has developed self-service cleaning stations for boat owners to use amid efforts to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. (Photo courtesy of CD3stations.com)

You Can Adopt a Highway; What About a Boat Landing?

MINNEAPOLIS -- "Only you can prevent forest fires" is among the more iconic public awareness campaigns. In Minnesota, new funding aims to make boat …

To create a route for the southern border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, the Trump administration used blasting techniques typically reserved for mining operations. (John Darwin Kurc)

Border Wall Map Reveals Damage to Landscape, Migration Routes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A newly-released map identifies portions of the U.S.-Mexico border wall built by the Trump administration, and for conservation …

A symbolic 5,000-pound totem pole, hand-carved by Jewell James of the Lummi Nation in Washington state, will be at a blessing ceremony Saturday at Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. (#RedRoadtoDC)

Totem Pole Journey to Support Bears Ears Restoration This Weekend

MONTICELLO, Utah -- The movement to restore the Bears Ears National Monument in southeast Utah gets a major boost this weekend when a hand-carved …

The Avi Kwa Ame area, also known as Spirit Mountain, is important habitat for the golden eagle and the desert tortoise and is home to the largest Joshua tree forest in the country. (Justin McAffee)

Movement to Establish New National Monument in NV Gains Steam

SEARCHLIGHT, Nev. -- The push for a new national monument about 60 miles south of Las Vegas has taken on added urgency, in the face of a new wind-…

The bipartisan infrastructure framework includes $5 billion to invest in Western water storage. (Andy/Adobe Stock)

Rural U.S., Climate Resilience Seen as Winners in Infrastructure Package

BOISE, Idaho -- Supporters from both sides of the aisle are touting a $1.2 trillion infrastructure framework taking shape in Washington, D.C…

ATV environmental impacts include noise pollution, damage to vegetation, soil degradation, and disturbance to wildlife. (Adobe Stock)

PA Pilot Program Expands ATV Trail Connector Access

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- North Central Pennsylvania will soon have 70 miles of new roads open to all-terrain vehicles, connecting the existing Potter and …

Local groups like the Sal Castro Foundation are pressing for federal recognition of Hazard Park in East Los Angeles, for its role in the 1968 student protests. (Manuel Galaviz)

Report: CA Latino Heritage Sites Need Greater Protection, Recognition

SANTA ANA, Calif. -- Sites tied to Latino history and culture are underrepresented on the list of historic places, according to a new report from the …

Michigan has 103 state parks that span nearly 300,000 acres. (Kyle Stopczynski/Adobe Stock)

COVID Relief Funds Could Be Used for Updates to State Parks, Trails

LANSING, Mich. -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is proposing a major investment in Michigan's parks and trails, saying it would address critical needs in …

North Carolina's registered voters overwhelmingly support land and water conservation, according to a 2017 statewide poll by the group Land for Tomorrow. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation Groups Give Thumbs Up on NC Senate Budget

RALEIGH, N.C. - Conservation groups are praising Senate lawmakers' recent budget proposal, which provides more than $100 million toward the state's …

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PNS Daily Newscast - September 21, 2021

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