Conflicting visions in central Idaho force tough decisions over logging and prescribed burning.
Wildfire
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Klamath Tribes want beavers back in the Beaver State
Reintroducing the species creates important habitat for First Foods. But state laws don’t work in the animal’s favor.
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A parched West heads into fire season
Several types of drought are converging, and all are at or near record levels.
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The toxic, soupy biomass choking water systems in California
Algae blooms in Clear Lake are a public health risk and increase water treatment costs.
Posted inMay 1, 2021: Beauty and Biodiversity in the Borderlands
See the first-ever survey of the Atascosa Highlands
An ecologist and a photographer teamed to document and build a living archive of the Borderlands’ biodiversity — before it’s too late.
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The story of Stephen Vest’s killing and how wildfires intensify tragedy
Vest survived California’s largest wildfire but was left unhoused. Last year he was killed in an incident where police shot at him 11 times.
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The essential — and dangerous — work prisoners do
Incarcerated people respond to pandemics, wildfires, avian flu outbreaks, mudslides and more.
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Study finds wildfire caused massive bird die-off
Research using crowdsourced data found a correlation with the birds’ deaths, nearby fires and toxic air.
Posted inApril 1, 2021: Holding Fast
A punchy cougar; wildlife comms; COVID-safe hugs
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
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Wildfires may have unexpected climate impacts
Wyoming researchers find current models may underestimate how smoke blocks sunlight and cools the planet.
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Documenting destruction from above
A young photographer highlights the environmental crises facing Indigenous communities at home and abroad.
Posted inJanuary 1, 2021: No Place Like Home
Through wildland firefighting, finding a space to heal
A grieving daughter encounters solace in an unexpected place.
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Lawsuit over proposed fossil fuel railway in Utah moves forward
The plaintiff says funding earmarked for the project was meant for communities ‘to alleviate the boom and bust cycle of energy production.’
Posted inDecember 1, 2020: A Community Divided
20 signs that the climate crisis has come home to roost
From Alaska to Wyoming, evidence shows the climate is off-kilter in the West.
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Are wildfires contaminating your drinking water?
Manufactured substances known as volatile organic compounds pollute water around the U.S., and they’re heightened in the aftermath of fires.
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Colorado’s wildfires require a drastic and collective fix
Climate change should be seen as a number one priority.
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How the West’s wildfires impact crops
Wine grape and cannabis growers try to assess the invisible damage of ash and smoke on their harvests.
Posted inNovember 1, 2020: When the Smoke Clears
Today’s wildfire modeling ‘just sucks’ for flames fueled by climate change
How scientists use models to understand blazes — and where those models fall short.
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Endangered pygmy rabbit population halved by fast-moving fire
‘Not all is lost.’
Posted inOctober 1, 2020: Democracy's Frayed Western Front
Former California prisoners may become professional wildfire fighters
Amid a raging fire season and pandemic, the Western U.S. seeks experienced fire crews to battle its conflagrations.