environment

Bark beetles are common across the Western US. They’re tiny insects that burrow into the bark of pine trees to lay their eggs, often killing the tree in the process. They can also spread across huge areas of woodland. One way to mitigate beetle outbreaks is through prescribed burns. But as KSJD’s Lucas Brady Woods reports, the drought conditions fueling their spread aren’t so easy to address.

Bark beetles are common across the Western US. They’re tiny insects that burrow into the bark of pine trees to lay their eggs, often killing the tree in the process. They can also spread across huge areas of woodland. One way to mitigate beetle outbreaks is through prescribed burns. But as KSJD’s Lucas Brady Woods reports, the drought conditions fueling their spread aren’t so easy to address.

A federal appeals court ruled this week against environmental groups and an Arizona tribe in their bid to keep a uranium mine south of the Grand Canyon from operating. And in Colorado, a proposed diversion to carry water out of the San Luis Valley and into Douglas County is drawing opposition from farmers, environmentalists, and politicians.

The Bureau of Land Management wants to expand environmental protections around Chaco Canyon in New Mexico after the Biden Administration first announced the plan last year. In the process, it would restrict new fossil fuel extraction over hundreds of thousands of acres. This week , it held the first public meetings about its proposal and is already hearing from concerned community members.

The Bureau of Land Management wants to expand environmental protections around Chaco Canyon in New Mexico after the Biden Administration first announced the plan last year. In the process, it would restrict new fossil fuel extraction over hundreds of thousands of acres. This week , it held the first public meetings about its proposal and is already hearing from concerned community members.

A dry January brings back drought concerns, water managers across the Southwest continue to make tough decisions, and the Colorado Agricultural Drought Advisors will offer a drought training program for farmers and ranchers.

Axis Health System is merging with another healthcare provider, The Center for Mental Health; In Arizona, a federal judge has thrown out the Trump administration’s changes to the Clean Water Act.

For half a century, Navajo and Hopi lands were the site of one the largest coal mining operations in the west. The mines are now closed, but some are concerned about what’s been left behind. From the Navajo Nation, KJZZ’s Katherine Davis-Young has this report.

Piles of steel, heavy equipment and terrain destabilized by blasting through the desert still remain along parts of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Let's turn now to the latest on the battle over Oak Flat, Arizona, where a proposed copper mine has sparked a debate over industry versus the environment.…