Environment
Artificial intelligence can be our first line of defense in limiting the effects of wildfires
California, like many of the states in our region, has faced some of the most devastating wildfires in recent history. The “Golden State” is leading the charge in wildfire prevention by integrating cutting-edge technology into its fire management strategies. One of the most significant advancements in this area is the use of AI-trained cameras that monitor […]
Idaho agencies narrow down potential sites for electric vehicle charging stations
Idaho is one step closer to narrowing down where to place federally-funded electric vehicle charging stations. The Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality announced on Monday potential locations for deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, also referred […]
As Bench Lake Fire grows, Idaho families organize fundraiser for Redfish Lake Lodge
Families from Idaho’s Wood River Valley have organized an online GoFundMe fundraiser to support the staff and owners of Redfish Lake Lodge while the iconic mountain lodge is closed due to the Bench Lake Fire. The Bench Lake Fire started July 11 and is burning in the Sawtooth National Forest near Redfish Lake. On July […]
Fire danger increases to extreme designation at Idaho’s Celebration Park
Due to excessive heat and dangerous conditions, Canyon County officials increased the fire danger to extreme on Wednesday for Celebration Park and Martin Landing. Under extreme fire conditions, fires are prohibited outside of designated fire pits. Under the burn ban, portable fire pits, pallet fires, charcoal fires and rock ring fires are also prohibited, according […]
Idaho’s potential for significant fire activity increases with hot, dry conditions
Idaho fire officials are preparing for above normal fire potential in parts of the state due to high temperatures and dry conditions. Idaho Department of Lands fire management chief Josh Harvey told Gov. Brad Little and other members of the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners on Tuesday that the southern portion of the state […]
Reporting live from Native America and the Republican National Convention
MILWAUKEE — I’m in Milwaukee with a team of Native American journalists at the Republican National Convention to understand more about the relationship between the federal government and the colonized people that will continue to exist within the United States project — whichever man becomes president again in 2025. Wherever the U.S. goes after Nov. […]
Warm-water temperatures and low river flows prompt fishing closures in Yellowstone National Park
Beginning today, some Yellowstone National Park rivers will close to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low river flows. The closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and remain in effect until conditions improve, according to a press release from the National Park Service. The Madison River and all associated tributaries. […]
Why Washington’s wolf count is under scrutiny
With a controversial vote planned this week on whether to loosen protections for wolves in Washington, wildlife advocates are raising alarm that officials could be relying on flawed wolf count figures from a tribe in the northeast corner of the state. Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission members have been told by agency staff that wolves […]
Tens of thousands ‘overwhelmingly support’ using Indigenous knowledge to manage Bears Ears
Five Native American tribes are joining the federal government in looking over tens of thousands of public comments on the future of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. The three-month public comment period ended on June 11, and more than 20,000 people submitted responses, according to the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition. The public comments […]
Contemplating growing crowds, Grand Teton National Park wants to hear from you
This story was first published by WyoFile on July 11, 2024. With all signs pointing to more people clamoring to hike Grand Teton National Park’s iconic trails, drink in its majestic views and find parking in its crowded lots, the park’s administration is thinking about how best to approach the future. And it’s hoping for […]
This University of Idaho research could change how we manage our forests
Just as the microorganisms in the human gut play a crucial role to our well-being, microorganisms in forests are essential to forest stability. Researchers at the University of Idaho are working to understand exactly how those microorganisms respond when faced with stressors, such as drought and wildfires, and what their role could be in helping […]
Gov. Brad Little issues executive order to resolve Idaho water fight – for now
The challenging waters of Idaho’s irrigation needs became even more turbulent in recent weeks, with water users working through disagreements over the proper management of this precious resource. Mountain States Policy Center wrote about the eastern Idaho curtailment issues last year here and here. But even after this past year was filled with many discussions on the […]