Public Lands/Wilderness / Public News Service

According to a poll conducted earlier this year by Colorado College, 78% of Coloradans say that oil and gas development on national public lands should be stopped or strictly limited. (Adobe Stock)

Report Underscores Need for Oil, Gas Leasing Reforms

DENVER -- President Joe Biden's Build Back Better Act includes reforms for oil and gas production on public lands first introduced by the Reagan admin…

The latest North Carolina state budget includes $40 million for water and sewer projects in the state park system. (Adobe Stock)

Historic Dollars for Conservation, Outdoor Recreation in NC State Budget

RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina communities will soon receive funding to preserve green spaces, maintain parks and boost resiliency against the …

Cases of chronic wasting disease among Wisconsin's deer population increased to a 20-year high of nearly 1,600 animals in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Public Can Weigh In on WI Efforts to Tackle Chronic Wasting Disease

MADISON, Wis. - The Department of Natural Resources wants Wisconsinites to weigh in on its efforts to address chronic wasting disease. The always-…

The proposed Western Riverside County Wildlife Refuge is key habitat to the federally endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly. (Eric Porter/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Conservation Groups Build Support for Riverside County Wildlife Refuge

HEMET, Calif. -- Public-lands groups are asking Congress to support the proposed Western Riverside County Wildlife Refuge, a 500,000-acre swath …

Conservationists say the Recovering America's Wildlife Act could support improvements to water quality in the Ozarks, including the Buffalo National River. (Adobe Stock)

Wildlife Act Could Boost AR Conservation, Advocates Say

ST. JOE, Ark. -- More than a decade of restoration efforts in a section of Northern Arkansas' Ozark National Forest have led to 40 new species of …

Black-footed ferrets rely exclusively on prairie dogs for prey and on prairie-dog burrows for shelter. (Adobe Stock)

Suit Filed Over Plan to Poison Thunder Basin Prairie Dogs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Wildlife advocates are taking the U.S. Forest Service to court over a plan to eliminate prairie dogs from the Thunder Basin …

In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania's lone national forest. (Adobe Stock)

Group Petitions Allegheny National Forest to Ban Bikes on Non-Motorized Trails

WARREN, Pa. -- A Western Pennsylvania conservation group is petitioning the Allegheny National Forest to prohibit bike riding on all non-motorized …

The 1.5-million-acre Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico offers trout fishing, hiking, skiing and other recreational opportunities. (nationalforest.org)

NM Groups Want Free-flowing Rivers Protected in National Forest

TAOS, N.M. - In Northern New Mexico's Carson National Forest, many rivers are eligible for federal "Wild and Scenic" designation, and conservation …

The Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust is the neighborhood Land Trust for 23 towns in northern and central Massachusetts. (Wikimedia Commons)

Anthology Spotlights Value of Land Trusts Across Northeast

NORTHFIELD, Ma. -- Land trusts across the Northeast have partnered with poets this year for the first edition of "Writing the Land," an anthology to …

Between 2010 and 2019, taxpayers lost out on $12.4 billion in revenue from drilling on public lands. (Adobe Stock)

Conservatives Call for Oil and Gas Reforms on Public Lands

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- The Build Back Better Act making its way through Congress includes reforms for oil and gas production on public lands first …

Mount Lamborn is one of 52 sites in the GMUG forests designated as being of "high ecological value." (Northforker/Wikimedia Commons)

Study Identifies Most Important Sites to Protect in Central CO Forests

GUNNISON, Colo. - A new report identifies the areas most valuable for preserving biodiversity and fighting climate change within the Grand Mesa…

Urgency for the U.S. Congress to designate the Gila River as a Wild and Scenic River follows one of the worst years ever recorded for water levels on the Colorado River. (state.nm.us)

Heinrich, Lujan Reintroduce NM Gila River Protection Bill

SILVER CITY, N.M. -- New Mexico's U.S. senators are making another attempt to protect the last remaining free-flowing rivers and tributary systems to …

The Great Meadows Marsh is an important habitat for horseshoe crabs, blue crabs and fish such as the Atlantic silverside and menhaden. (Audubon Connecticut)

Restoration Project at Great Meadows Marsh Aims to Invest in CT's Coastline

STRATFORD, Conn. -- A restoration project broke ground yesterday that will revive one of Connecticut's largest salt marshes thanks to a $4 million …

The Central Arizona Project hiking trail system runs next to its water canal network in both urban and rural parts of Pima, Pinal and Maricopa counties. (CAP)

CAP Trails Provide Recreation for Thousands of Outdoor Enthusiasts

MARANA, Ariz. -- Trekking across Arizona's stunning desert landscapes is one of the most popular forms of recreation in the state, and the Central …

The number of people camping in national parks and other public lands in Utah and elsewhere has skyrocketed in the past six years, according to a new study. (merrvas/Adobe Stock)

Study: Camping's Popularity Spikes on Utah Public Lands

SALT LAKE CITY -- If you went camping on Utah's public lands this past summer, you were not alone, literally. A new survey shows a major increase …

Fossil fuels kill more than 8 million people per year as the result of pollution, research shows. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Fossil fuels kill more than 8 million people per year as the result of pollution, research shows. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Clean-Energy Transition More Gain than Pain

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- New research shows a rapid energy transition away from fossil fuels would save more than $5 trillion compared with continuing …

In addition to protecting shorelines, Minnesota lake advocates say enhanced boater training could protect all lake users from powerful waves that come from bigger watercraft. (Adobe Stock)

MN Asked to Step Up Boater Training with Certificate Program

BRAINERD, Minn. - Minnesota boat owners are storing their watercraft for the winter. But that isn't stopping the conversation about responsible water …

The planet lost an area of forest larger than the United Kingdom in 2020, according to research by the University of Maryland. (Adobe Stock)

New Scorecard Helps Consumers Find Responsibly Sourced Wood Furniture

HIGH POINT, N.C. - The National Wildlife Federation and Sustainable Furnishings Council have released the latest list of furniture retailers who rely …

Droughts caused by climate change can lower water levels in creeks and streams and affect water quality, making it difficult, if not impossible, for anglers to pursue their sport. (Mikhail/Adobe Stock)

Report: Hunters, Anglers Must Speak Up about Climate Change

SALT LAKE CITY -- Few people spend as much time in the wilderness as hunters and anglers, and a new report aims to be a springboard to bring their …

Northern Pennsylvania counties such as Potter, McKean, Susquehanna and Wayne are experiencing peak fall foliage this week, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

PA's Warm Fall, Rainy Summer Might Be Impacting Autumn Foliage

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- October is usually the best time of year to see the bright, changing leaf colors that ring in autumn in Pennsylvania, but …

Forests can play a big role in alleviating climate-change threats. Forests, harvested wood products and urban trees offset 11% of greenhouse-gas emissions in the United States each year. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Hunters, Anglers Have Stake in Climate-Change Solutions

DENVER -- Few people spend as much time in the wilderness and outdoors as hunters and anglers, and a new report aims to be a springboard to bring …

The National Wildlife Federation warns hunters and anglers in Arizona and elsewhere to act now to save their favorite outdoor habitats from the dangers of climate change. (Christine Glade/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Group Urges Hunters, Anglers to Fight Climate Change

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- A new report found climate change is affecting public lands used by Arizona hunters and anglers, and encouraged them to join the …

Organizers with the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership say they hope to hit their halfway goal of plating 5 million trees by the end of 2022. (Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Planting Trees as Part of "10 Million By 2025" Goal

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Now through November, Pennsylvania groups will plant an estimated 300,000 trees for fall, as part of a goal of 10 million new …

Wolves had made a major comeback in the West, but wildlife managers say policies in Montana threaten to roll back that progress. (jimcumming88/Adobe Stock)

Wildlife Professionals Decry Direction of MT Management

HELENA, Mont. -- Wildlife managers and biologists in Montana are airing their frustration over how the state is managing its natural resources…

The Mashomack Preserve is one of more than 100 nature preserves in New York under the care of The Nature Conservancy. (Carl Heilman/The Nature Conservancy)

Partnership Mixes Traditional & Western Ways to Protect NY Preserves

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - New York environmental groups are teaming up to blend Indigenous knowledge of the land with Western scientific knowledge to …

The proposed reserve includes a section of the Connecticut River, which contributes 75% of the freshwater found in the Long Island Sound. (Adobe Stock)

CT Close to Establishing Its First Natural Estuarine Research Reserve

OLD LYME, Conn. -- Connecticut soon will join a majority of East Coast states in having a federally recognized estuary, which could help identify …

Spirit Mountain is sacred to more than a half-dozen Native American tribes. (Alan O'Neill)

On Indigenous Peoples Day, Groups Call for New Nat'l. Monument

SEARCHLIGHT, Nev. - In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day today, many in Nevada's Native community are calling for the establishment of a new national …

A majority of residents surveyed said parks and outdoor spaces were essential for their mental health, especially during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: How COVID, DEI Impact Pennsylvanians' Relationships with Parks

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania's parks and outdoor recreational spaces became havens for many in the state looking for safe activities during the …

A new survey finds 90% of Latinos support creating new national parks and wildlife refuges across the nation to provide areas for outdoor recreation. (Adobe stock)

Report: Majority of Latinos Back Funding Chesapeake Bay Recovery

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- With more Latino voters expressing concern about climate change, a new report found a majority of Latinos in the Chesapeake Bay …

The upper Gila is surrounded by wilderness that offers fishing for native trout, hunting, backpacking, horseback riding, and camping. (Nathan Newcomer)

Casting a Wide Net to Protect New Mexico's Gila River

SILVER CITY, N.M. -- Those who enjoy outdoor activities in the Southwest, say the Gila River and surrounding public lands have it all, and they want …

Nevada is spending millions to upgrade transmission lines so it can export excess renewable energy in the future. (ABCDStock/Adobestock)

Sisolak Urges Passage of Build Back Better Reconciliation Bill

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Congress is hashing out the size of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill, which would put billions toward the fight against …

As many as 30 million pronghorn once roamed the plains and grasslands of North America. (magazine.wildlife.state.nm.us)

At-Risk Pronghorn Make Other Species Vulnerable

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Millions of pronghorn used to roam the West freely. But impediments such as roads and fences, as well as a changing climate…

Quartzville Creek is among the river sections currently protected as wild and scenic in Oregon, but only about 2% of the state's river miles have that federal designation. (Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Mgmt.)

OR Businesses Support River Protections

PORTLAND, Ore. - Hundreds of Oregon businesses have signaled their support for legislation protecting rivers across the state. In an open letter…

A collaborative has proposed managing 200,000 acres of public lands along the continental divide near Helena, MT. (Lincoln Prosperity Group)

Diverse Groups Unite for Public Lands Proposal in MT

LINCOLN, Mont. - Residents in western Montana have proposed a unique approach to managing the landscape. The Lincoln Prosperity Group includes …

The summer tanager is a migratory species that has been restored to its original habitat along the Lower Colorado River Basin. (Flickr)

States Jointly Restoring Wildlife Habitat Along Lower Colorado River

PHOENIX -- A cooperative effort to restore habitats along the Lower Colorado River Basin is seeing the re-emergence of several threatened and endanger…

The Amboy Crater, outside Twentynine Palms, is part of the desert habitat that conservation groups hope to protect with funds from a new Desert Conservation Program. (Bureau of Land Management)

Conservation Groups Celebrate New Program to Fund Desert Restoration

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. -- Projects to protect the Mojave and Colorado Deserts stand to get a lot more funding, as Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill …

Utah's Goblin Valley State Park is one of four areas that could see oil and gas exploration if the BLM auctions off the parcels for mineral leases. (Colin/LindaMcKee/Adobe Stock)<br /> — Utah's Goblin Valley State Park is one of four areas that could see oil and gas exploration if the BLM auctions off the parcels for mineral leases. (Colin/LindaMcKee/Adobe Stock)

Judge's Ruling Puts Utah Wildlands at Risk for Oil-Gas Exploration

GREEN RIVER, Utah -- Despite a January presidential order pausing all oil and gas leases on public lands, the federal government has restarted the …

Long gaps in public access sites make it difficult for people to access the lower Yellowstone River for short trips. (Lower Yellowstone River Coalition)

Funds Aim to Increase Recreation on Lower Yellowstone River, Eastern MT

MILES CITY, Mont. -- An investment in public access along the lower Yellowstone River is poised to open up recreation for eastern Montana. Montana …

The Truckee River is considered exceptional for its water quality and importance to wildlife. (Lauren Kuhlman)

NV Rivers, Streams Singled Out for Protection

RUBY MOUNTAINS, Nev. -- Nevada is the driest state in the nation, yet few of its rivers and streams have federal protections. Now a new report …

Run the Red begins in the former gold mining community of South Pass City and takes runners through the northern Red Desert - a maze of buttes, canyons, badlands, wilderness study areas and miles of open country. (Adobe Stock)

Runners Celebrate Wyoming Public Lands Day in Red Desert

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. -- This weekend, athletes from across the nation gathered in South Pass City to Run the Red, a series of marathons through the Red …

The least tern is among nearly 500 species under threat of decline in North Carolina. (Don Henise/Flickr)

NC Senators Sponsor Bipartisan Wildlife Protection Bill

RALEIGH, N.C. - A bipartisan bill to protect wildlife species before they're imperiled has gained the support of North Carolina's senators. It's the …

The Bridger-Teton National Forest occupies the traditional lands of the Shoshone-Bannock, Eastern Shoshone and Cheyenne people. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Court Rules Against Elk Feedgrounds

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- A federal court agreed with conservationists this week, ordering winter feeding of elk on the Bridger-Teton National Forest …

Local opposition to the proposed land swap near Payette Lake was strong before the Idaho Department of Lands rejected the deal. (Ty/Adobe Stock)

Coalition Proposes Conserving Lands Previously Targeted by Developer

MCCALL, Idaho -- After the rejection of a developer's proposed land swap near Payette Lake, a coalition of groups wants the state to do the opposite…

Advocates are calling on state and federal lawmakers to shift policies, such as replacing the term "playground" with "outdoor learning environment" in regulations to support the creation of more nature-based spaces. (Adobe Stock)

Children's Advocates Urge Lawmakers to Expand Access to Outdoor Learning

DENVER -- As Congress considers making significant investments in the nation's child-care system, children's advocates say now is the time to make …

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)

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)

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 …

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