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Center for Biological Diversity: ASHEVILLE, N.C.— A coalition of conservation groups sued the U.S. Forest Service today for failing to protect endangered bats in the Nantahala-Pisgah national forests from massively expanded logging allowed under the agency’s new forest plan.
More than $11 million in federal grant money will go to improve land and water conservation in the upper Verde River Watershed and Big Chino Grasslands in north central Arizona. The grant requires a 50% non-federal match, which The Nature Conservancy Arizona and partners will provide - bringing the total to $23 million. Kimberly Schonek - Arizona water director for the conservancy - said the Verde River is one of the state's last free-flowing rivers, and calls it a "critical water supply" for not only the Phoenix metro area but for the biodiversity around the river, which...
April is Earth Month, and North Carolina's climate justice groups are addressing the crucial roles of air, land, water and health in protecting the environment. CleanAIRE NC and Sol Nation are working together on an Earth Day event to raise awareness about the environmental challenges confronting communities across the state. Madison Fragnito, partnership manager for CleanAIRE NC, said they are taking a holistic approach and planning STEM activities, with a focus on vital areas like transportation, energy and land conservation. ...
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia faces the prospect of a titanium dioxide mine near its border. Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals aims to mine titanium and zirconium near Trail Ridge, sparking environmental concerns about potential ecological harm to the area. Christian Hunt, senior federal lands policy analyst for the nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife, warned mining could threaten the ecosystem and its diverse species. ...
Ohio's Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments - and will answer questions in virtual sessions today and tomorrow, on a draft environmental assessment about the impacts of opening up 40,000 acres of Wayne National Forest to oil and gas leasing. The lands are located primarily in Monroe, Noble and Washington counties. Environmental advocates - like Roxanne Groff, a member of the Athens County's Future Action Network - said they don't believe the assessment fully captures the widespread loss of habitat or recreational opportunities fracking on public lands would unleash. ...