Wildfires threaten river networks in the western U.S.
A new study conducted by researchers from The University of New Mexico has found that wildfires—which have been increasing in frequency, severity and extent around the globe—are one of the…
Read More...Climate change may be causing an early start to fire season in the West, experts say
Severe drought during the winter is leading to matchbox conditions in the West. Drought conditions from California to Nevada, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico have been so bad that officials began…
Read More...Study shows grasslands are more reliable carbon sinks than forests
A study has found that increased drought and wildfire risk make grasslands and rangelands a more reliable carbon sink than trees in 21st century California. As such, the study indicates…
Read More...New funding to curb wildfires pushed in Congress, as another fire season looms
As wildfires across the United States grow in size, intensity and duration each summer, members of Congress from the West are pushing for massive new investments in ecosystem management and wildfire…
Read More...Study: Weather, drought fueled Oregon’s September wildfires
An unprecedented combination of strong easterly winds and low humidity coupled with prolonged drought conditions drove the spread of catastrophic wildfires in Oregon last September, a new study has found.
Read More...‘Forest gardens’ show how Native land stewardship can outdo nature
Patches of forest cleared and tended by Indigenous communities but lost to time still show more food bounty for humans and animals than surrounding forests.
Read More...Drought causing juniper deaths in central, northern Arizona
U.S. Forest Service officials report significant die-off of juniper trees due to drought conditions affecting the evergreens across large areas of central and northern Arizona.
Read More...California’s wildfire season has lengthened, and its peak is now earlier in the year
California’s wildfire problem, fueled by a concurrence of climate change and a heightened risk of human-caused ignitions in once uninhabited areas, has been getting worse with each passing year of…
Read More...One senator’s idea to save forests and help the climate — and create jobs
Colorado Senator Michael Bennet introduces legislation that would put billions into restoring and maintaining forests, watersheds and rangelands in the West. More than 10.2 million acres of the United States…
Read More...New Mexico issues 10-year plan for boosting forest health
Restoring forests, using fire as a management tool and getting more buy-in from private landowners are among the strategies outlined in New Mexico’s latest forest action plan. “This collaboration is…
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