Tall order is putting it mildly. In a recent article in the Elko Daily Free Press the issues surrounding the management of wild horses and burros on western lands is succinctly addressed. The topic is “brimming with emotion on all sides” write the editors. I even fielded a call from my own mother (residing in…
Tag: natural resources
Warm, Dry March
It seemed like March was really dry, but I’m in a new place, so I don’t have years of personal experience regarding March weather in this location. According to the maps below, my impression was correct. We had good snow cover all winter, then it was as if someone just turned the clouds off. Almost…
Turn Off the Lights, Save Water
Living in Wyoming we are always aware of the scarcity of water. The majority of Wyoming receives less than 15″ of precipitation annually. Water, even more so, potable water, is becoming a global problem. We hear a lot about reducing water usage by using low flow shower heads and commodes, turning the tap off when possible, watering…
Wyoming Sage Grouse Conservation and Land Use
In 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife decided the greater sage grouse would be kept in consideration for placing on the endangered species list. They say the listing is “warranted,” but there are too many other endangered species needing attention at this time. “Based on a 12-month status review pursuant to the Endangered Species Act,…
Wyoming on the Edge of Ogallala Aquifer
The headlines read Aquifer study could lead to water use restrictions in Laramie County It’s hard to believe we could be draining such a large water resource as the Ogallala Aquifer.
Mountain Snowpack Critical for Stream Flows
Well, we’ve had a few wet snows in the last two weeks here in Wyoming. Due to the warm weather in the first half of April (at least here in Central Wyoming), the soil at lower elevations is able to absorb much of the moisture from these snows, which is a welcome occurrence. I recently heard…
Revegetation Efforts Should Focus on Native Plant Species
Propagating native plants in volumes large enough to produce commercial quantities of native seed is not always an easy, or inexpensive task, but using native plant species in revegetation efforts on federal and state lands should be the norm, not the exception. This National Forest in Michigan is taking the needed long range approach to…
Bighorn River Then and Now: “The land is all good…”
I’ve been reading Granville Stuart’s account* of the early days in Montana (1870’s and 80’s). At one point in the book he is traveling around Montana looking for range for 5,000 head of cattle. This is just before the big herds from Texas started to arrive in that part of Montana, and there was plenty…
Glacial Lakes: Grand Tetons
Grand Teton National Park. Truly spectacular landscapes.
Patches of Native Plants Increase Crop Pollination
Using large mango farms as a case study, a group of researchers representing Britain, South Africa, and the Netherlands, recently reported the results of a study in the Journal of Applied Ecology which “show that the presence of small patches of native flowers within large farms can increase pollinator-dependent crop production if combined with preservation…
Join Governor Mead to Discuss Wyoming Energy Policy
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead’s website states, “Wyoming needs an energy plan that balances development with the environment—that incorporates open space and clear skies with jobs and economic progress.” Governor Mead has drafted over 70 energy strategy initiatives covering four main themes: Economic Competitiveness, Expansion and Diversification; Efficient, Effective Regulation; Natural Resource Conservation, Reclamation, and Mitigation;…
Coal Industry Roundtable Discussion
There’s no doubt coal is a big part of Wyoming’s economic base. It is also foundational to the availability of electricity in the US with over 42% of the US electricity generated by coal. The burning of fossil fuels is surrounded by controversy. If you are interested in the future use of coal, you might…
Wyoming Life 