Appeals Court Nixes Permits for Free Speech in National Parks

August 11, 2010–A federal appeals court has ruled that the National Park Service is violating the First Amendment with its current rules requiring permits for demonstrations, gatherings, and public "expressions of views" on National Park System lands.

Pollution Is Significant in National Parks

July 7, 2010–Both polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (primarily from combustion sources) and pesticides are pervasive in 8 diverse US national parks, according to two Environmental Science & Technology studies by international teams of university and government agency researchers.

15 States Get More Federal Recreational Trails

June 9, 2010–The National Trails system, already stretching more than 12,500 miles, expands with the addition of 31 more trails totalling 716 miles.

Unidentified Wetlands Owners in 22 States Get USDA Funds

May 26, 2010–About 75,000 acres of wetlands in 22 states and Puerto Rico will split $175 million of Natural Resources Conservation Service's Wetlands Reserve Program funding, but recipient properties or owners will not be identified. 

J-Groups Seek Open MSHA Inquiry

May 5, 2010–SEJ and eight other journalism organizations called on the Mine Safety and Health Administration to open to the public its investigation into the Massey mine disaster that killed 29 people.

Mines in 21 States Outed for Habitual Safety Violations

April 28, 2010–The 48 mines are also linked by the fact that most of their owners have been legally delaying action on the violations through appeals of the citations. The Mine Safety and Health Administration is faced with a backlog of approximately 16,000 appeals.

Massey Mine Disaster Raises Openness Issues

April 21, 2010–Several journalists have raised questions about why more was not known publicly about the safety defects that led to the deaths of 29 miners at Massey's Upper Big Branch Mine in April 2010.

April 22 Earth Day Sparks Local Stories

April 14, 2010–Here are several resources for localizing this 40th anniversary event.

1 in 7 Wildlife Refuges Has Genetically Engineered Crops

March 17, 2010–Three organizations file a lawsuit against the USFWS, a new study finds three strains of GE maize likely damaged organs of rats that ate the foods for just three months, pesticide use associated with GE crops may actually be greater than for traditional crops, and GE seed prices skyrocket.

Firearms Now Allowed in Parks; Rules Eased in Refuges

March 3, 2010–Educating your audience about the complicated new law will be a useful public service. It will also familiarize you with the people involved at your local facilities, what steps they are taking, and who you can contact if a shooting incident or other violation occurs.