June 8: World Oceans Day Brings Focus on Gulf Oil Spill

May 26, 2010–The nonprofit conservation group SeaWeb will host a news conference in Washington, DC on the state of the world's oceans and the most challenging ocean conservation issues, including the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and what to expect in the way of long-term consequences of this disaster.

Boaters and Fishers Pay Taxes, Get Rewards

April 28, 2010–Dept. of Interior/US Fish and Wildlife Service awards $12 million for construction of docks, boat slips, and other recreational boating facilities at 13 locations in 10 states.

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.

Several More States and Provinces Hit by Fatal Bat Disease

April 28, 2010–Bat losses can have major impacts on ecosystems, as they routinely consume large quantities of insects and themselves provide food and nutrients for other plants and animals. There also are economic impacts as caves close to recreational use, in an effort to combat the spread of the disease.

Maryland Legislature Threatens Law Clinic For Defending Chesapeake Bay

April 7, 2010–In the face of public outrage (and press coverage), the legislature partially backed down — but kept a requirement that the law clinic report to the legislature on whom it represented.

Info on Rare Orchid Handled Like Nuclear Secret

August 26, 2009–The Canby's bog orchid, not seen in Maryland for 20 years, has reappeared at the Nassawango Nature Preserve. A Washington Post reporter was allowed to see and write about it, but with unusual restrictions.

Coal-Waste Impoundment Database Offers Journalists a Tool

July 1, 2009–A cooperative effort of federal and state agencies, coal companies, and environmental groups, the database lists coal-waste impoundments in West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Rockefeller Introduces Bill To Outlaw Bayer Chem-Secrecy Ruse

July 1, 2009–Rockefeller's bill keeps FOIA exemptions for real security information, but forbids using the "sensitive security information" stamp.

New Trails Are in 13 States

June 10, 2009–Twenty-two new National Recreational Trails, covering more than 525 miles, provide a good opportunity to cover outdoor recreation topics.

Toolbox: RMP*Comp Projects Chemical Disaster Scenarios

May 20, 2009–Use this free software tool, downloadable from EPA, to calculate how much injury a chemical spill could cause.