Draft EIS for Western Energy Corridors Released

December 5, 2007–The public comment period for a long-delayed EIS draft designating energy corridors in 11 Western states is open.

GROUP WINS ACCESS TO FOREST SERVICE RECORDS ON OFF-ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE

October 31, 2007–The AP reports that the conservation group Wildlands CPR has won a 2-year battle to get U.S. Forest Service records on damage caused by off-road vehicles and unmaintained roads in the West.

JUDGE DENIES MEDIA ACCESS TO MSHA PROBE OF CRANDALL CANYON

October 17, 2007–Federal district judge Dee Benson ruled Oct. 9, 2007, that a group of news media companies could not have access to an investigation by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) into the Crandall Canyon mine collapse in Utah Aug. 6, which killed six miners and three workers trying to rescue them.

Ozone Forecasts Can Help Reduce Health Problems

October 10, 2007–As of Oct. 2, 2007, NOAA and EPA are making daily local forecasts of ground level ozone for the entire contiguous U.S. The latest upgrade adds forecast information for 11 Western states, and improves forecasting for 6 others.

Early Results Support Replacement of Older Woodstoves

August 1, 2007–Preliminary results from a Montana air quality study suggest that replacing older wood-burning stoves and fireplaces with cleaner-burning, EPA-certified models can substantially reduce airborne fine particulates.

Rocky Mountain Region Asbestos Sites Reported

August 1, 2007–There are at least 61 sites in CO, ID, MT, NM, and WY that naturally contain some form of asbestos, according to a report released July 9, 2007,by the US Geological Survey.

Cash Crop: Native Grasses

July 18, 2007–Throughout the West, farmers' fields are covered in tall grass. That's not neglect - it's profitable.

Federal and State Moves on Wolves Spur More Controversy

July 18, 2007–The long-running battle over the status of wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains is heading into another critical stretch.

FEDS Announce Preferred Colorado River Plan

June 20, 2007–The Bureau of Reclamation announced on June 18, 2007, its preferred management option for the Colorado River basin during drought conditions.

FED Report Assesses Western Water Deficits, Makes Recommendations

February 14, 2007–An extensive report on the growing threats posed to the Colorado River system by climate change, drought, and increasing population is scheduled to be released Feb. 21, 2007.