Local News
Mining claims in Weminuche Wilderness protected from development
Conservation group buys inholdings to preserve wilderness setting
Environment
New Mexico
Commission requests release from Lake Nighthorse
Test would provide feedback for when water is really needed
Southwest Life
Biden’s oil and gas pause halts lease sales around HD Mountains
10 parcels totaling more than 1,500 acres were set to be sold
New Mexico
Bird count reveals possible increase in population despite last year’s die-off
Several factors play role in annual tally, including weather conditions and number of observers
Southwest Life
Mineral Creek to be focus of extensive watershed study
Facing extreme pressure in recent years, waterway near Silverton will be examined
Local News
Massive ranch northeast of Durango to be protected from development
Conservation easement to serve wildlife, city’s water supply
Local News
Pair of bald eagles buck migration trend, calling Durango home
Two birds in Animas Valley believed to be lifetime mates
Local News
Drought causing issues for Durango’s fish hatchery
Less water forcing wildlife managers to stock fish earlier than normal
Southwest Life
EPA to drill into mine west of Silverton at risk of blowout
Agency says it wants to prevent future unplanned releases
New Mexico
New Mexico reaches $11 million settlement with mining company over Gold King spill
State says EPA now responsible for damages
Local News
EPA orders access to water treatment plant north of Silverton
Plant has been treating discharges out of Gold King Mine since 2015
Local News
Animas River shatters all-time record low flow based on 109 years of data
1913 record is broken amid prolonged drought
Southwest Life
Five environmental issues to watch in 2021
Drought, overuse of public lands, mine cleanup top list in Southwest Colorado
Local News
2020: A year marked by plague, protest and triumph in Southwest Colorado
COVID-19 ushers in era of social distancing, takeout food and face masks
Local News
Why did bears stay away from populated areas this year in Southwest Colorado?
Human-bear conflicts had been on the rise, but not in 2020
Local News
Annual Durango bird count tallies record number of species
More volunteers likely led to high numbers
New Mexico
New Mexico Environmental Department hires new legal director
Bruce Baizel will also work with the Office of Natural Resources Trustee
New Mexico
Farmington sets up Christmas tree recycling program
Decorations must be removed; wood chips will be used in city parks
Local News
Landscape expert offers tips for sustainable gardening in Southwest Colorado
Plant Select: It’s possible to have attractive gardens while conserving water
New Mexico
New Mexico agency calls for better emissions rules
Flyover findings indicate increased leaks at oil, gas fields
Southwest Life
How did the warm fall impact the natural world?
Weather affects river levels, animal behavior, bird migrations, plant life
New Mexico
Bloomfield gas company issued notice of violation for spill
More than 200 gallons of fluid entered watercourse
Local News
Driven by Front Range, new oil and gas rules will impact La Plata County
State regulations protect environment, health, supporters say
Local News
Lawsuit seeks to close GCC Energy’s King II coal mine
Conservation groups say more thorough water study will show excavation unsafe
Southwest Life
Permit system on the way to control crowds on Ice Lakes Trail
High visitation has led to significant impacts on the landscape, Forest Service says
Regional News
Colorado adopts new oil and gas rules with focus on regulating, not promoting
State will now work to ‘regulate’ industry to protect public health and environment
Southwest Life
Tribal nations, Forest Service partner to revive oak population
Collaboration aims to save culturally significant trees
Local News
Oil and gas drilling could impact Chimney Rock National Monument, critics say
About 2,560 acres, some within half mile of archaeological site, could be up for sale
Local News
Love’s Travel Stop to replace M&M truck stop
Abandoned site proposed for demolition: ‘It’s been an eyesore for years’
Local News
BP reports uptick of spills in La Plata County
Major oil and gas company documents nearly 20 spills this year