Visits to public lands and consumer spending grow, as agency budgets atrophy.
Department of Interior
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Bears Ears is open for business
A reporter staked a mining claim on former monument lands. You could, too.
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Oil- and gas-rich counties ask for more federal revenue
A new bill would return money earmarked for Western water projects to mineral-producing counties.
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Gunnison sage grouse recovery plan stops lawsuit
U.S. Fish and Wildlife has 30 months to submit a draft plan to recover the threatened species.
Posted inApril 30, 2018: Celebrity Scofflaw
How the feds helped make Cliven Bundy a celebrity
The creation of an anti-public-lands hero.
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Bureau of Indian Affairs director resigns
As the agency navigates turbulent times, its leadership changes hands.
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House Democrats challenge Interior on altered report
Secretary Zinke said he hadn’t seen drafts omitting humans’ role in climate change.
Posted inApril 30, 2018: Celebrity Scofflaw
Fish and Wildlife reconsiders protections for rare species
Susan Combs, who will oversee the service, has likened endangered species to incoming missiles.
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Public doesn’t mean protected
Less oversight of mining and drilling will leave federally managed land vulnerable.
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Acquitted, convicted, fined or free: after the Oregon standoff
Two years after the armed takeover of a wildlife refuge, consequences vary widely.
Posted inApril 30, 2018: Celebrity Scofflaw
Reckoning with History: The parks have been fixed before
How the government tackled the post-war threats of national park ‘disfigurement’ and ‘destruction.’
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Don’t let a road run through it
Development in Alaska wilderness would undermine bedrock environmental laws.
Posted inApril 30, 2018: Celebrity Scofflaw
What will Zinke do with the extra $2.5 billion in his budget?
Congress rejected the deep budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration.
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Park Service report nixes humans’ role in climate change
Interior promised not to interfere with agency science. A long-awaited report shows otherwise.
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Montana’s only congressman sells public lands short
Recreation-based businesses like canoe guiding rely on continued protection for national monuments.
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Natural gas wells make poor neighbors
Without a rule to prevent waste, living close to industry is difficult and dangerous.
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It’s too soon for #MeToo apathy
The hard work on reforming federal agencies rife with harassment is just beginning.
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In Congress, both parties agree on one public lands bill
A bill allowing public land sales for conservation inches towards passage.
Posted inApril 16, 2018: Cashing in on Standing Rock
Harassment pervades the Bureau of Indian Affairs
One of the oldest agencies in the Department of Interior appears to have some of its worst harassment problems.
Posted inMarch 5, 2018: Drilling Chaco
An armchair journey to the desert
A photography book captures the natural splendor of Utah’s five national parks.