Some see the changes as reform of a troubled program, and others as an example of bureaucratic overreach.
Endangered Species
Posted inJuly 25, 2016: Salmon Power
BLM moves away from landmark Northwest Forest Plan
Court showdown may force the agency to reconsider its Pacific Northwest logging goals.
Posted inArticles
We should be proud of delisting grizzlies
The bear is a huge conservation success story, and it shows that the Endangered Species Act works.
Posted inArticles
Why is logging dying? Blame the market.
Environmental regulations and endangered species protections are not at fault for Western logging’s decline.
Posted inMay 30, 2016: Trial by Fire
The tenuous fate of the Southwest’s last jaguars
U.S. conservation of the endangered big cats depends on their populations in Mexico.
Posted inArticles
Will the feds change course on Columbia River management?
In May, a judge struck down a fifth plan — and demanded a new approach.
Posted inMay 16, 2016: Grizzly Face-Off
As delisting looms, grizzly advocates prepare for a final face-off
The Yellowstone grizzly population is poised to lose its endangered status, leaving protection in the hands of the states.
Posted inMay 16, 2016: Grizzly Face-Off
Past and present fauna
Writers bear witness to the “Age of Loneliness,” in the midst of a mass extinction.
Posted inArticles
Glacier National Park reshuffles native trout
The move will protect species at risk from climate change and invasive fish in new habitats.
Posted inMay 2, 2016: The Gold King Reckoning
Latest: Court orders reconsideration of whether to list wolverines
Some say state opposition stymied efforts to provide the species federal protection.
Posted inArticles
Science trumps politics for wolverines
A court ruling may force wolverines onto the endangered species list, and open the door for other animals threatened by climate change.
Posted inApril 4, 2016: A Land Divided
In bison recovery, scientists start small
A new approach to bison conservation focuses on many small herds on a patchwork of public and private land.
Posted inApril 4, 2016: A Land Divided
Latest: Wyoming drafts a Yellowstone grizzly management plan
The plan could eventually include regulated hunting of the bears.
Posted inMarch 21, 2016: Making Sense of Malheur
Does conserving species actually curb development?
A new study suggests ESA doesn’t stop economic growth, but the devil’s in the details.
Posted inArticles
Interactive timeline: Fish & Wildlife Service proposes to delist Yellowstone grizzly
Decision marks the second time the grizzly has faced loss of federal protection.
Posted inArticles
Don’t delist: Yellowstone grizzlies still need federal protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has indicated that it plans to remove the iconic Yellowstone grizzly bear from the protection of the Endangered Species Act early this year. The federal agency’s plan is irresponsible and premature because grizzlies are struggling to adjust to declining food sources, even as they face an uncertain future caused […]
Posted inArticles
Fishers recolonize Washington, part of a Northwest rewilding
The forest carnivore’s return was helped by human intervention.
Posted inNovember 23, 2015: Water Hustle
Why are Western attorneys general going rogue?
Attorneys general sue the federal government, despite state governors’ objections.
Posted inArticles
Oregon delists wolves, but protections remain
As in Washington, reactions to the predator reflect deep east-west divides in the state.
Posted inArticles
BLM mulls energy development in sage grouse habitat
Feds may restrict hardrock mining and put oil and gas leases on auction block.