** Border wall threatens sweeping variety of wildlife, federal officials say
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Tuesday, April 28, 2020
The Sonoran Pronghorn are just one of dozens of species that will be impacted by the border wall, according to U.S. officials | U ([link removed]) .S. Fish and Wildlife Service ([link removed])
Wide-ranging concerns about the border wall's impacts were raised nearly a year ago ([link removed]) by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials in written comments to Customs and Border Protection. Top officials found that 23 endangered, threatened, or at-risk species could be living in areas impacted by the wall in just two counties.
Environmentalists, researchers, and government officials agree that sweeping impacts resulting from the wall’s presence and construction are expected on mammals, birds, fish and insects, both endangered and non endangered. The environmental impacts will occur in regions of the borderlands that have been recognized as one of the most biologically diverse areas of the U.S.
Experts cite a variety of direct negative impacts on ecosystems, including habitat fragmentation, population isolation, prevention of gene flow, water reductions from groundwater pumping, and the prevention of pronghorn migration.
In the context of long-term climate changes, a lead scientist from the Sky Island Alliance said, “it will never be more important for these animals to move from habitats and move across the landscape.”
** New Trump nuclear plan could revive Grand Canyon uranium mining
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Last week, Trump administration officials recommended an overhaul of nuclear policy. Recommendations included pursuing new mines, especially in the West.
Plateaus close to the Grand Canyon are where mining companies have wanted to unearth uranium ([link removed]) for years. New Grand Canyon mining claims have been barred since 2012, but many tribes and environmentalists fear ([link removed]) that the continued push for domestic uranium may lead to new mines next to the Grand Canyon.
Quick hits
** Trump administration pressed on decision to reopen national parks, planning continues
The Hill ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | World Tribune ([link removed]) | The News&Observer ([link removed])
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** The BLM's oil-gas leasing threatens hunting economies in the West
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Boise State Public Radio ([link removed]) | Public News Service ([link removed])
** Federal judge sides with tribal governments, says coronavirus relief funds can’t be distributed to Alaska Native Corporations
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Indianz ([link removed])
** New Trump nuclear plan could revive Grand Canyon uranium mining
Inside Climate News ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
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** How to fight wildfires in the age of COVID-19
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Ravalli Republic ([link removed]) | OPB ([link removed])
** Border wall threatens sweeping variety of wildlife, federal officials say
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Arizona Daily Star ([link removed])
** Oil industry in dire straits as glut takes down rigs, awaiting unknown rescue
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Washington Post ([link removed]) | WyoFile ([link removed]) | Carlsbad Current-Argus ([link removed])
** Wyoming resource management plan slated for spring release despite county commissioners’ request to postpone
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Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed])
Quote of the day
“One day we’re going to look up and our livelihoods and our hunting traditions and our outdoors spaces are going to be really hard to maintain. And that’s troublesome for a lot of us who really highly value having wildlife and wild places.”
—Aaron Kindle, National Wildlife Federation Director of Sporting Advocacy, B ([link removed]) oise State Public Radio ([link removed])
Picture this
** @USFWSMtnPrairie ([link removed])
Sandhill cranes are seen as symbols of happiness, longevity, and good fortune, so we’re sending you one today. Learn about sandhill cranes: [link removed] ([link removed]) Photo:@USFWS ([link removed])
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