To date, the administration has spent more than $970 million on over 600 fish passage projects across the United States, and there's more to come
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Fish passage projects are going swimmingly across the U.S.
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Thursday, September 26, 2024
Channel-spanning culverts let fish and floods pass freely. Katrina Liebich, USFWS ([link removed])
The Biden administration is making waves when it comes to fish passage projects. To date, the administration has spent ([link removed]) more than $970 million on over 600 fish passage projects across the United States, and there's more to come—thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the administration has allotted over $3 billion to aquatic ecosystem restoration.
To highlight some of the projects that have been done, the administration released a Storymap ([link removed]) showcasing ten transformational projects that have already begun to provide benefits to local communities. The Reviving Rivers, Reconnecting Communities Storymap ([link removed]) notes that when completed, these projects will reconnect over 4,500 miles of rivers and streams, spark local economic development, and enhance community resilience.
The Storymap particularly notes that fish passage projects are a powerhouse for local economies. Recent research ([link removed]) reveals that for every $1 million invested in fish passage projects, about $1.4 million is returned to local economies, largely due to the jobs these projects generate.
In addition to the economic gains, fish passage projects benefit communities ([link removed]) by improving public safety and expanding recreational opportunities, and they restore aquatic ecosystems by removing barriers that disrupt fish migration and cause ecological damage. These investments are especially important in small communities where fish passage projects can be cost-prohibitive for localities to plan, design, and implement on their own.
** Quick hits
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Storymap: Reviving rivers, reconnecting communities
USFWS ([link removed])
Biden launches environmental justice climate corps
The Hill ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
California clamps down on oil and gas pollution near neighborhoods
Associated Press ([link removed]) | POLITICO ([link removed])
Thousands of abandoned mines in Colorado are leaking toxic water, but Congress finally has a solution in sight
Denver Post ([link removed])
Opinion: This proposed mine near Boise would extract our wealth and endanger our environment
Idaho Statesman ([link removed]) | Yahoo News ([link removed])
Wyoming oil sale nets a measly $27K. Is that the new normal?
E&E News ([link removed])
Volunteers help seedlings take root as New Mexico tries to recover from wildfire
Associated Press ([link removed])
New Indigenous Netflix film ‘Rez Ball’ shows the challenges of Native life through the culture of basketball
High Country News ([link removed]) | MPR News ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” Orange, heavy metal water from mines impacts everyone, regardless of political party—this is not a political issue. There’s no constituency for orange water.”
—Ty Churchwell, mining coordinator at Trout Unlimited, Denver Post ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@nationalparkservice ([link removed])
Behold the majestic bear bum.
OMG, Becky! Not to get too cheeky, but with #FatBearWeek ([link removed]) just around the corner, let’s not forget the ecological significance of these chunky contenders - their ample fat stores are essential for surviving the harsh winter months. Let’s just say, behind every hefty bear bum is a well-calibrated metabolism and a strategic approach to snacking that has made these bears what they are today.
Take a seat. Bears actually do benefit from having a larger back end! The thick layer of fat, concentrated around their rump, provides great insulation. Additionally, a larger bear derrière can also help with balance and stability when navigating the rugged terrain of their habitat. Sounds legit.
Image 1:Screenshot of post with text, “honky tonk beardonkadonk.”
Images 2-7: Bidi bidi “bum bum!” Various bear bums on display from past Fat Bear Week contenders.
#bear ([link removed]) #katmai ([link removed]) #alaska ([link removed]) #nature ([link removed])
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