** Invasive grass species result in more frequent wildfires
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Wednesday, November 6, 2019
A characteristic sagebrush rangeland where cheatgrass has invaded and choked out native plants, causing a fire hazard.
Credit: Jaepil Cho, USDA ([link removed])
A new study finds that invasive grass species are making wildfires more frequent, especially in California.
The study ([link removed]) highlights twelve different species that are rapidly spreading across much of the United States due to climate changes and warmer weather in new areas. Regions with invasions of these grasses were found to have fires three times as frequently. One of these grasses, cheatgrass, covers nearly one third of the Intermountain West.
Researchers explain that the grasses function like kindling, causing fires to catch more readily. The areas currently burning in California are more shrubs and grasses than forests. As climate change continues unabated and invasive species spread, frequent fires such as those that now burn in California will continue to catch around the globe.
Quick hits
** Interior nominee sidesteps questions on climate impacts, relationship with oil and gas industry
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The Hill ([link removed]) | The Daily Times ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
** Trump administration schedules lease sale for Alaska lands
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Reuters ([link removed])
** Report shows low public land oil and gas leasing fees
Carlsbad Current-Angus ([link removed])
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** Senate Republican urges action on LWCF, parks bills
E ([link removed]) &E News ([link removed])
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** Trump administration snubs Native American History Month
Washington Post ([link removed])
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** Wyoming public lands face camping abuses
Wyofile ([link removed])
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** Western air quality plummeted from 2016 to 2018, caused health issues
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** M ([link removed]) other Jones ([link removed]) | E ([link removed]) &E News ([link removed])
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** Editorial: BLM land auction doesn't have Nevada's best interests at heart
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** Las Vegas Sun ([link removed])
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Quote of the day
We are very concerned about your nomination if you're not going to consider the information from scientists about the harm to wildlife. We're going to continue to be persistent on that."
—Sen. Maria Cantwell to Kate MacGregor, Interior Nominee, E ([link removed]) &E News ([link removed])
Picture this
** @N ([link removed]) atlParkService ([link removed])
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A portion of the 438 hats removed from thermal areas.
Did you know @YellowstoneNPS ([link removed]) has a specialized TAPP (Thermal Area Preservation Program) team which safely removes litter & documents resource impacts? More at [link removed] ([link removed])
#FindYourHat ([link removed]) #FindYourPark ([link removed])
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