- Desert Environmental News
- Posts
- Desert News, 7/8
Desert News, 7/8
still hot
Fire risk closes section of Joshua Tree National Park over July 4 weekend
The popular Covington Flat area, home to some of the park’s oldest and largest Joshua trees, was shut to reduce fire risk over the holiday weekend.
Brutal heat doesn't keep visitors from Death Valley and other parks. Here's what to know.
Good ideas for coping with extreme heat, and Death Valley isn’t the only place you’ll need to watch your step.
Thank you for reading Desert News. This post is public so feel free to share it.
Motorcycle tour of Death Valley turns fatal as thermometer cracks 128 degrees
One motorcyclist dies and another is hospitalized with severe heat injury after encountering record temperatures at Badwater in Death Valley National Park.
Feds tout Colorado River deal despite concern over residents, wildlife near Salton Sea
The largest water rights holder on the Colorado River is set to agree on a plan to conserve as much as 300,000 acre-feet. Environmental justice activists, who fear environmental analysis is getting the short end of the stick, want to see the details.
Remains of 14 migrants found in Arizona desert in June, 57 so far this year
According to the nonprofit, Humane Borders, 57 human remains have been found in the desert so far this year. Last month, they recorded 14, up from three in May.
The Sonoran Desert Toad’s Psychedelic Secrets Could Be The Mental Health Breakthrough We’ve Been Waiting For
You still shouldn’t bother the toads, but researchers using a synthetic version of the toads’ potent neurotoxin see lots of potential in the drug for improving mental health.
Conservation group seeks Endangered Species Act protections for Nevada desert fish
“The Amargosa River is in the crosshairs of the international gold-mining industry, and the Oasis Valley speckled dace could be its first casualty,” said Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “If we don’t take immediate action, we could lose this biologically important little fish and the precious, rare desert springs it needs for survival.”
Parks pay heavy price in Clark County’s $80 million Red Rock development settlement
A developer gets paid for losing the chance to build yet mor suburbs encroaching on Las Vegas’ natural crown jewel, and more than half the cash is coming out of parks’ budgets.
Lawmakers join ‘critical’ fight against lithium drilling near Ash Meadows
Nevada’s Washington delegation is urging the Interior Department to call a halt to new mining near Ash Meadows.
Conservation groups say Arizona uranium mine threatens Grand Canyon, ask Hobbs to intervene
Seems like everyone in Arizona opposes the Pinyon Plain uranium mine just outside of Grand Canyon National Park. Everyone, that is, aside from the mine’s owners, and the Arizona Governor.
Terlingua raises the alarm about potential Dollar General in South Brewster County
The shabby retail behemoth has its sights on the tiny West Texas community outside Big Bend National Park.
BLM and Garfield County continue sparring match over Hole-in-the-Rock Road
The County wants to pave sections of the historic road due to increased traffic. The BLM, which manages the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, says that’s a good idea, but the county has to follow federal law to get the job done.
Utah Conservation Corps makes ongoing efforts of ‘full restoration’ in Moab
The UCC jumped into cleaning up Moab after dramatic flooding last month. But they’re not newcomers to oing good work to restore the local landscape.
How Great Salt Lake dust impacts people of color
Study: A depleted lake and resulting dust pollution affects Latinx and Pacific Islander communities more than others.