Biodiversity: Public comment sought on proposed critical habitat designation for southwestern willow flycatcher

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Latest version of long-contested plan encompasses more than 2,000 stream miles of riparian habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to protect hundreds of miles of streamsides as critical habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher.

Southwestern willow flycatcher.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Federal biologists are moving one step closer to finalizing a critical habitat designation for the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.

In the latest version, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service wants to remove a 60-mile stretch of the Lower Colorado River from critical habitat proposed previously. A total of 2,113 stream miles are being considered for critical habitat designation.

The migratory bird depends on stream-side habitat that dwindled over the years, largely as a result of water diversions and water development projects that affected riparian areas in the Southwest. (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, endangered species, Environment, rivers, water | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Big wildfires continue in Arizona, Georgia and New Mexico

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Firefighters conduct burnout operations at the Horseshoe 2 Fire. PHOTO BY JAY LUSHER VIA INCIWEB. Click on the image to see the latest photos from the Horseshoe 2 fire.

Dry and hot conditions persist in the south-central states and the Southeast

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — The Horseshoe 2 Fire continues to burn between Portal, Arizona and Rodeo, New Mexico, but fire crews have achieved 25 percent containment, according to the latest update from the National Interagency Fire Center.

The human-started wildfire has burned across 37,500 acres since May 8. Fire officials are still investigating the cause. Current firefighting efforts are focused on burnouts along roads in the area to secure the community of Paradise. Fire behavior is moderate, as the flames make small runs in dry forest, brush and grasses.

Though fire crews have made some progress, there is still high potential for the fire to grow in extremely difficult and rugged terrain, temperatures in upper 70s and relative humidities in the low teens.

The fire is being monitored with some of the latest web-based geo-mapping tools, including Google Earth, which enables users to see the area where the fire is burning from the ground level up, in 3-D perspective. Go to the Inciweb page on the Horseshoe Fire to find all the links. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Environment, forest fires, forests, global warming | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

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