Arizona: Forest Service grazing plan deemed illegal

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Chiricahua leopard frog. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. FOREST SERVICE.

SUMMIT COUNTY — As so many times before, a federal court has overturned a U.S. Forest Service grazing permit because federal land managers violated the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

The court ruling at least temporarily blocks cattle grazing on 42,000 acres in the Fossil Creek watershed on the Coconino National Forest in central Arizona. The drainage is a stronghold for threatened Chiricahua leopard frogs. Download a copy of the ruling here. The Forest Service has made great efforts to help with the recovery of the frogs elsewhere in Arizona. (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, endangered species, Environment, Summit County news, US Forest Service | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Right whales make comeback in New Zealand

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

A North Atlantic right whale and calf. PHOTO COURTESY NOAA.

Remnant individuals recolonizing former habitat after whale slaughter of the 19th century

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Marine researchers are tracking an encouraging comeback of right whales along the coast of New Zealand, where up to 30,000 of sociable and playful animals use to gather and breed before they were slaughtered to near-extinction by whalers in the 19th century.

A study published last month has shown for the first time that whales from a small surviving population around remote, sub-Antarctic islands have found their way back to the New Zealand mainland. The findings were published in Marine Ecology Progress Series.

Before the onslaught of whaling, historical evidence suggests that right whales frequented New Zealand’s many sandy, well-protected bays to give birth and raise their calves. As a particularly social and acrobatic species, they could be seen from shore as they frolicked, slapped their tails and breached almost entirely out of the water. (more…)

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Beluga whales get critical habitat protection in Alaska

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

A pod of beluga whales.

State challenging feds on listing of genetically distinct population of marine mammals near Anchorage

By Summit Voice

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SUMMIT COUNTY — Despite a pending challenge from the State of Alaska, the National Marine Fisheries Service last week took a huge step to protect the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale by designating 3,013 square miles of critical habitat in upper Cook Inlet, near Anchorage, Alaska. The rare white whales are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

The rule finalizes critical habitat first proposed in December 2009, following a notice of intent to sue by the Center for Biological Diversity.  The designation means the federal government can’t approve any action that would adversely modify the habitat. Environmental groups say endangered species with critical habitat protections are more than twice as likely to recover than those without it.

“The designation of critical habitat for the Cook Inlet beluga whale gives this highly imperiled whale a real chance of recovery,” said Rebecca Noblin, Alaska director at the Center. “The Fisheries Service has thrown Cook Inlet belugas a much-needed lifeline.” (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, endangered species, Environment, Marine biology | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Colorado Division of Wildlife eyes wolverine restoration

Posted on November 14, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Colorado Division of Wildlife biologists are studying the feasibility of restoring wolverines to the state. PHOTO BY ZAC DOWLING, VIA THE CREATIVE COMMONS.

State wildlife officials are holding early discussions on the feasibility of a wolverine restoration program; Nov. 14 PBS program highlights wolverine conservation — see a trailer here

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — Colorado wildlife biologists are in the early stages of determining whether it’s possible to restore a wolverine population in the state, and there have already been some preliminary talks with stakeholder groups to get some feedback.

“This summer, the wildlife commission gave permission to talk about what a wolverine reintroduction might look like,” said Theo Stein, director of external affairs for the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

The discussions are based on a 1990s study that looked at lynx and wolverines. At the time, the agency decided to move ahead with a lynx recovery program and set aside the question of wolverines for a while, Stein explained. With the lynx program shifting gears into a more passive monitoring phase, Stein said the time could be ripe to bring another native carnivore back to the Colorado Rockies. (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, Colorado Division of Wildlife, endangered species, Environment, Summit County Colorado, wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Bear blog: Alberta grizzlies get more protection

Posted on June 6, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Grizzlies were declared a threatened species in Alberta last week. PHOTO COURTESY THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.

Bear tracking pays off in Aspen

A long-term wildlife study in the Aspen area shows that bears prefer natural food and tend to stay out of town when berries are plentiful, according to an Aspen Times story by Scott Condon.

The research was conducted by tagging bears and tracking their movements. One female tracked since 2005 frequently visited the town to search for food in years when natural food crops failed. In other years, the bear rarely ventured into town.

The study seems to reinforce what wildlife managers have been saying all along: Troublesome human-bear conflicts can be avoided by making sure that trash, bird feeders and backyard grills are kept away from the animals — especially in years when natural food is scarce. Read the whole story here.

More on Alberta grizzlies and polar bears after the break … (more…)

Filed under: Colorado Division of Wildlife, Environment, Summit County Colorado, wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

BLM’s North Park oil lease plan challenged

Posted on April 29, 2010 by Bob Berwyn
Independence Mountain, in North Park near Walden, Colorado is at-risk from energy development

Independence Mountain, in North Park, is a cherished wildlife area that could be impacted by proposed oil development leases. PHOTO BY MARC HONNECKE.

Greater sage-grouse habitat and other natural resource values at-risk; conservation groups and residents ask BLM to delay leases until the agency completes new management plan

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — With oil and gas development set to increase in Jackson County, environmental groups, along with hunters and anglers, are sounding the alarm.

At risk are watersheds that provide habitat for  cutthroat trout, which were introduced to the area and have become an important game fish in North Park. Cutthroat are the only trout native to Colorado and are threatened due to warming waters, diversions and water quality impacts. Habitat for elk, deer, moose and greater sage-grouse could also be lost or degraded from habitat fragmentation commonly associated with energy development.

Top federal officials recently announced that greater sage-grouse qualify for protection under the Endangered Species Act, but that the birds will have to wait in line behind other species. In the meantime, the U.S. Department of Interior said it would work closely with state agencies and private landowners to develop collaborative conservation plans.

The Bureau of Land Management is preparing offer up numerous Jackson County parcels for oil and gas development in a May 13 lease sale, and officials with the agency said they’ve been careful to avoid sensitive areas.

The proposed lease area is about 15 miles northwest of Walden, Colo., in a part of North Park considered one of the most biologically rich areas of the state. (more…)

Filed under: energy, Environment, gas drilling | Tagged: , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

CDOW looking for wildlife volunteers

Posted on March 31, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Hungry bears will soon be coming out of hibernation, leading to the chance for unwanted conflicts with humans. PHOTO COURTESY COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE.

Training session set for April 8 in Frisco

By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — The Colorado Division of Wildlife is looking for volunteers in Summit County to serve on local Wildlife Transport and Bear Aware teams. An informational and recruitment meeting will be held April 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Buffalo Mountain Room at the County Commons in Frisco.

The Summit County Wildlife Rescue team is a volunteer group that works with Division of Wildlife staff to respond to injured wildlife and transport those animals to DOW offices, veterinarians or rehabilitation facilities. The Summit County Bear Aware team is a group of volunteers who educate homeowners and visitors about ways to reduce black bear conflict in the area.

Bear Aware is a statewide network of volunteers trained by the Colorado Division of Wildlife  who help their neighbors and communities prevent problems for themselves and for bears. Our Bear Aware program was founded in 1998.

Today there are over 220 volunteers dedicated to helping people coexist with bears. Bear Aware volunteers can answer questions, offer practical advice and even make house calls. They also do educational programs and staff informational booths at events. To find a Bear Aware volunteer in your area or join or form a Bear Aware team, call your local office.

Spring is a critical time for the Bear Aware teams, as the animals begin to wake from their long hibernation. Learn more about living with bears here.

Colorado State University’s Extension program also maintains web information on Colorado’s bears.

For more information about the Summit County Transport or Bear Aware teams, contact the Division of Wildlife in Hot Sulphur Springs at (970) 725-6200.

Filed under: Colorado Division of Wildlife, Summit County Colorado, wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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