Water and Environment

The Buzz: Willcox community members talk about the AMA

People express trepidation and hope about the future of water in northern Cochise County.

AZ Game and Fish Commission to hear petition that aims to ban dog packs used for hunting

Wildlife advocates say hounding endangers rare species.

NOAA contracts are being reviewed one by one, throwing the agency into chaos

"Lots of stuff will break," a NOAA staffer said. "It's just a matter of time."

UCLA Study: Wastewater reuse could offset Colorado River water crisis

Arizona and Nevada lead in wastewater recycling but other states lag far behind, researchers find.

A biotech company says it has bred three pups with traits of the extinct dire wolf

Colossal Biosciences says it used novel gene-editing technology to alter gray wolf DNA.

As honeybees die off again, some bee enthusiasts want to give mason bees a chance

Mason bees are among the 4,000 types of bees native to the U.S., they are known to be shy and rarely sting.

The unique genetic change that turned horses into athletic powerhouses

Horses are exceptional athletes, able to push their large bodies farther and faster than many other animals.

The Buzz: Wildfire and home insurance

As wildfires grow in frequency, some homeowners say they are losing their insurance.

Nogales, Son., named 2024 Tree Cities of the World

An international program has named Nogales, Sonora, as one of the 2024 Tree Cities of the World due to the city’s recent efforts to maintain and manage its urban forests and trees.

Conservation nonprofit in Southern Arizona faces $1.2 million federal funding freeze

Borderlands Restoration Network fights to keep critical wildlife corridors and watershed projects alive amid funding uncertainty.

Rep. Ciscomani introduces border security bill to expand CBP access on federal lands

The FLASH Act proposes road construction, infrastructure and stricter land management along the U.S.- Mexico border.

Does the narwhal's famous tusk help it catch fish?

Intriguing video of narwhals using their tusks to mess with fish has scientists speculating about what this behavior might mean.

Federal lease terminations threaten five National Park Service facilities in Arizona

Cuts could disrupt visitor experiences, scientific research and park operations.

BLM opens Environmental Assessment for Copper Creek Mine Project to public comment

Located in Arizona’s rugged Sky Islands, the proposed copper mine could impact ecosystem and water resources.

The Buzz: Preventing catastrophic wildfires

A look at how wildfires became more intense, and what we're doing to combat it.

Arizona bill to protect hunting with dogs fails by narrow house vote, will be reconsidered

Lawmakers narrowly rejected a proposal to safeguard hound hunting while conservationists push for stricter regulations.

Pima County publishes 2023 Multi-Species Conservation Plan report

The county’s latest report highlights habitat protection, invasive species removal and wildlife monitoring.

Tucson launches first electric garbage truck in move toward 2030 EV fleet goal

City officials want to cut emissions to improve public health.

Saguaro National Park visitor centers to close Mondays amid National Park Service layoffs

Two visitor center staff laid off ahead of busy tourism season.

'It was the very beginning of my career': National Park Service layoffs impact Southern Arizona

National park job cuts spark concerns over conservation, tourism and the future of public lands.

Tucson leaders push for support to expand clean energy

Climate change is straining healthcare systems– advocates say clean energy can help.

Meet your feisty neighborhood felines in the Tucson area

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are surviving and flourishing in urban settings, despite real challenges.

AZ House lawmaker asks that feds waive Endangered Species Act for military

Gail Griffin's bill would send a letter with the request to the president and both chambers of Congress.

ADEQ approves South32 Hermosa Project expansion for tailings storage

South32 secures amendment to Aquifer Protection Permit.

Poetry in Parks – U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón Visits Tucson

In December of 2024 the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón visited Tucson, Arizona to dedicate a picnic table as part of her Poetry in Parks initiative.

Desert Plants – Brittlebush

Brittlebush is a tough desert shrub that provides visual appeal and attracts pollinators while being drought-tolerant and relatively easy to grow.

Desert Plants – Baja Ruellia

Residents in Sonoran Desert cities such as Tucson have a huge palate of native and drought-adapted plants they can grow, providing habitat for wildlife and visual appeal for people. Baja ruellia is an option.

Ironwood Pig Sanctuary

Mary Schanz and her team care for 680 pigs in Marana, making Ironwood the largest pot-belly pig sanctuary in the country.

Snow4Flow: Studying Glaciers From Arizona

Snow4Flow is a new University of Arizona-led NASA mission to study arctic glaciers using advanced radar mounted on low-flying aircraft, with the goal of improving climate modeling and predicting sea level rise.

Desert Plants – Turpentine Bush

The Turpentine bush (Ericameria laricifolia) is a tough shrub in our region.