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Nature and Environment

People line up to try and land an old tire on the BICAS cactus.

I’m taking this way too seriously as an adult: The growth of mountain biking in Arizona

Mar 14, 2024 In two very different stories about one of America's fastest-growing sports, we head to a 24-hour mountain bike relay race. Then we talk to some of the people behind a documentary about spreading mountain biking on the Navajo Nation.
Water enters an irrigation canal on the Gila River Indian Reservation on May 7, 2021. The Gila River Indian Community is among the most important tribal players in ongoing negotiations about using water from the Colorado River.

Gila River Indian Community says it doesn't support latest Colorado River sharing proposals

Mar 14, 2024 The tribe is among the most prominent of the 30 federally-recognized tribes that use the Colorado River.
Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks at the The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Water Resources Reach Center 2024 Annual Conference: Implementing Water Solutions through Partnerships on March 13, 2024.

Gov. Hobbs says she would veto Republican water bill

Mar 13, 2024 Hobbs said the bill would bill would favor corporations, hurt small farmers.
Sonoran Desert National Monument.

Balancing Act: The proposed Public Lands Rule aims to transform Bureau of Land Management’s stewardship

Mar 11, 2024 The new rule seeks to redefine priorities and practices at the nation’s largest land manager
Stacks of hay bales sit beside an irrigation canal in Imperial Valley on June 20, 2023. Critics have called for reductions to the amount of alfalfa grown with Colorado River water. The particularly thirsty crop is mostly used for cattle feed.

Saudi company quits pumping in Butler Valley Basin, but still has other land holdings

Mar 7, 2024 Canceled and not renewed leases make up roughly one-third of Fondomonte's owned and leased land.
Vicki Lewis starring as Maria Callas in Arizona Theatre Company's production of "Master Class"

The life and loves of virtuoso Maria Callas explored in the play "Master Class".

Mar 6, 2024 Also on Arizona Spotlight: The International Uranium Film Festival returns to Tucson; the comedy of Elliot Glicksman; and "Stories That Soar!" looks at how children cope with depression.
These two Mexican gray wolf pups and siblings were born at the Wolf Conservation Center in New York. They are considered "neonatal" and less than 14 days old.

Annual survey highlights positive trends in Mexican Wolf population recovery

Mar 6, 2024 Conservation efforts show encouraging results with cross-fostering and breeding initiatives
Bands of discolored rock show that Lake Powell's water levels are lower than they have been for much of its past.

Bureau of Reclamation announces new water conservation agreements

Mar 6, 2024 Looks to conserve 3 million-acre-feet of Colorado River water through 2026
A boat ramp, once partially submerged under Lake Powell, sticks out of the water on April 10, 2023. The nation's second-largest reservoir, which is filled by the Colorado River, has reached record low levels in recent years. Policymakers are stuck in a standoff about how to reduce demand on the reservoir and river.

Colorado River states to submit competing proposals ahead of deadline for draft of new rules

Mar 5, 2024 The states haven't agreed on a plan.
White House Senior Advisor Tom Perez at a news conference with Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. February 20, 2024

The Buzz: What happens when Washington comes to town?

Feb 23, 2024 The Buzz rides along as a federal advisor goes on a tour with city officials.
The entrance to Saguaro National Park east.

Arizona secures $10.3 million investment for ecosystem restoration

Feb 22, 2024 The federal investment strengthens conservation efforts and combats invasive threats
The entrance of the South32 Hermosa mine site, a critical minerals project that looks to source manganese and zinc.

Santa Cruz County greenlights consultant for Hermosa Mine Project, sparks debate on environmental priorities

Feb 20, 2024 Stephanie Smith’s appointment calls for a pause, demanding a thorough evaluation of Hermosa Mine’s community and environmental impact
The Altar Valley Middle School student council volunteer in the 2024 All the Way to the Border cleanup of Highway 286.

Diverse community comes together to clean up rural highway

Feb 20, 2024 Every year people of different ideologies come together in Southern Arizona for the highway cleanup from Three Points, through the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and to Sasabe and the always changing border.
The hydropower company Nature and People First had proposed a "pumped storage" project in the Black Mesa area on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. Indigenous advocates are celebrating a decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that prevents the development from going forward.

Federal energy regulators deny permits for a controversial project on the Navajo Nation

Feb 19, 2024 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said it was establishing a new policy about cooperation with Tribes.
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive at the Fox Tucson Theatre, February 18.

Mandy Patinkin shares stories and laughter.

Feb 14, 2024 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Being last in line to get water from the Colorado River; and four short films debut at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center.
Climber Nicki Manzanares prepares to belay for another climber up a climbing route on Mount Lemmon. The belayer on the ground supports the climber above from falling with the help of the anchors in the rock wall. Photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024.

Arizona rock climbers speak out against National Park Service

Feb 11, 2024 The anchors used by climbers is the issue.

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