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Nature and Environment

Author, poet and regular NPR commentator Kwame Alexander.

Kwame Alexander's Love Affair with Words

Feb 27, 2019 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Charles J. Babbitt's new guide for birding in Arizona; and, what's happening to planet Earth's insects?
This Environmental Protection Agency photo shows the Animas River with pollution from the Gold King Mine. The 2015 spill in Colorado impacted the Navajo Nation.

Government Watchdog: EPA Lacks Superfund Data for Tribal Sites

Feb 26, 2019 Sites in the Southwest include abandoned uranium mines and unlined landfills.
A monarch in Arizona.

Western Wildlife Agencies Finalize Monarch Butterfly Plan

Feb 25, 2019 The group, which includes Arizona Game and Fish have a conservation plan for the butterflies, which have seen plummeting populations.
Students and staff enjoy the snowfall on the University of Arizona mall. From February 22, 2019.

An Unusual Tucson Sight: Snow in the City

Feb 22, 2019 While multiple feet blanketed the mountains, flakes were falling on the city Friday morning.
The southern slope of Sentinel Peak, also known as "A Mountain," covered in buffelgrass.

Flowers and Fire: Rain a Double-Edged Sword in the Desert

Feb 22, 2019 While moisture can mean impressive wildflower blooms, recent rains are fueling invasive species that feed wildfires.
Researchers view the collective behavior of ants to search for links to human behavior.

UA Scientist Looks At Significance of Small-Scale Social Life

Feb 22, 2019 Finding clues to human intelligence in behavior of bees and ants
A plow refuels in the Flagstaff area, Feb. 21, 2019.

Snow Storm Closes Arizona Schools, Clinics

Feb 21, 2019 A record-breaking storm hit north-central Arizona on Thursday.
Arizona State Capitol building.

Bill That Nearly Scuttled Drought Plan Shelved

Feb 20, 2019 The Arizona House Speaker pulled the bill after a lengthy hearing.
Tucson woke up to snow on the Catalina Mountains. Feb. 19, 2019

Tucson's Wet Winter Continues

Feb 20, 2019 The city of Tucson expects more rain in town and snow on the mountains.
Raindrops fall in pooling water on a Tucson street.

Climatologist: Nothing Too Unusual About Arizona's Recent Weather

Feb 18, 2019 Residents of the state shouldn't be surprised about the precipitation, as it's basically where it should be.
A view of the northern end of Lake Powell, near Hite, Utah.

Arizona Lawmaker Accused of Endangering Colorado River Drought Plan

Feb 15, 2019 A Gila River Indian Community leader says proposed legislation threatens the tribe's water rights.
Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border continues to drop as snowpack declines throughout the southwestern U.S. The narrow passageway shown here in September 2018 has been rendered unusable as water levels drop.

Experts: Southwestern US Sees Some Drought Relief

Feb 15, 2019 Though climate scientists warn recent moisture isn't enough to relieve worries over the long-term water supply.
Outfitter Jim Schaafsma hands a rifle to hunter Brandon Barnwell.

In Sonora, Hunting Means Big Business and Conservation

Feb 12, 2019 State officials are estimating up to $30 million in economic impact this season.
The fate of Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona state line is one consideration in crafting drought contingency plans for the Colorado River.

What is Happening With the Colorado River Drought Plans?

Feb 7, 2019 Five states are done, but California and Arizona failed to meet a federal government deadline to wrap up negotiations and sign a final agreement.
A changing climate is prolonging and intensifying heat waves, scientists say, driving wildfires.

Agencies Rush to Get Ready for Wildfire Season Following Shutdown

Feb 4, 2019 Things like trainings, prescribed burns and hiring had to be put off during the partial government shutdown.
A narrow passageway allows boats to pass on the northern edge of Antelope Island in Lake Powell, one of the Colorado River's main reservoirs.

Not So Fast on the Drought Plan: State and Feds Disagree

Feb 1, 2019 Federal officials said Arizona did not make the deadline.

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