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Nature and Environment

Drought conditions continue to worsen throughout the desert southwest. More than 68 percent of the Colorado River watershed is experiencing drought conditions classified as severe or worse.

Colorado River Forecast Worsens as Mountain Snow Starts to Melt

May 8, 2018 Tributaries in surrounding states are all projected to flow at below-average levels.
The late-afternoon sun on Lake Powell, April 2018.

Outlook for Colorado River This Year Remains Grim

May 7, 2018 April storms did not produce much snow to feed the Southwest's most vital river, agency says.
A Patagonia eyed silkmoth

Environmental Groups Plan to Sue to Protect Moth Found in Arizona

May 7, 2018 Group claims the Patagonia eyed silkmoth's lone U.S. habitat is a site near Patagonia.
The bright sun sets behind some trees near Soleng Tom Elementary School on Tucson's east side.

Hot Weather Forecast Warms Up Urban Planning Research

May 4, 2018 UA team investigating solutions to daily buildup of city heat.
Firefighters battle the Lizard Fire on a smoky hillside, 2017.

Managers Encourage Prevention Amid Growing Fire Seasons

May 3, 2018 One study predicts the area burned by fires will be six times larger in two decades.
Snow on Mount Lemmon, May 1, 2018.

Weather Extremes Are Part of Tucson Spring

May 2, 2018 Snow on Mt Lemmon, 100 degrees in Tucson, in the same week
Water is released from Lake Mead outside Las Vegas through Hoover Dam. The reservoir's level is at the center of a dispute over water conservation between the river's Upper and Lower Basin states, February 18, 2018.

Western Water Managers Meet To Relieve Colorado River Tension

May 2, 2018 Issue not resolved, but officials expressed regret over how the conversation about water release practices has played out.
A helicopter helps battle the Tinder Fire, in north-central Arizona, April 30, 2018.

Arizona Wildfire Grows but Weather Conditions Improve

May 1, 2018 The so-called Tinder Fire had consumed almost 18 square miles south of Flagstaff by Tuesday morning.
A fire truck returns after responding to the Frye Fire in the Pinaleño Mountains.

Fire Starts on Mount Lemmon

Apr 30, 2018 Smoke from the "Bug" Fire was visible from Tucson Monday.
Google Maps image showing the location of the Buenavista del Cobre mine in the Mexican State of Sonora.

Mexico's Supreme Court To Hear Sonora Acid Spill Cases

Apr 30, 2018 Cases revolve around management of money for victims and extent of impact.
Seal of the Environmental Protection Agency.

City Receives $300K EPA Grant for Soil Studies on 12th Ave

Apr 30, 2018 Money comes from the agency's Brownfields program.
Downtown traffic at Congress and the Freeway

Ozone Expected to Reach Problematic Levels in Tucson Tuesday

Apr 24, 2018 Ground-level ozone issues created by a mix of solar intensity and fossil-fuel emissions.
Coronado Farms, about 18 minutes south of Willcox milks 7.500 cows twice a day.

Rethinking Groundwater Use in Willcox

Apr 23, 2018 Some farmers respond as water levels drop in an area sustained economically by agriculture.
A man rests in the shade on a hot day in Tucson.

Hot Summer Could Mean Strong Monsoon

Apr 23, 2018 Hotter-than-normal June expected to usher in average or above-average rain season.
A fire truck returns after responding to the Frye Fire in the Pinaleño Mountains.

Dry Weather Pushing Tucson Area to Peak Wildfire Season

Apr 19, 2018 Lack of moisture, high temperatures and windy days make for prime fire conditions.
Boulder Basin at Lake Mead.

Feud Erupts Between Central Arizona Project, US States Over Colorado River

Apr 18, 2018 The states are accusing CAP of manipulating supply and demand of the water.

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