"Along most of the Atlantic coast, alewives are struggling after decades of damming and overfishing. But in Maine, the fish is rebounding—and towns’ historic harvests are growing."
"State regulators have approved exploratory drilling near the headwaters of the rugged flow that inspired “A River Runs Through It,” which is still recovering from a mining disaster more than 50 years ago."
The spike in prices at the pump in recent months, thanks largely to the U.S.’s war with Iran, offers energy and environment reporters numerous local reporting angles, writes the latest TipSheet. A quick perspective and backstory, then more than a dozen story ideas to pursue, smart questions to ask and useful reporting resources to tap.
"This summer, Yosemite national park has been rife with traffic jams and throngs of visitors. Can these popular national treasures withstand a future of strained resources?"
"Temperatures on the ocean surface have hit a record high, raising fears of another burst of extreme heat this summer." "European scientists warn of consequences for weather patterns, the global climate and marine life"
"National parks are full of awe, discovery, and even mystery. ... For the past 21 years, the National Parks Traveler has worked to keep the public informed not only on these aspects of the National Park System but on how the National Park Service and Congress have managed these incredible lands that are owned by the American taxpayers. ... Today, however, the Traveler is suspending operations due to insufficient funding."
"When President Donald Trump nominated Kevin Lilly last year to oversee management of the nation’s wildlife refuges and national parks, conservation advocacy organizations raised concerns over how his lack of public lands experience would impact the Department of the Interior’s conservation commitments."
"Donald Trump’s network of family businesses — and network of US government deals with those businesses — is mind-bogglingly wide. A New York Times investigation reveals his sons’ latest venture: tungsten mining in Kazakhstan."
"As the Trump administration censors history on parks and public lands — a move out of the autocrats’ playbook — people have six ways to honor and defend our shared history."
"In its 52 years, the Endangered Species Act has been a muscular protector of vulnerable plants and animals, invoked to stymie roads, development, and logging or shipping patterns, and shielding entire areas from activity that could edge those species toward extinction. Shifting the political winds to target the landmark law’s clout, the Trump administration has sought more leeway for energy, mining, and other industries that the ESA has interfered with in the name of protecting vulnerable species."
