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Mountain West Lawmakers Seek New Funding for Wildlife Crossings to Reduce Collisions

Mountain West Lawmakers Seek New Funding for Wildlife Crossings to Reduce Collisions

Lawmakers in the Mountain West region are advocating for increased funding to construct wildlife crossings, such as bridges and tunnels, to mitigate the high number of wildlife-vehicle collisions. These structures have proven effective, with a project in northern Colorado reducing such crashes by 92% over five years. The initiative is gaining traction, with a bipartisan bill in Colorado proposing an optional $5 fee on vehicle registrations to fund additional crossings. This proposal follows the failure of a similar measure with a mandatory fee last year. The bill has already passed two Senate committees and could generate approximately $4 million annually. Federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has been instrumental in supporting these projects, but as state budgets tighten, creative funding solutions are necessary.

USDA-ARS National Laboratory Preserves Genetic Resources for Future Agricultural Challenges

USDA-ARS National Laboratory Preserves Genetic Resources for Future Agricultural Challenges

The USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation (NLGRP) in Ft. Collins, Colorado, plays a crucial role in maintaining a vast collection of plant and animal genetic material. Founded in 1958, the facility supports U.S. agriculture by storing seeds and other genetic resources to aid crop improvement and ensure genetic diversity. The NLGRP uses advanced cryopreservation techniques to store genetic material, which can remain viable for centuries. This preservation effort is vital for addressing future agricultural challenges, such as climate change, pests, and diseases.

USDA-ARS National Laboratory Preserves Genetic Resources for Agricultural Resilience

USDA-ARS National Laboratory Preserves Genetic Resources for Agricultural Resilience

The USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation (NLGRP) in Ft. Collins, Colorado, plays a crucial role in maintaining a vast collection of plant and animal genetic material. Founded in 1958, the facility supports U.S. agriculture by preserving genetic diversity to aid in crop improvement and disease resistance. The NLGRP stores seeds, animal semen, and eggs under cryogenic conditions, ensuring their viability for future use. This genetic repository is vital for plant breeders and researchers who aim to enhance disease, weather, and pest resistance in crops.

USDA Workforce Cuts Impact Small Farmers, Favor Large Operations

USDA Workforce Cuts Impact Small Farmers, Favor Large Operations

The USDA has significantly reduced its workforce, cutting 21% of its employees and eliminating a $300 million program for new farmers. These changes have disproportionately affected small-scale farmers, who rely on USDA services for conservation and technical assistance. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, which supports farmers with soil health and conservation practices, lost about 950 employees. The cuts have redirected funding towards larger agricultural operations, reducing support for small and mid-size farms that are more likely to adopt climate-smart practices.

Offensive Big Board 1.0: Michigan Football recruiting targets in 2027 class

Offensive Big Board 1.0: Michigan Football recruiting targets in 2027 class

This is the first edition of the Offensive Big Board for Michigan’s 2027 recruiting class by Maize n Brew.

As Trump throws lifeline to coal plants, critics warn of higher costs and health risks

As Trump throws lifeline to coal plants, critics warn of higher costs and health risks

The Trump administration is using emergency powers and subsidies to keep U.S. coal plants running

How US communities have responded to plans to convert warehouses into immigration detention centers

How US communities have responded to plans to convert warehouses into immigration detention centers

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is reviewing plans to convert warehouses into detention facilities for immigrants

Coalition Appeals Against Utah Groundwater Pipeline Amid Rising Water Tensions

Coalition Appeals Against Utah Groundwater Pipeline Amid Rising Water Tensions

A coalition of counties, ranchers, and water advocates in Utah and Nevada is challenging the federal approval of the Pine Valley Water Supply Project, a proposed 66-mile groundwater pipeline in southern Utah. The Bureau of Land Management approved the project on March 2, aiming to address increasing water demand in the Cedar City area due to population growth. Opponents argue that the federal review was inadequate, citing flawed science and insufficient consideration of impacts on aquifers and ecosystems. The coalition has appealed to the Interior Board of Land Appeals to pause the project while the case is reviewed.

Ranking the Big 12 Quarterbacks in 2026: Where Does BYU’s Bear Bachmeier Stand?

Ranking the Big 12 Quarterbacks in 2026: Where Does BYU’s Bear Bachmeier Stand?

The 2026 football season is still several months away. So what season is it? It’s ranking season. Yes, it’s time to rank the Big 12 quarterbacks who are projected to start for their respective programs in 2026. There is massive turnover in the Big 12 in regards to starting quarterbacks. Fortunately for BYU, that does […]

Colorado's Record Low Snowpack Signals Intensifying Drought and Water Shortages in the West

Colorado's Record Low Snowpack Signals Intensifying Drought and Water Shortages in the West

Colorado is experiencing its worst snowpack since recordkeeping began in 1941, with snow accumulations peaking a month early and containing only half the average moisture. This development is part of a broader trend of warm winters and early spring heat, leading to rapid snowmelt and exacerbating drought conditions across the western United States. Cities in the region, such as Denver and Salt Lake City, are implementing water-use restrictions to manage the dwindling water supply. Ranchers in Colorado's mountain valleys are particularly affected, facing challenges in feeding and watering their cattle due to dry conditions. The situation is compounded by the looming threat of wildfires, as hot and dry weather persists.

'Mormon Wives' star Taylor Frankie Paul can't have unsupervised visits with toddler son, court rules

'Mormon Wives' star Taylor Frankie Paul can't have unsupervised visits with toddler son, court rules

A Utah court commissioner says Taylor Frankie Paul, star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” can't have unsupervised time with her 2-year-old son

Record Warmth Forces Western Ski Resorts into Survival Mode

Record Warmth Forces Western Ski Resorts into Survival Mode

Unusually warm temperatures are impacting ski resorts across the western United States, leading to a shift in traditional skiing attire and operations. Skiers have been seen wearing swimsuits and shirtless outfits as the heat melts snow, forcing many resorts to close early or delay openings. At Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, crews are moving snow from remote areas to keep trails open. In Colorado, less than 20% of trails remain open at some resorts, with dirt patches replacing snow-covered slopes. Despite these conditions, some skiers are embracing the change, swapping winter gear for swimwear. The ski industry is adapting by targeting younger visitors with reduced prices and new activities.