Reviving local saw mills could limit fire danger in the Rocky Mountain Region
Saw mills are re-opening in Wyoming and Colorado after a decade of being shuttered. They’re harvesting and processing trees that have been killed by beetle infestation. Still, many are suitable for lumber. Wyoming Public Radio’s Rebecca Martinez reports that this uptick in the timber business is helping with forest fire management.
Researchers try curbing West Nile with fish, to protect sage grouse
One of the main things that threatens sage grouse is human development and fragmentation of their habitat. But another big worry is West Nile Virus. The disease is carried by mosquitoes, and researchers are now testing a new method for keeping mosquitoes in check. Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden spoke with Brad Fedy, who’s leading the project. He says West Nile Virus is a major concern for sage grouse.
Thriving trona industry could face threats from environmental regulations
Trona mining is a widely forgotten part of the state’s extraction industries. But in Sweetwater County, it’s a big deal. Just west of Green River, there’s a hidden labyrinth of tunnels far below I-80. And the industry is a major part of the county’s economy. But some worry that environmental issues could be a major burden for trona mining. Amanda Le Claire has more.
Wilson resident authors Yellowstone and Grand Teton field guide
Kurt Johnson of Wilson is the author of a new field guide for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden spoke with Johnson about the book. He says that while there were already a lot of field guides for those parks, he felt he could still add something.
Albany County authorities train together to take on an active shooter
Ever since the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado, law enforcement agencies across Wyoming have been have been preparing for how they might handle an active shooter situation. This summer, authorities from agencies across Albany County gathered in Laramie for some high intensity training… together. Rebecca Martinez reports.
WYOMING STORIES: Former Heart Mountain internees remember life at the camp
During World War II, thousands of Japanese Americans were incarcerated at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center, near Cody. Heart Mountain was one of 10 internment camps across the U.S. There is now a museum on the site, and each year, the Heart Mountain Foundation hosts a pilgrimage. During this year’s pilgrimage, Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden sat down with several former internees and produced this piece.
Conservationist walks from Mexico to Canada to promote habitat preservation
John Davis is a conservationist and co-founder of the Wildlands Network conservation organization. He’s currently on a 5,000 mile international route from Mexico, through the Western US, and up to Canada, mostly on foot. He’s working with various environmental groups as he makes his way across North America. The idea is to promote an international, continuous area where wildlife can move freely. Wyoming Public Radio’s Irina Zhorov caught up with Davis as he made his way across the Red Desert.
Laramie’s multiplying rabbits: what’s to blame?
Laramie residents have been noticing more rabbits than usual in town this year. Some experts say it’s because there are fewer predators, but others aren’t so sure. Wyoming Public Radio’s Chelsea Biondolillo reports.
