The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to add the monarch butterfly to a list of threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The agency says the move will bolster protection for the species and encourage its recovery.
If you live in Arizona, you’ve probably seen images of the striking orange-and-black-winged monarchs flying by the thousands en route to their winter homes in California and Mexico. It’s the only butterfly species that makes a two-way migration just like birds — with some coming from as far north as Canada.
But, environmental groups have long warned that their numbers are shrinking due to climate change. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the butterfly’s Western and Eastern populations have declined by as much as 95% since the 1980s.
The agency says adding the butterfly to the list of threatened species will afford it federal protections and ramped up conservation efforts. Public comment on the rule is open until March.
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Tucson City Council meetings were packed with residents protesting Project Blue data center residents were concerned about excessive energy and water use. -
The seven Colorado River basin states have less than a week until a deadline to put forward a plan for how to divide up water in the over-allocated river. -
The National Park Service announced the Grand Canyon is ready to reopen at least part of the trail there that is frequented by hikers — many of whom are after their elusive “rim to rim” goals. -
Matthew Olsen, associate project manager with ADEQ, says the agency is working with small water utilities outside Star Valley and Globe, where the chemicals have been found. -
Salt Lake City, Utah has a unique challenge ahead of it as it looks forward to hosting the 2034 Winter Games: Its namesake Great Salt Lake — is drying up.
