Environment

A federal appeals court recently backed the Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to keep the Tucson shovel-nosed snake off the endangered species list, despite advocates’ claims the Service misinterpreted key data, grouping the subspecies with other snakes that they argue are distinct.

The Tonto National Forest will have its first “fee-free” day of the year Monday, which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Shortly after the inauguration of four new members, the Scottsdale City Council voted last week to repeal a sustainability plan that had been adopted last month.

The Mexican long-nosed bat was first spotted foraging in southeastern Arizona last fall. It’s one of three nectar bats in the state. The bat was identified through collaboration with citizen scientists in the area and the Species from Feces lab at Northern Arizona University.

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum testified Thursday before members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, including U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego. He wanted to know how President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee would help tribes in Arizona if confirmed as the 55th secretary of the Interior.

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit by environmentalists that would have made the San Pedro River a state-regulated Active Management Area, or AMA.

The last time it rained in Phoenix was 145 days ago, which means we are in the third longest dry streak in our city’s history. When it comes to our city’s water supply, it doesn’t really matter — at least not yet.

A federal appeals court recently ruled that the Tucson shovel-nosed snake doesn’t qualify for protection under the Endangered Species Act, a potential conclusion to the big debate one small reptile has stirred up.

President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team named outgoing North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the agency that manages the nation’s natural and cultural resources. He’s set to replace Deb Haaland, the first Native American Interior Department secretary.

The Bureau of Land Management published an environmental review of plans for a major solar energy facility in La Paz County on Tuesday.