Environmental groups challenged a decision to allow 72 grizzly bears to be killed to accommodate livestock grazing in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest, near Yellowstone National Park.
Rocky Mountain Forests
Climate, forests, ecology highlight Rocky Mountain science research
By studying a tree’s physiology, scientists are trying to determine how forests adapt to rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and higher temperatures. By quantifying these effects, scientists hope to ascertain a forest’s ability to acclimate.
Researchers studying High Park Fire’s effect on mercury levels in Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins
Scientists are measuring mercury levels in a reservoir near Fort Collins to determine the impact of the High Park Fire.
Fire suppression, human activity among factors for West’s large forest fires, study finds
Research derived from ponderosa pine forests in the Southwest indicates that while low-severity surface fires are common historically, today’s large-scale forest fires are enabled by fire-suppression efforts and other human activities.
USFS releases final EIS for 2012 Colorado Roadless Rule; environmentalists cite progress, lament loopholes
While 4.2 million acres of national forest land is declared roadless, the 2012 rule allows for energy development and road construction in some areas.
Large-scale forest biomass production unsustainable, bioenergy researchers determine
A move toward industrial-scale bioenergy using forest biomass could negatively impact ecosystem diversity.
Expanded range, increased breeding may explain scope of massive Mountain West pine beetle infestation, CU study finds
Research suggest that mountain pine beetles are maturing faster than previously thought with two generations of young bugs attacking vulnerable pine forests throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West.