Urbanization
Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park: Breaking Bones and Belaying Friendships
By Tim Royan | Monday, July 15, 2019
Todd Gordon and Tucker Tech pioneered many of the routes in Joshua Tree National Park, as visitors surge to nearly 3 million a year. The two climbers trace the evolution of the sport through their 40-year friendship.
Long Beach’s Coast is Polluted. This Pile of Gnarly Rocks is Part of the Reason.
By Lita Martinez | Monday, July 8, 2019
The breakwater was designed primarily to stop treacherous ocean waves from regularly flooding the coastline, but it also led to widespread trash and pollution along the beaches.
Last Resorts: The West’s Rural Outdoor Paradises are Getting Richer
By Nate Hegyi | Wednesday, July 3, 2019
A new report documents how wealthier Americans have been flocking to small, recreation-focused communities across the West, ever since the end of the last recession.
Prescott National Park Bans Camping in Verde Valley for 2 Years, Cites Human Impact
By Chloe Jones | Friday, June 28, 2019
It’s a dispersed camping area, meaning the Forest Service does not collect trash or provide bathrooms. Since May 2018, park workers have removed 8,500 pounds of trash and waste.
Chemical Retardant Used to Fight Wildfires Could Pose Harm, Group Says
By Amanda Slee | Friday, June 28, 2019
Fire retardant is one tactic used to battle wildfires across the west. But this mixture of water and chemicals has raised questions about possible environmental dangers.
One of California’s Most Beautiful Bodies of Water is Filled with Plastic
By Jacob Margolis | Monday, June 24, 2019
The tiny pieces of plastic in Monterey Bay are smaller than a grain of rice and have been discovered floating as deep as 3,800 feet.
U.S. Recycling Begins Infrastructure Development to Solve China Crisis
By Heather van Blokland | Monday, June 24, 2019
RECOVER stands for Realizing the Economic Opportunities and Value of Expanding Recycling, part of a long-term plan to end U.S. recycling’s dependence on China.
Poop on Public Lands Prompts Feds to Clamp Down on Dispersed Camping
By Nate Hegyi | Friday, June 14, 2019
Trampled vegetation, improperly buried human waste and growing crowds have all spurred the Bureau of Land Management to propose restricting some dispersed camping areas.