AltWeeklies Wire
Idaho's Gasland Rules Debatednew
As the state clears the path for industry to frack for natural gas, new rules neglect to specify restrictions on carcinogenic material used in fracking and now, lawmakers are proposing to strip local authority of permitting controls.
Boise Weekly |
George Prentice |
02-09-2012 |
Environment
The Dirty Dance: Idaho in the Middle of a New Coal Rushnew

Plans to bring coal trains across the Northwest raise big questions.
Boise Weekly |
Zach Hagadone |
02-01-2012 |
Environment
Uphill Battlenew

A proposed North Idaho wilderness area hangs on bureaucracy, politics and old habits.
Boise Weekly |
Zach Hagadone |
10-19-2011 |
Environment
Your Place or Mine?new

As the EPA mulls more cleanup in North Idaho, residents say the agency has worn out its welcome. With lead levels under control, the area has an eye on tourism to bolster its stagnant economy.
Boise Weekly |
Zach Hagadone |
01-20-2011 |
Environment
Cow Country: The Rise of the CAFO in Idahonew

As mega-dairies and feedlots make up more of Idaho's dairy industry, the conflicts between people and cattle are increasing.
Boise Weekly |
Scott Weaver |
09-02-2010 |
Environment
Tags: CAFO
Predator and Prey: Finding Balance Between Elk and Wolvesnew
There was never doubt that wolves would have an impact on ungulate populations, but as wolves have multiplied, their favorite food source, elk, have declined in many areas, raising concerns among both state biologists and those whose livelihoods depend on the elk.
Boise Weekly |
Deanna Darr |
04-07-2010 |
Environment
Sensitive Species Butt Heads with Energy Needs in the Battle for Idaho Sagebrushnew

As the energy development race heats up, it's heading for a face-to-fuzzy-tail confrontation with two high desert species on the fast track to federal protection: sage grouse and pygmy rabbits.
Boise Weekly |
Deanna Darr |
06-03-2009 |
Environment
Zoning Battle Skirts Use of Farm Groundnew
If Elmore County's three commissioners had had their way last week, the packed cafeteria at Mountain Home Junior High School would not have known if they were talking about a subdivision or a nuclear reactor.
Boise Weekly |
Nathaniel Hoffman |
05-01-2009 |
Environment
The Age of Aquaculture: The Dish on Farm-Raised Fishnew

Buying fish has become confusing and controversial as the debate between farm-raised vs. wild fish grows. What's good, what's bad and what are the larger issues for an industry that's making its presence known.
Boise Weekly |
Tara Morgan |
02-18-2009 |
Environment
Tags: food, farming, water quality, environment, business, fishing, water rights, Idaho, Northwest, aquaculture
Owyhees Initiative Unites Warring Factionsnew

An unlikely alliance has put aside egos and issues to pen legislation that will permanently protect the Owyhee canyonlands, while addressing the needs of ranchers, conservationists and recreationists.
Boise Weekly |
Deanna Darr |
02-12-2009 |
Environment
Global Mushroom Culture Hits Idaho Forestnew
An unusually fecund mushrooming season has filled the Idaho forest with an international rainbow gathering of commercial morel pickers who step slowly through the trees filling buckets with the valuable commodity.
Boise Weekly |
Nathaniel Hoffman |
06-27-2008 |
Environment
The Prodigal Sonnew
The critter people love to fight about, the wolf, is coming home. Is Idaho ready to get over the emotional crap and take the leash from the federal government?
Boise Weekly |
Deanna Darr |
02-27-2008 |
Environment
Tags: environment, wolves
In Reversenew
The Blue Ribbon Coalition, those guys that love throttle-twisting recreation in the wilderness, now say they're going green.
Boise Weekly |
Deanna Darr |
12-13-2007 |
Environment
A Fish Problem This Bignew
With the increasing spread of a poorly-studied class of chemicals in Idaho's watersheds, some experts wonder if local fish are at risk of losing their sexual traits.
Boise Weekly |
Peter Wollheim |
01-17-2007 |
Environment
Quaking, Indeednew
Aspen trees, a signature species for Idaho and the Rocky Mountain West, are on the decline -- an Idaho study seeks to understand why.
Boise Weekly |
Carissa Wolf |
09-27-2006 |
Environment
Tags: environment