All articles tagged with #bureau of land management
The US has moved to cancel the Esmeralda 7 solar project in Nevada, which would have been the largest in North America, as part of the Trump administration's broader crackdown on renewable energy projects, despite increasing power demand and the industry's potential to support the grid.
The 113-acre Bird Springs Fire southwest of Las Vegas is now 100% contained, according to the Bureau of Land Management. The fire, initially estimated at 150 acres, started near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and was caused by illegal target shooting. No structures were threatened, no roads were closed, and no injuries were reported. Authorities emphasize the importance of responsible public land use to prevent human-caused fires.
The 113-acre Bird Springs Fire southwest of Las Vegas is now 100% contained, according to the Bureau of Land Management. The fire, initially estimated at 150 acres, was caused by illegal target shooting. No structures were threatened, no roads were closed, and no injuries were reported. Authorities emphasize the importance of responsible public land use to prevent human-caused fires.
A 150-acre wildfire in the Red Rock National Conservation Area southwest of Las Vegas is 70% contained, with full containment expected by Wednesday. The fire, caused by illegal target shooting, poses no threat to structures and has not led to road closures. About 30 firefighters are working to control the blaze.
The Biden administration has expanded the roadmap for solar development to 22 million acres of federal lands in the US West, aiming to help the US reach its net zero power sector goal by 2035. The plan updates the 2012 Western Solar Plan, identifying areas for solar development in 11 states and focusing on lands near existing or planned transmission lines. This move is seen as a significant step towards recognizing the key role solar energy plays in the country's energy economy.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced that it will no longer allow the use of 'cyanide bombs' to kill coyotes and other species on its land. The M-44 spring-loaded traps filled with cyanide have been used for decades, but critics argue that they harm other animals, including endangered species. The BLM's decision follows existing bans or use-limitations in Idaho, Oregon, California, and Washington. The traps, also known as "cyanide bombs," have unintentionally killed thousands of pets and non-predator wildlife. The ban is effective immediately, but can be reversed with 60 days' notice.
Fires have broken out on federal Bureau of Land Management land near the Colorado-New Mexico state line, close to Navajo Lake. The fires are currently being assessed by firefighters, with no reported impact on structures. Smoke columns are visible from Navajo Lake, and resources from the Los Pinos Fire Protection District and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe are en route to the area. The cause and size of the fires are currently unknown, and a red flag warning has been issued due to gusty winds, low humidity, and dry fuels in the region.
A Billings rancher, Gene John Klamert, has been sentenced to four years of probation, fined $35,000, and ordered to pay $143,714 in restitution for defrauding the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in a grazing fee scheme. Klamert admitted to lying about the ownership and number of cattle he was grazing on public land, avoiding required surcharges and underreporting the number of cattle. He submitted fake bills of sale and failed to report other people's cattle, resulting in a total fraud loss of $143,714.
The Spring Creek Fire near Parachute, Colorado is still active due to windy and dry conditions, with about 20-30 acres still exhibiting active fire behavior. More resources have been called in to assist, including hot shot crews. There are no direct threats to area structures, but point protection has been applied to oil and gas infrastructure. The fire is being taken in south and southwest directions by the wind.
The Rico Fire, which started on Bureau of Land Management jurisdiction and crossed onto a small parcel on NM State Land, has grown to 250 acres and is currently at 0% containment. Some residents have been evacuated and structures are threatened. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Smoke is expected to settle into the valley, possibly impacting Silver City and surrounding areas.