Down to Earth Archives
The Incline: legal access in the works
One of the most challenging spots for a workout in the Pikes Peak area, is also technically illegal for runners and hikers. Soon, that may change. After years of negotiations over access to the Incline above Manitou Springs a deal could be just months away from happening.
Rising prices eating away at organic food growth rate
Like all food prices, the cost of organics is going up. And since organic produce was already more expensive, the price hikes are taking a bite out of organic growth.
Forest Service offers Colorado roadless rules information
The National Forest Service is down to three proposals for new "roadless rules" in Colorado's National Forests and they're offering the information to the public. They started a series of public open houses in Pueblo and will hold seven more at other locations across the state.
Baby whale thinks yacht is his mother
Just off the coast of Australia, a baby humpback whale has apparently mistaken a yacht for its mother.
Public comment for Pinon Canyon expansion
Congress is now accepting comments on the planned expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. The links are here.
Wind turbine maker Vestas adding 1,150 Colorado jobs
Finally some good news for the economy--a wind turbine company will build two more plants in Colorado, adding more than 1,000 new jobs.
China hikes taxes on big vehicles to reduce pollution
Big cars will soon mean a big tax bill for car owners in China.
Roan Plateau oil and gas auction snags $114 million
The leases are seen as a way to increase U.S. production of oil, helping to ease the cost of gas.
Smog is damaging hearts and blood vessels
There's been a lot of talk about the impact of Beijing smog on the athletes competing in the Olympics. Researchers have new data about the effects of pollution on the heart. Pollution that affects all of us, not just elite athletes.
Snowcap vanishing on Venezuela's Mount Bolivar
Tropical glaciers across the entire Andean mountain range are melting and officials say that it could destroy the region's fresh water reserves, the world's largest after the north and south poles.
Whale populations recovering, according to new report
Whales such as the humpback, minke and southern right whale are recovering because of a ban on whale hunting.
Nitrogen versus air in tires
Tire retailers are offering nitrogen as a substitute for air. Retailers say nitrogen has several advantages. The molecules are larger than oxygen molecules so there's less leakage. Tires stay fully inflated longer and that increases safety as well as gas mileage.
High-Speed Rail Study Begins on I-70 and I-25 Corridors
Study will determine technical, economic and financial feasibility of high-speed rail in Colorado.
Colleges peddle bikes to car-loving students
Strategies include free bike-sharing programs, expanding bike lanes.
Xcel Energy proposes energy efficiency program
The rebates would be financed by a surcharge on customers' monthly bills next year and in 2010.
Termites could power vehicles in the future
The pests are so good at breaking down wood, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint Genome Institute in Walnut Creek want to mimic that process to produce liquid bio fuels. So they're collecting powerful enzymes from inside the bellies of termites.
Recycling just got easier
Colorado Springs residents no longer have to separate recyclables for Waste Management.
Environmental group worried about mining's effect on Colorado River
The Colorado supplies water for drinking and irrigation to more than 25 million people in Arizona and six other states.
Vail hires environmental sustainability officer
The coordinator will work on creating recycling programs, making buildings more energy efficient, and promoting educational programs.
Famous rock arch collapses
Wall Arch, one of the largest and most photographed formations in Utah's Arches National Park, has collapsed.
EPA denies ethanol waiver request
Texas had sought reprieve, saying it was fueling rise in corn prices.
Input sought on Roadless Colorado
Eight public meetings to be held.
119 fungus-carrying, foreign frogs seized
African clawed frogs invade native ecosystems, could wipe out other frogs.
Dry Southern California OKs huge desalination plant
Southern California, which depends on the Colorado River for a major portion of its water, will build the largest desalination plant in the western hemisphere.
Another California gold rush?
A teen happened upon a massive gold nugget in a lake in northern California. It's about the size of his fist!
Oil investor visits Lamar to promote wind energy
A billionaire oil investor was in Lamar Wednesday to promote a plan to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.
Ancient moss, insects found in Antarctica
Findings offer proof that the warmth was once much warmer than today.
CU switching to green football
CU wants to make a new name for Folsom Field - the greenest in the country.
Colorado mountain lion snatches dog from owner's bedroom
The dog's sleeping owners had no idea a mountain lion was creeping into their home just south of Denver.
Updated 1:17 a.m.
Gorilla discovery doubles population estimates
Researchers say they've found 125,000 lowland primates in African zone.
Colorado state fair going green
Even the State Fair is feeling the pinch. It's now trying to find ways to deal with the sky high cost of utility bills.
Safety meeting for hikers
Colorado Springs firefighters want to help reduce injuries on trails, and are holding a meeting with hikers and trail users on Tues.
Dry weather taking toll on lawns and water districts
A number of utilities are reporting record water use for the month of July. The combination of hot days and dry weather is brutal on lawns - especially in communities with watering restrictions. Cherokee Water District on allows watering twice a week through the end of October.
Some see red over Maine's 'green' resort
Proposed 3,300 project threatens wilderness, coast, conservationists say.
It's pelican versus trout in predator conflict
Anglers see birds as competition, but experts aren't so convinced.
DNA barcoding takes on the world
A $150 million effort aims to catalogue species — before it's too late.
Researchers report fuel cell breakthroughs
'Simplicity' of cheaper materials and solar power 'is amazing,' says official.
Community colleges tap into wind energy boom
Turbine technicians groomed, industry often grabs them before graduation.
CSU receives grant to develop new biofuels
Colorado State University has been awarded a $1.5 million grant to research the use of nonfood plants for biofuels. Some economists blame escalating food prices on the use of corn for ethanol.
Giant chunks break off Canadian ice shelf
Cracks had been earlier found on Ward Hunt; 'more could go' this summer.
Seattle puts steep price on plastic bags
Starting next year, shoppers at Seattle stores will have to bring their own bags to carry their purchases home or face a 20 cent per bag fee.
Warm weather hurts fish, economies
The report says global warming is threatening the survival of trout in Colorado and other western states.
China's air pollution a big concern as Olympics loom
Beijing may take more drastic measures to try to cut pollution before the Olympic Games begin.
CSU-Pueblo adding solar electric system
The system is expected to contribute more than 10 percent of the university's electricity needs and be operational late this fall.
Rare partial albino eagle recovering in Pueblo
A rare bird at Pueblo's raptor center is getting a lot of attention. A young golden eagle being cared for there is considered a partial albino because from head to toe, many of his feathers are a light cream-color. Most golden eagles have chocolate-colored feathers.
Electric cars sparking a lot of attention
This year's British International Auto Show is filled with cars that need to be plugged in rather than filled up.
Farmer parks his tractor in favor of water buffalo
In Thailand, one 60-year-old farmer put away his machines and now uses his four water buffaloes to farm his eight acre plot.
Hurricane Dolly could help rare sea turtles
For the Kemp’s Ridleys to survive, they have to swim to their nesting area several miles off shore. Hurricane Dolly made that easier because the water is still turbulent and that makes it harder for predators to see the tiny turtles.
Free yard waste recycling on Saturday
If you have some cleaning-up to do around your yard, now's your chance to recycle all that stuff for free.
Nuke plant workers in France exposed to radiation
About 100 workers at a nuclear plant in southern France were contaminated with a low dose of radiation Wednesday.
Scientists tap motion in the ocean for energy
In a sinuous rubber tube dubbed the Anaconda and in the unusual features of dolphin flukes and humpback whale fins, scientists are looking to the ocean and its inhabitants for a little alternative energy inspiration.
Microscopic killer wiping out Florida palm trees
Colorado has pine beetles munching their way through the state's forest. In Florida, palm trees are dying.
CSU adds School of Global Environmental Sustainability
Colorado State University is creating a new school to prepare students for the emerging green economy.
Logging encroaching on uncontacted tribes in Peru
Officials in Peru say that uncontacted tribes in their country are fleeing the forest because of loggers.
Fitness machines turn exercise into electricity
Imagine going to the gym and the energy you put out while exercising on the elliptical machine could turn into electrical power. University of Florida graduate Hudson Harr designed a way to make that happen at a gym in Gainesville.
U.S. Airways pilots battle company over fuel
At a time when it seems like airlines are cutting back on almost everything else, pilots for US Airways now say they're being pressured to load less fuel on their aircraft.
Colorado lawmaker proposes 4-day work week
State workers could spend one fewer day at the office, beginning next year.
Oil, gas leases on Colorado black-footed ferret territory
Gas drilling is on hold for now in a part of northwest Colorado that's home to black-footed ferrets.
Peruvian glaciers melting at alarming rate
Scientists say that glaciers in the Peruvian Andes are melting at an alarming rate and in just 25 years they could disappear completely.
Quagga Mussels found in Lake Granby
Quagga mussels are very similar to the zebra mussels that were found last fall in Pueblo Reservoir.
Lions and Tigers and Bears...Oh my!
Monday was the Great Lion Excursion. On Tuesday, a Bear Hunt on one of Colorado Springs' busiest streets. What's next!?
Alaska volcano spews ash 50,000 feet into sky
Ten people had to be rescued after Okmok Caldera roars to life with little warning.
Barrier islands off New Orleans in jeopardy
Katrina seen as likely 'tipping point' after it ripped through refuge.
Pres. Bush lifts executive ban on oil drilling
Congress is all that's "standing between the American people and these vast oil resources. Failure to act is unacceptable."
EPA won't control climate gases
Bush administration says it's leaving issue for next president, Congress.
Steps taken to save Taj Mahal from pollution
After a report saying pollution is turning the Taj Mahal yellow, authorities have taken a number of steps to cut emissions in the area.
Stay cool without overheating your wallet
It's blazing hot today. How can you stay cool without spending a bunch of money? Here are 10 tips to help!
US Airways ditching movies to save fuel
The entertainment systems weigh about 500 pounds each. US Airways says the extra fuel to lug them around costs about $10 million a year.
Hotels closed to protect Mayan ruins
Mexico's Environmental Department is closing down at least five small, upscale hotels that are too close to Myan ruins at Tulum.
Beijing blanketed with smog as Olympics approach
Chinese authorities have promised to cut traffic in the city, shut down polluting factories and ban construction to cut pollution before the games begin.
Preble's Mouse still protected in Colorado
The decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service affects tens of thousands of acres where the mouse lives, including portions of Colorado's heavily populated Front Range.
New technology turns roads into power plants
This new technology produces electricity that is immediately usable, renewable, and available for a fraction of the cost of coal, nuclear or solar energy. It's a new technology that could someday turn the road you already drive into an electric power plant.
Hybrid classes save students time and money
A new trend in hybrid is helping college students save time and money. Hybrid classes combine traditional and online coursework to reduce campus visits.
Prince Charles converts car to wine-mobile
For domestic travel, the prince's Jaguars, Audi and Range Rover now run entirely on biodiesel made from used cooking oil, and his 38-year-old Aston Martin is fueled by bioethanol from surplus wine.
Earth-friendly neighborhoods find a niche
At a time when the housing market remains in a slump, consumer demand is growing for energy efficient homes that are kinder to the environment.
G8 focuses on environment
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and World Bank President Robert Zoellick spoke Monday about climate change during a joint news conference at the G8 Summit taking place in Tokyo, Japan.
Mexico plants five million trees in one day
Mexicans across the country planted five million trees in one day. Half a million people signed up to participate in the effort.
'Green nightmare' ahead for Olympic sailors
China's latest Olympics nightmare is a vast algae bloom that covers one-third of the sea where the world's best sailors are supposed to be competing in just over a month. Athletes call it the blob, the carpet, the fairway.
Watch Video.
Trout population "collapses" in Idaho
A 95 percent decline in native trout numbers in the upper Teton River drainage during a three-year period.
A car with guts that also gets 110 miles per gallon
An Ohio mechanic has developed an engine that he says gets 110 miles per gallon of gas, while also reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour. The mechanic is waiting on patents.
New Mexico seeking more clean energy
Four of New Mexico's largest electricity providers have issued a request for proposals for the development of a solar power generation facility. It must also use parabolic trough technology, which uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto an oil-filled tube. The hot oil is used to make steam, and the steam is used to turn a generator, producing electricity.
Rare turtles released into the wild
Dozens of rare loggerhead turtles have been released back into the Atlantic Ocean.
Asthma patients complain about new, green inhalers
The old fashioned CFC inhalers contain chemicals that harm earth's protective ozone layer, but some patients complain the new inhalers have less pressure, clog more often and cost more.
Colorado researcher: North Pole could completely melt this summer
There’s a 50-50 chance that the North Pole will be ice-free this summer, which would be a first in recorded history. The weather and ocean conditions in the next couple of weeks will determine how much of the sea ice will melt, and early signs are not good.
Bones of mysterious sea creature wash ashore
The creature's skull weighs 30 pounds, and the vertebrae have long, sharp points.
Giant Squid washes up in California harbor
Biologists examining the carcass said it had tentacles as thick as a human leg.
Zoo to celebrate Earthfest Saturday
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo wants to encourage the community to stay conservation-minded through out the year. They are holding their annual Earthfest on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Lodge at MooseLake in the new Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit.
Man takes kayak to work: four hours each way
A Seattle, Washington man has found an interesting way to beat the high gas prices during his daily commute. He takes his kayak. On Tom Milne's commute, there are no traffic jams and you can't beat the view.
Children focus of new program for the environment
First Lady Laura Bush has launched a program to help children learn about the environment.
Cloth diapers popular with earth-friendly parents
They Velcro, snap, pull up, and come in all colors and designs. Up front prices run anywhere from $100 to $500.
CSU buying wind
Colorado Springs Utilities is about to make a major investment in wind power. The plan is to purchase up to 100 megawatts of wind.
Nuisance bear killed in Bayfield
A Colorado Division of Wildlife officer has killed a bear in Bayfield that entered homes six times. The DOW says the yearling had become dependent on humans for its food and would be unable to survive in the wild.
Gov. Ritter announced $10 million in green grants
Gov. Bill Ritter announced $10 million in grants to help municipalities and communities go green and reduce their carbon footprint.
Blue Heron rookery on a safe, tiny island
"We're in the middle of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. And we can hear the commerce going on either side of us. But right here on the island, it's quiet, it's peaceful, and it's safe for the wildlife."
Wildlife protections to be postponed
Colorado officials are recommending pushing back adoption of some proposed oil and gas rules intended to protect wildlife to 2010.
Pair of Pygmy Killer Whales make a rare appearance in Florida
A fisherman spotted the first whale and immediately knew something wasn't right. "He came right under our boat." Then it beached itself in the mangroves. The fishermen didn't waste any time. "I jumped out of the boat and then kept the animal's head up so its blowhole was out of the water and could breathe."
President wants Congress to open offshore oil drilling
President Bush says that with gasoline prices topping $4 a gallon, American families are looking to Washington for help.
Expect your Utilities bill to grow in Colorado Springs
Energy experts say electricity and natural gas prices will be going up significantly in the months to come. In Colorado Springs the price hike is expected to be lower than the national average, but will still climb.
Grasshopper infestation in Bent County
Some residents in Bent County say they are dealing with a major infestation of grasshoppers. Ranchers say the bugs are eating all the green grass, which they need to feed their cattle. This is one of your stories.
Fire to be set at Grand Canyon
If you're planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, you may want to postpone it. A prescribed burn will be set in the next few days. It's expected to burn for three weeks, limiting visibility and causing road closures.
