http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-new-mexicos-roadless-national-forests After decades of scientific inquiry, 600 public hearings, and a http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-new-mexicos-roadless-national-forests Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-washingtons-roadless-national-forests After decades of scientific inquiry, 600 public hearings, and a record http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-washingtons-roadless-national-forests Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-michigans-roadless-national-forests After decades of scientific inquiry, 600 public hearings, http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-michigans-roadless-national-forests Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/californias-state-parks-worth-protecting From the Anderson Redwoods State Reserve in Northern http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/californias-state-parks-worth-protecting Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:53:55 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/creating-a-world-class-parks-system-for-texas You can’t count the many ways that state parks make life better here http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/creating-a-world-class-parks-system-for-texas Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/losing-our-natural-heritage-development-and-open-space-loss-in-north-carolina http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/losing-our-natural-heritage-development-and-open-space-loss-in-north-carolina Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-arizonas-roadless-national-forests After decades of scientific inquiry, 600 public hearings, and a record http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-arizonas-roadless-national-forests Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-floridas-roadless-national-forests After http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-floridas-roadless-national-forests Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-pennsylvanias-roadless-national-forest After decades of scientific inquiry, 600 http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-pennsylvanias-roadless-national-forest Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-texas-roadless-national-forests After decades of scientific inquiry, 600 public hearings, and a http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-texas-roadless-national-forests Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-colorados-roadless-national-forests After decades of scientific inquiry, 600 public hearings, and a http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/worth-more-wild-the-value-of-colorados-roadless-national-forests Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/saving-americas-arctic-dispelling-myths-about-drilling-in-the-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG's environmental work. The http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/saving-americas-arctic-dispelling-myths-about-drilling-in-the-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/america39s-environment-at-risk-the-local-impacts-of-the-bush-administrations-environmental-policies Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG's environmental work. On April 22, 1970, America http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/america39s-environment-at-risk-the-local-impacts-of-the-bush-administrations-environmental-policies Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/bp-special-resolution-2004---protected-areas Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG's environmental work. "In some places, http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/bp-special-resolution-2004---protected-areas Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/30-years-of-the-endangered-species-act-protecting-our-world Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG's environmental work. Download the PDF fact sheets: http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/30-years-of-the-endangered-species-act-protecting-our-world Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/running-for-the-money-an-analysis-of-the-the-arctic-refuge-the-filthy-four-and-organized-labor Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG's environmental work. Time after time, respected http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/running-for-the-money-an-analysis-of-the-the-arctic-refuge-the-filthy-four-and-organized-labor Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/our-natural-legacy-the-value-of-america39s-roadless-national-forests  Read a state version of http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/americas-wild-places/americas-wild-places/our-natural-legacy-the-value-of-america39s-roadless-national-forests Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/blazing-a-trail-the-benefits-of-the-rio-grande-trail-in-new-mexico New Mexico is a land of monumental beauty and contrast. From the majestic peaks in northern New Mexico to the white sand dunes of southern New Mexico, the state is full of natural splendor. These remarkable landscapes have made New Mexico a magnet for lovers of the outdoors who are attracted not only to the scenery but the myriad activities to enjoy--none more popular than trail recreation. It is estimated that over 40 percent of New Mexicans take to New Mexico’s trails every year. The popularity of trails is not surprising; untold miles of trails lead people to all corners of the state on foot, bike, rollerblades or horseback to experience the Land of Enchantment up close. Owing to the popularity of trails, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, State Parks Division has set in motion an ambitious plan to construct a multi-use trail alongside the length of the Rio Grande. The trail will be similar to and eventually connect with the existing river trails in Albuquerque and Las Cruces. Currently, a corridor study is being undertaken to identify and evaluate potential trail alignments and constraints. Upon completion of the study, trail construction will begin if the necessary funding is provided. At this time there is enough funding to complete the corridor study but little with which to begin construction. Concrete steps need to be taken in order to ensure the Rio Grande Trail project receives adequate funding. The New Mexico Legislature should start making annual investments in the trail, starting with at least $5 million in 2008. Over the next 5 to 10 years the Legislature should continue making these investments in a sustained manner so that the main infrastructure of the Rio Grande Trail can be completed. Further appropriations by the Legislature and regional government agencies will need to be made to help cover maintenance and administrative costs once the majority of trail construction is completed. Additionally, New Mexico should seek funding from federal agencies to help trail construction/maintenance in federal lands. This report will look at the benefits the Rio Grande Trail will have on preservation of the Rio Grande, the state economy, recreation and public health in New Mexico. http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/blazing-a-trail-the-benefits-of-the-rio-grande-trail-in-new-mexico Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:32:36 -0600 http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/drilling-our-conservation-heritage-the-future-of-oil-and-gas-drilling-on-michigans-public-lands From the western dunes to the northern forests, Michigan’s natural landscapes provide us with unique beauty, recreation, and ecological value. Unfortunately, oil and gas drilling poses an increasing threat to these treasured lands. Leaks from drilling sites can leave soil and groundwater contaminated with hazardous waste, and new pipelines and roads for drilling sites can disrupt the places Michigan’s wildlife call home. Already, hundreds of thousands of acres of state land are open to drilling and as oil and gas prices reach new heights, industry lobbyists are pressing Lansing decision-makers to open tens of thousands of new acres to exploration and production every year. Environment Michigan Research & Policy Center undertook the investigation and writing of this report to assess the state’s ability to address this rising risk to Michigan’s natural heritage and to recommend stronger policies, or implementation of existing policies, as needed. Our research indicates that current policies and practices leave Michigan’s state lands vulnerable to damage by oil and gas drilling: Thousands of acres of state owned lands are leased for oil and gas development and at risk of pollution and habitat destruction. There is little information available to the public and no ability for citizens to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for its track record on state lands, where spills and leaks can go unnoticed and unattended for years, tainting natural resources and endangering wildlife. All available evidence strongly indicates that the state’s environmental agency lacks the resources to monitor the 18,000 gas and oil wells operating in Michigan and the cleanup of all contaminated sites, much less any new drilling that might be proposed. Policies, statutes and tools are readily available to afford increased protection to state lands from harmful oil and gas development. The state must take action in order to protect Michigan’s conservation heritage – its public lands -- from the harmful consequences of its flawed oil and gas regulatory structure. The state must halt new leases for oil and gas development on state lands until ecologically sensitive natural areas have been identified and protected. Michigan must utilize its existing state land protection authorities, such as the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) oil and gas leasing policies, and the Wilderness and Natural Areas Act of 1972 to protect ecologically sensitive state lands from oil and gas development. Oil and gas companies must be required to provide adequate financial support for the effective supervision of their activities. Oversight of contaminated oil and gas site cleanups should be transferred from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of Geological Survey (OGS) to its Remediation and Redevelopment Division (RRD), which has primary responsibility for overseeing environmental cleanup in the state. Annual progress reports on the state’s oil and gas program should be required regarding its adequacy at protecting state lands from harmful oil and gas development. For all other sites, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Natural Resources should: Provides full public reporting on all sites in state lands and on contaminated sites. This data should be provided in an accessible format – including a statewide map with identification of potentially impacted natural resources such as forests, waterways, and recreation areas. Hire additional staff to monitor and inspect all future state lands to be leased. Establish a public oversight committee or process that reflects protection of Michigan’s natural resources as its primary mission and encompasses strict conflict of interest rules – no one with employment or contractual relations with any private entity with a pecuniary interest in leasing decisions may serve on the OGS public advisory entity. http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/parks-open-spaces-wild-places/drilling-our-conservation-heritage-the-future-of-oil-and-gas-drilling-on-michigans-public-lands Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:49:52 -0600