In the Rockies today, Montana senators push to keep Abandoned Mine Lands funding; an accord is reached on the Yellowstone Club in Montana; and Colorado water managers are dealing with a much-earlier spring runoff.
Montana officials estimate the state will lose out on $120 million in Abandoned Mine Lands funding if the program is terminated, and because Montana depends on just federal funds for mine cleanup, the state would have to find a new source of money to complete work at 138 sites.
Wyoming, New Mexico and three tribes would also lose funding if the AML program is terminated.
The Yellowstone Club in Montanahas a new owner after U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ralph B. Kirscher approved a deal giving Boston-based Cross Harbor Capital Partners the title of the exclusive resort.
In Colorado, where storms early this year deposited a fine layer of grime on most of the snowpack in the state, spring runoff is projected to come nearly a month early; on the positive side of things, flyfishing season in the state will arrive early as well.
Tonight on Yellowstone Public Radio, Home Ground's Brian Kahn will interview Dr. Ann Bartuska, who is the Deputy Chief for Research and Development of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about how science affects national policy decisions.
You may listen to the interview scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. (MDT) online.
Rockies today
Obama budget would terminate AML program in 2010
As part of the Obama administration's effort to trim the federal budget, funding for the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) program may be terminated in 2010, which means Montana won't be able to do any mine cleanup in the future as that state's program is 100 percent federally funded; Wyoming, New Mexico, and three tribes would also be affected.
Helena Independent Record; May 19
Settlement ends battle over Yellowstone Club in Montana
CrossHarbor Capital Partners will pay $115 million in cash and debt for the Yellowstone Club, provide a $15-million fund for contractors, vendors and other such creditors, as well as pony up $75 million for working capital, while the group of creditors led by Swiss banker Credit Suisse will get a new note from the Montana resort for $80 million and a chateau in France.
NewWest.net; May 19
Colorado hydrologist: Layer of grime pushes peak water earlier
Andy Barrett, a hydrologist with the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, said peak runoff will occur on Colorado rivers and streams 20 to 30 days earlier this year due to a layer of dust on the state's snowpack, which is making the snow melt faster.
Aspen Times; May 19
Railroad, Butte trail users clash over old track
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad told Montana land managers it plans to keep hikers off of the East Ridge track, a popular hiking trail near Butte.
Montana Standard; May 19
USFS 2009 Forest Legacy projects in Colorado, Idaho, Montana
The U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy program provides funding for conservation projects selected by state and local officials, and this year, the program provides $50 million in funding for 24 projects, including the Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado; the Gold Creek Ranch in Idaho, the North Swan Valley in Montana; and the Chalk Creek South Fork No. 2 in Utah.
Idaho Statesman (AP); May 19
Utah arches remain greatest in the world
After three decades of debate, a team of dedicated geologists using modern technology and new measuring standards determined that Landscape Arch in Utah's Arches National Park has been declared 3 feet longer than Kolob Arch in Zion National Park, and the only arch in the world outside of the Southwest United States to make it on the Top 10 list is the Aloba Arch in the Saharan Ennedit Range of Chad in north-central Africa.
Salt Lake Tribune; May 19
Open Lands program moves forward in Montana's Ravalli County
The housing slump is proving to be a boon for the $10-million Ravalli County Open Lands bond, allowing the Montana county to approve two conservation easements that will protect hundreds of acres for wildlife areas.
Ravalli Republic; May 19
Opinion
Energy debate gives N.M. senator a chance to shine
As chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Sen. Jeff Bingaman will take the lead in drafting that chamber's version of legislation designed to move the nation toward cleaner and renewable energy, a role for which the New Mexico Democrat has spent years preparing and building political capital.
Santa Fe New Mexican; May 19
Montana volunteer groups are a community asset
Montana trail users should appreciate volunteer groups' efforts to maintain trails and wild lands in the Bitterroot, where pristine wilderness provides a valuable economic resource to the surrounding community.
Ravalli Republic; May 19
Beyond the Region
President will announce new emissions, mileage standards today
The Obama administration is expected to announce today new emissions and mileage standards for vehicles, endorsing those that California has been trying for years to put in place.
New York Times; May 19
Cap-and-trade legislation ramps up debate on climate change
Legislation that will place national limits on greenhouse gas emissions has pushed skeptics of climate change onto center stage in Congress.
Washington Post; May 19
Judge tells federal gov't that salmon recovery plan needs work
U.S. District Judge James Redden sent a letter to all parties to a long-running lawsuit on Columbia Basin salmon recovery that said the current plan isn't good enough, and that a contingency plan complete with funding for and congressional approval of breaching dams on the lower Snake River is needed.
Seattle Times; May 19
Baby boom boosts bison numbers in Saskatchewan herd
Three years ago, Parks Canada reintroduced 72 bison on the Grasslands National Park in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan, and the bison have reproduced at a rate that has shattered projections, putting the herd on pace to reach 300 to 350 animals far in advance of the five-year goal.
Toronto National Post; May 19
In depth
Housing permits in U.S. hit historic lows in April
The Commerce Department reports today that construction of new homes and apartments in April fell 12.8 percent in April, and that permits for new buildings fell to a new record low of 494,000.
Denver Post (AP); May 19
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Montana home builders and national trade groups optimistic
Great Falls home builders believe the end of the housing slump is near. A report by a national home builders trade group released Monday indicates that developer confidence is up in May, though consumer confidence still stagnates.
Great Falls Tribune; May 19
Canada expects housing starts to rebound in 2010
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation expects housing starts to continue to fall through 2009, but rebound in 2010 when it expects home prices to stabilize.
Edmonton Journal; May 19
Developer's bankruptcy puts Nevada project in limbo
The Olympia Group paid $238,878 per acre for the 2,675 acres of Bureau of Land Management land in Nevada in 2005 for its master-planned Park Highlands development near North Las Vegas, with move-in dates for new residents projected at that time to be the end of 2008, but no homes have yet to be built and last week, the developer filed for bankruptcy.
Las Vegas Sun; May 19
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