Popular Farm Pesticide Found in (US) Drinking Water

Eco Watch

Machinery sits ready to plant another field of "neonic" seeds in Manitoba. PinP photo.

After evidence of pesticides killing off pollinators surfaced in 2016, scientists went on a quest to see if pesticides were seeping into anything else. Now, in an unprecedented study, the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Iowa reported findings of neonicotinoids—a class of pesticide used to kill off insects—in treated drinking water, marking the first time these chemicals have ever been identified. Story here.

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In Canada, the propensity of "neonics" to get into ground and surface water has been known for some time. Please read "New Studies Show Farm Chemicals Are Affecting More Than Bees. Bird Populations are Declining, Too. Is modern agriculture's hold on nature becoming a death grip?" 

Last-ditch attempt to save world's most endangered porpoise gets go-ahead

nature

Two vaquitas (Phocoena sinus) - a critically endangered porpoise species endemic to the northern part of the Gulf of California. It is considered the smallest and most endangered cetacean in the world. Photo credit - NOAA.

Funds approved for plan to round up last 30 vaquitas into protective 'sea pens.' Story here.

Climate change impacting ‘most’ species on Earth, even down to their genomes

theguardian

Three recent studies point to just how broad, bizarre, and potentially devastating climate change is to life on Earth. And we’ve only seen one degree Celsius of warming so far. Story here.

Some moose populations in Canada are doing well while others 
are threatened by habitat loss & degradation. PinP photo.

Why are fire seasons longer? People.

High Country News

New research finds illegal campfires, cigarette butts and other accidental ignitions have nearly tripled the (US) wildfire season. Story here.

Coconino National Forest, Arizona. 
Jonathan Horn photo.

Lyme disease is set to explode and we still don’t have a vaccine

New Scientist

A new prediction says 2017 and 2018 will see major Lyme 
disease outbreaks in new areas. This could lead to lifelong 
consequences, so where's the vaccine?  Story here.

Donald Trump’s attack on fresh water should be a wake-up call for Canadians

The Hill Times

The recent release of the Canadian budget is a real opportunity for our current government to send a message to the rest of the world - that, despite the current political climate, we take our environment seriously. Story here.

Lake Superior, Minnesota. EPA photo.

How the BC government is failing endangered rainforests

Sierra Club of BC

“The scope and scale of the ancient rainforest destruction in this incredible watershed (north Vancouver Island) is unimaginable.” Story here.

Bugaboo Crk. Another, earlier example of clearcutting in BC.