Judith Kohler’s Archive

Fracking Bill could Take the ‘Public’ Out of Federal Lands

It’s about local control, say members of Congress who want the states, not the federal government, to regulate fracking on federal lands — those public lands that belong to all Americans. The House … Read more

Our Public Lands — The Gift that Keeps on Giving and Giving and…

Yet one more report underscores how important conserving our nation’s public lands is to the country’s economy. The newest report is from our country’s largest landlord, the Interior Department. It outlines … Read more

Wildfire May Wipe Out Town: The Face of Climate Change in the Southwest

The drought-driven wildfires rage on in Colorado. About a week after Colorado’s most destructive wildfire killed two people and destroyed at least 500 homes, a 29,000-acre — and growing — blaze … Read more

The Wests’ New Norm: A Nearly Neverending Wildfire Season

This Rocky  Mountain summer is shaping up to be a lot like last summer — hot, dry, fiery. And it’s not even officially summer yet. A wildfire driven by drought, wind … Read more

Less Water, More Wildlife — What’s Not to Love about Native Plants?

Some gardeners want to cut their water and chemical use. Others want to attract more butterflies, birds and bees. Whatever the reason, Denver-area gardeners seem to be increasingly interested in … Read more

1-2-3-4, Who’re We Gonna Cheer For? Eco-Schools!

“Way to go Cougars!” a student at Copper Mesa Elementary in Highlands Ranch exclaimed as the gym full of students cheered. The occasion was a kind of pep assembly at … Read more

Beavers Save Bay from Brunt of Spill – But Pay the Price

Beavers have proved over and over again how valuable they and their impressive dams are. The wetlands created by the dams increase and support biological diversity. The dams filter silt … Read more

Water and Wildlife Shouldn’t Mix with Oil and Gas

“It’s possible we may have dodged a bullet this time, but this should be seen as a wake-up call.” That’s the reaction of National Wildlife Federation attorney Michael Saul to … Read more

Black-footed Ferrets — Will They be the Comeback Kits?

The black-footed ferret has gone from near oblivion to the brink of recovery in about three decades. The lithe, little weasel with the bandit-like mask was thought to be extinct until … Read more

Sportsmen Train Their Sights on Most Challenging Prey of All: Climate Change

No one needs to convince Todd Tanner that climate change is real. The outdoor writer, former big-game guide and lifelong hunter and angler who lives in Bigfork, Mont., knows about … Read more