WASHINGTON (CN) – President Donald Trump signed legislation Thursday committing the United States to expand efforts to clean up nearly 8 million metric tons of litter polluting the world’s oceans. Known as the Save Our Seas Act, the bill received unanimous bipartisan support as it passed through the House and Senate this July before landing on Trump’s desk for a signature … [Read more...] about Trump commits U.S. to expanding efforts to clean up ocean litter

After seven months as interim chief, Vicki Christiansen is now chief of the U.S. Forest Service. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue performed Christiansen’s swearing-in ceremony on Thursday in Washington, D.C. “As a former wildland firefighter and fire manager, Chief Christiansen knows what’s needed to restore our forests and put them back to work for the … [Read more...] about Vicki Christiansen sworn in as U.S. Forest Service’s new chief

A Montana group has sued the Department of Interior for documents that may shed light on whether Ryan Zinke has acted illegally or unethically during his tenure as Interior secretary. On Wednesday, the watchdog group American Oversight helped Montana-based Western Values Project file a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., federal court to gain access to records of Zinke’s travel to … [Read more...] about Montana group sues DOI for Zinke emails in search of unethical, illegal acts

Are people more likely to kill wildlife if they know they can get away with it by pleading ignorance? On Tuesday, a Montana attorney tried to convince a Seattle appellate court the answer is yes. Representing WildEarth Guardians and the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Matthew Bishop told three members of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that the federal government … [Read more...] about 9th Circuit: Should feds prosecute ignorant endangered species killings?

Just southwest of the Reserve Street Bridge, a homeless community resides in makeshift shacks and small tents on the floodplain of the Clark Fork River. During summer, as many as 20 people live in the encampment. But with winter moving in, some campsites have been abandoned. Others still show signs of life, along with clotheslines, campfires and bike repair … [Read more...] about Volunteers clean Reserve Street homeless camp; residents allowed to keep shelters