Articles

All our thoughts, opinions and discussions.

Conservation

WILD About Mountain Goats

Idaho’s’ mountain goats are adapted to living in rugged, remote areas, so it is natural that the mountain goat would appear mysterious. But this harsh habitat is also their defense.   NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on July 26, 2021. And again on Dec 28, 2021.

Wildlife & Hunting

Teton Goats Rebound After Hunts, Gunning

At least 12 goats have been spotted; park doesn’t have plans to remove them — yet.

Resources

Rocky Mountain Goats: The Fearless High Altitude Experts

From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the towering cliffs of the Canadian Rockies, Rocky Mountain Goats thrive in some of the harshest environments on Earth

Holistic Management

An Introduction to Holistic Management

Occam's Grazer provides an introduction to Holistic Management and holistic grazing as well as many powerful insights, philosophies, and useful ideas from people who are using the framework and practices every day.

Solar Energy

Solar Power Could Come at Expense of Wildlife

“In our transition to renewable energy, we cannot sacrifice biodiversity and habitat. There is tension here, and we need to be mindful of it and plan better for it."

Beavers

Why Beavers Were Parachuted Into the Idaho Wilderness 73 Years Ago

The traditional way of relocating “nuisance” beavers in the 1940s wasn’t working. To increase the survival rate, one conservation officer turned to—yes—parachutes.

Resources

Wolves on the Doorstep Test Sheep Ranchers in Small Town Oregon

The 200 residents of Lostine, Oregon, never expected their small town to become a hotspot for wolf conflict.

wolverine

Wolverine - The Most Ferocious Animal in the World

While wolverines do have sharp teeth and claws as well as strong muscles, what makes them tougher than other animals remains a bit of a mystery. They just seem ready for a fight. Even with wolves and bears!

News

BLM Releases Plan to Develop Solar on 31 Million Acres of Western Land

The Bureau of Land Management announced its proposed roadmap for solar energy development on public lands, designed to expand solar projects on public lands

Resources

A California Town’s Beloved 400-pound Bear Attacked a Woman. Now He’s Dead, and Locals Want Justice

The killing of a large bear known to raid campsites near the Sierra tourist town of Mammoth Lakes has sparked an outcry that many hope will change how state and federal officials manage California’s growing population of habituated black bears and also deal with people who encounter them.

Beaver

Diversity of Life at a Beaver Pond

Beavers are a keystone species, because they alter their natural environment in such a way that the overall ecoysytem builds upon that change.

food supply

Toxic Sludge Fertilizer

The Times dug into the widespread use of sewage sludge as fertilizer, which is sometimes heavily contaminated by “forever chemicals.”

Wildlife Management

The Last Keeper - Special Interview with Tom Opre

Tom discusses the Shepherds of Wildlife Society and their mission to educate the world about wildlife management.

Water Management

Federal Government Loses Idaho Water Rights Case

The U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho partially struck down several Idaho laws regulating water rights on federal lands. The court found some provisions unconstitutional but upheld a law concerning the forfeiture of water rights if they remain unused.

Bio-Diversity

Grizzly Pond Wildlife, Summer 2021

‘Grizzly Pond’ has proven very popular with wildlife.

Resources

Texas Takes Its First Steps to Protect Its Mountain Lions

While many other states limit hunting of the apex predator, Texas is only now introducing rules to ban canned hunts and require regular checking of traps.

Cattle

Holistic Management vs Conventional Management: A Stark Look

The footage serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of Holistic Management.

Conservation

History of Conservation

There are certain people and organizations — all tied to political leaders — who romanticize the concept of a land with vast wildlife areas from sea to sea.

Fisheries

California Dam Demolitions a Victory for Some, Devastation for Others

"When people and their livelihoods are given equal weight with environmental outcomes, are dam removals good or bad?"

Fisheries

With Dams Removed, Salmon Will Have the Run of a Western River

The nation’s largest dam removal project is nearly complete after a lengthy campaign by Native tribes to restore the river at the California-Oregon border.

Resources

The Loch Ness Monster Has Company in the Neighborhood: Wild Boars

Local residents say the animals are roaming the roads and hills around the lake, tearing up lawns and terrorizing sheep.

Bio-Diversity

Examples of Grassland Restoration - Excerpt from Talk by Allan Savory at Tufts University

Excerpted from Allan Savory's presentation on January 25, 2013 at Tufts University's Fletcher School

Resources

Hydrogen Hubs Threaten to Drain West Texas of Water

The latest buzz among urban economic developers in West Texas revolves around “Hydrogen Hubs,” where hydrogen can be extracted from groundwater and converted into energy

Newsletter

Restoring Biodiversity - 8/27/2024

Draining West Texas of its precious water resources. The war on wildlife continues, with a new front opening in Utah. Can sheep save the planet? And more...

food supply

Robert F. Kennedy: The Harmful Effects Of Glyphosate, The Most Common Agrochemical

We’re living in an age where it’s increasingly hard to avoid exposure to toxins.