Environment

Earth Day poster contest causing controversy

Thursday, March 21st, 2013, 6:10pm

FARMINGTON, Utah – One Davis County father’s protest over an Earth Day poster contest is gaining national attention.

The contest invites kids to make Earth Day posters that ask, “Where would we be without oil, gas and mining?”

But Colby Paulson, the dad of an Eagle Bay Elementary kindergartner, says our lives revolve around fossil fuels every day, but Earth Day exists to draw attention to alternatives.

“That’s really what got me upset in the first place was thinking about my son,” Paulson said. “It just feels like getting a little propaganda from the oil, gas and mining industry. And saying, ‘Hey, 5-year-old boy, let’s teach you to celebrate on Earth Day all the things we get from oil, gas and mining.’”

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BLM seeks volunteers for raptor inventory nest survey

Submitted by David Wells, Senior Web Producer

Thursday, February 21st, 2013, 6:46pm

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah Salt Lake Field Office is seeking volunteers to assist with the annual Raptor Inventory Nest Survey (RINS) in northern Utah. Participation as a volunteer does not require special experience or education, and the BLM will provide training. In fact, the only prerequisites are a love for the outdoors, especially Utah’s beautiful west desert, and a sincere desire to help the magnificent birds of prey that call our state home.

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Jordan River Commission working to improve river management

Submitted by Brittany Green-Miner, Fox 13 Web Content Producer

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012, 4:17pm

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah - The communities along the Jordan River are working to come up with effective strategies to manage the river so everyone benefits.

The river runs through three counties and 15 cities between Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake. To coordinate policies and practices, the Jordan River Commission held its first workshop on Tuesday.

The hope to develop flexible policies that are consistent to manage and improve the river corridor.

"We'll increase air quality by providing a non-motorized trail system. We'll improve the water quality by working together and managing storm water. It provides a great recreational resource for the community," said Laura Hanson, Jordan River Commission.

The Jordan River Commission was created in 2010 to serve as a technical resource and provide a forum for planning, restoration and development along the river.

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No open burning allowed in Davis County

Submitted by Brittany Green-Miner, Fox 13 Web Content Producer

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012, 3:42pm

DAVIS COUNTY - There will be no open burn in Davis County this year because of an extreme fire danger.

Homeowners may not burn anything, including yard clippings and other debris, in their yards according to a press release from the Davis County Fire Marshal.

“There is so much grass and trees and stuff left over from last year, that the fire danger is extremely high this year,” said Ellis Bruch, Davis County Fire Marshal.

“It’s just a high, high danger this year,” said Bruch. He said the lack of snow in the mountains and rain this spring are contributing to the dry landscape.

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Centerville 'Tree-dom' Run to be held April 28

Submitted by David Wells, Senior Web Producer

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012, 4:41pm

Centerville 'Tree-dom' Run to be held April 28

A call to all tree lovers...The city parks lost 42 trees in the windstorm on December 1, 2011. In an effort to replace some of the trees, the Centerville City Youth Council will be sponsoring a 5K run on April 28, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. Please bring your friends and family and join us in our quest to raise $1,000 which will replace 10 trees in our parks this spring.

You can register at City Hall anytime Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. until April 27. This race is for young and old, so bring the whole family. Starting line will be on 100 East Street behind City Hall and will follow the same course as the 4th of July Freedom Run. Cost is $5. For more information, please contact Lisa Summers at (801) 295-3477.

As a kick-off to the "Tree-dom Run", the Youth Council will celebrate Arbor Day with Mayor Russell on Friday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m. in Founders Park. Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.

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Community to hold public hearing on dangers of a refinery

Submitted by Brittany Green-Miner, Fox 13 Web Content Producer

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012, 3:37pm

Doctors and community members in Davis County are holding a meeting Thursday night on the dangers of living near a refinery.

They say refineries pollute more than official reports show, and that pollution will only get worse if they're allowed to expand.

The Davis County Community Coalition and the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment will be holding a town hall meeting on Thursday night to talk about how refineries affect public health.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at Bountiful City Hall.

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Prescribed fire planned for Great Salt Lake shore canceled

Submitted by Associated Press on Wednesday, June 1st, 9:35 am

The prescribed burn has been canceled because of poor wind conditions.

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- State officials are planning a prescribed fire aimed at eliminating an invasive weed along the shores of the Great Salt Lake.

The Utah Department of Natural Resources says the fire is scheduled to begin Wednesday morning near Farmington Bay.

The burn is part of an effort to rid the area of the Phragmites reed that has infested thousands of acres.

Wildlife officials say removing the weed will allow for the restoration of native wetland plants and will create more hospitable habitat for birds. It will also improve bird watching opportunities for visitors.

The weed has previously been treated with an herbicide, and the fire is aimed at removing the remnants.

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