Environment

Amateur Naturalist: Summer Solstice … What Is Happening To The Birds

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 25, 2019
The Evening Grosbeak: The most adaptable species for the varying habitats of Los Alamos has resulted in it being the most commonly seen. Photo by Bob Walker
 
A House Sparrow and a fledgling: The efforts of a parent bird may help their numbers increase in coming years. Photo by Bob Walker
 
Amateur Naturalist
By ROBERT DRYJA
 
We have been considering in previous columns what has been happening to the birds of Los Alamos County.
 
This has involved reviewing the distribution of breeding species in different habitats and what has been the trend in their numbers for year to year
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Recent Breakthrough On DIII-D Enables Major Step Toward Economical Fusion Energy

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 25, 2019
The D-shaped plasmas in Super H-mode experiments on DIII-D are able to reach ion temperatures of more than 30 million degrees in the pedestal region (the yellow areas of the cross sections), enabling the core plasma (orange areas) to reach optimal fusion temperatures of over 150 million degrees. During the experiments, the DIII-D plasma is the hottest spot in the solar system, far hotter than the core of the sun. Courtesy/General Atomics & Bill Meyer
 
GENERAL ATOMICS News:
 
SAN DIEGO, Calif. ― It’s called “Super-H Mode,” and it could mean a dramatic reduction in the cost and size
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CVNM Statement On NMOGA Methane Rule Proposal

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 25, 2019
CVNM News:
 
SANTA FE ― The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (NMOGA) released their proposal Monday for implementing a Methane Capture Rule.
 
The goal of a Methane Capture Rule is to reduce the significant amount of methane that is leaked, vented and flared in New Mexico. In response to NMOGA’s proposal, Conservation Voters New Mexico Political & Legislative Director Ben Shelton released the following statement:
 
“Despite the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association’s presentation as a collaborative partner in reducing methane pollution, the proposal rule they released
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AGU: ‘Bathtub Rings’ Around Titan’s Lakes Might Be Made Of Alien Crystals

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 25, 2019
A false-color, near infrared view of Titan’s northern hemisphere collected by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft showing the moon’s seas and lakes. Orange areas near some of them may be deposits of organic evaporite minerals left behind by receding liquid hydrocarbon. Courtesy/NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute
 
AGU News:
 
BELLEVUE, Wash. ― The frigid lakeshores of Saturn’s moon Titan might be encrusted with strange, unearthly minerals, according to new research being presented here.
 
Scientists re-creating Titan-esque conditions in their laboratory have
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PEEC: Meet Adult And Baby Goats At Los Alamos Nature Center 6:30 P.M. Wednesday June 26

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 24, 2019

Meet goats of all shapes and sizes at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 at the Los Alamos Nature Center. Del Norte Credit Union is sponsoring this evening of fun! Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

The community is invited to meet adult and baby goats at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 at the Los Alamos Nature Center.

This Summer Family Evening program features Debbie Wood of Second Bloom Farm, Jessie Ross of Gypsy Mountain Ranch and their goats.

Attendees will have the opportunity to see goats up close, learn about how goat milk is used and hear about what goats need to live happily on the Pajarito Plateau. Del Read More

DOI: Climbing Opportunities With Interactive Maps

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 24, 2019
DOI News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released a series of interactive online maps designed to promote climbing and other recreational opportunities on BLM-managed public lands.
 
Developed in cooperation with Access Fund and Mountain Project, the maps allow individuals to easily plan exciting climbing experiences at sites around the western United States.
 
“The Trump Administration is committed to expanding and promoting the untold number of recreational opportunities for Americans to enjoy
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Daily Postcard: Cactus Blooms On Bandeliers Frey Trail

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 24, 2019

Daily Postcard: A prickly pear cactus blooms along the Frey Trail in Bandelier. The trail begins at Juniper Campground and makes its way to the edge of the canyon where it switchbacks down to the canyon floor (>550′ elevation change), and provides excellent bird’s eye views of Tyuonyi as well as a foot route from the campground to the visitor center. The Frey Trail was resurfaced in 2018 from where it enters Frijoles Canyon, to where it joins the Main Loop Trail. A somewhat strenuous trail at any time, it can be exceedingly hot and difficult in summer as there is little shelter from Read More

Air Force Research Laboratory Prepares DSX Spacecraft For Launch On Space X Falcon Heavy Rocket

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 23, 2019
The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) spacecraft in the final preparation stages before shipment to Cape Canaveral, Fla., for launch on a Space X Falcon Heavy Rocket. Courtesy photo
 
KAFB News:
 
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE ― Air Force Research Laboratory engineers have completed the final assembly and integration of the Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) spacecraft in preparation for its placement on the first-ever Department of Defense SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch vehicle.
 
The DOD Space Test Program (STP-2) mission,
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New Mexico Game & Fish: Conservation Officers Graduate From Law Enforcement Academy

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 23, 2019
New Mexico Department of Game & Fish conservation officer graduates Kayla Brauer, Travis Bessett and Montana Tidwell. Courtesy/NMG&F
 
NMG&F News:

SANTA FE ― Three New Mexico Department of Game & Fish conservation officers graduated June 14 from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Farmington.

The department’s graduates of the 20-week law enforcement training academy:

  • Kayla Brauer;
  • Travis Bessett; and
  • Montana Tidwell.

Notably, Brauer earned the title of class valedictorian and the exemplary performance award in a class of 30.

In addition to attending

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Dark Sky Star Party At Fort Union June 29

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 23, 2019
NPS News:
 
WATROUS ― Fort Union will take advantage of its natural dark sky to host a star party 8:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29.
 
The solitude, remoteness and arid landscapes of Fort Union National Monument make it an ideal place for observing a natural dark sky. After sunset, the sky over the high prairie gives way to the glow of celestial bodies unaffected by the artificial light of distant communities.
 
Attendees will be immersed in the culture and science of a natural night sky as rangers guide them through the remains of the old fort, and help to identify distant stars and
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DPU Issues Drinking Water Quality Report

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 23, 2019
COUNTY News:
 
Water customers in Los Alamos County should expect to receive a copy of the 2018 Drinking Water Quality Report from the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities by mail prior to July 1.
 
The Annual Drinking Water Quality Report describes drinking water sources, testing conducted on the water, substances detected and other information of interest.
 
“We consider it a tremendous responsibility and honor to provide Los Alamos County with high-quality drinking water,” Utilities Manager Tim Glasco said. “It is safe, clean and with constituent levels lower than
Read More

Scenes Friday Afternoon At Ashley Pond Park

Submitted by Chris Clark on June 22, 2019

Kids are enjoying the water Friday at Ashley Pond Park. Photo by Ken Hanson

A child feeds a duck Friday at Ashley Pond. Photo by Ken Hanson

An iris blooms Friday at Ashley Pond Park. Photo by Ken Hanson

More iris bloom Friday at Ashley Pond. Photo by Ken Hanson Read More

Tent Rock Prescribed Burn Planned In Jemez Today

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 22, 2019

SFNF News:

SANTA FE – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) may proceed today with the previously announced Tent Rocks prescribed burn on the Jemez Ranger District, if conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality, wind direction and weather forecasts, are favorable.

The Tent Rocks treatment area is approximately 2 miles north of Jemez Springs and less than 1 mile southwest of La Cueva.

Up to 1,520 acres will be treated to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire, improve wildlife habitat and improve forest health. Prescribed burns are managed with firefighter and public safety Read More

Scenes From Save-As-You-Throw Open House

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 22, 2019

Los Alamos County Environmental Services Division Manager Angelica Gurule and ESD staff assist members of the public in responding to questions in an online survey about the proposed Save-As-You-Throw (SAYT) progam. The survey was held during an open house Thursday evening in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. The Environmental Sustainability Board’s (ESB) SAYT Research Subcommittee is considering new options that could not only reduce the amount of waste trucked to the landfill but also allow for more equity and control over residents’ trash collection fees. There are several Read More

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