LANL Sponsors 20th Hazmat Challenge July 25-29
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 21, 2016
Emergency responders taking part in exercises during last year’s Challenge. Courtesy/LANL
LANL News:
Ten hazardous materials response teams from New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska test their skills in a series of graded, timed exercises at the 20th annual Hazmat Challenge July 25-29 at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
“The Hazmat Challenge provides hazardous materials responders the opportunity to test their skills, share best practices with other response agencies and learn new techniques through realistic hazardous materials release scenarios in a safe, non-hazardous Read More
ACEEE To Rank U.S., 22 Other Major Countries On Energy Efficiency
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 20, 2016
ACEEE News:WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Which major nation has the most energy-efficient economy? Is the United States ahead of or behind other nations—including the U.K., China, Germany, India, South Korea, Australia, and Japan—when it comes to energy efficiency?
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) will issue its 3rd edition of the International Energy Efficiency Scorecard report measuring the energy efficiency of 23 of the world’s largest energy-consuming countries.
The new ACEEE scorecard will be released during a phone-based news event
Read More A Mountaineer’s Story: Wild, Edible Plants July 26
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 20, 2016
Jesse and Johanna Boudreau at PEEC’s Earth Day Festival. Listen to their edible wild plants talk Tuesday, July 26 at the Los Alamos Nature Center. Courtesy photoPEEC News:
Ever wonder which wild plants are safe to eat? Come to the Los Alamos Mountaineers meeting Tuesday, July 26 to find out which wild plants are edible and which ones are poisonous.
Permaculture experts Jesse and Johanna Boudreau will be leading the talk at 7:30 p.m. at the Los Alamos Nature Center. The Los Alamos Mountaineers meeting will start at 7 p.m. and
Read More PEEC: Fourth Friday Fractals Show July 22
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 19, 2016
Fractal. Image from Wikimedia Commons, created by Wolfgang BeyerPEEC News:
Pajarito Environmental Education Center’s dynamic fractal show is back for one evening this month at 7 p.m., Friday, July 22 in the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium.
This show incorporates math, science, art, and nature in a full-dome planetarium show featuring original music.
This spectacular show starts promptly at 7 p.m. and seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased by phone or at the nature center and are only $10 for adults and $8 for children. This
Read More Governor Directs Agencies To Prepare For Potential Flooding In Aftermath Of Timberon Fire
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 19, 2016
STATE News:SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez has directed state agencies responding to the Timberon Fire in Otero County to work with local leaders and other local, county, and federal entities on plans and actions required in the aftermath of the Timberon Fire.
In the aftermath of devastating wildfires such as the Timberon Fire, affected areas can often be vulnerable to flooding, excessive debris runoff, and dangerous effects to the local watershed which can be difficult to control and cause further damage.
“Protecting residents and their health and safety is always
Read More Forest Service Awards Stewardship Contract For Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 19, 2016
USDA News:SANTA FE ― The USDA Forest Service announced it has awarded the multi-year stewardship contract for the Southwest Jemez Mountains (SWJM) Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) to TC Company, a local contractor based in Northern New Mexico.
Treatments outlined in the contract for stewardship services are designed to mitigate the risk of high-severity wildfire and restore ecosystem function to frequent-fire forests in the southwestern Jemez Mountains.
“The forests of northern New Mexico are under
Read More Oppenheimer Lecture: National Academy Of Sciences President Examines Question Of Climate Intervention
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 19, 2016
National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt will deliver the 46th annual J. Robert Oppenheimer lecture Wednesday night in Los Alamos. Courtesy photo
By ROGER SNODGRASS
Los Alamos Daily Post
A few years back, the American geophysicist Marcia McNutt was one of three distinguished scientists who were asked by a British publication — if they could go to any time in the past, which event would they most like to see. At that time she was executive director of the U.S. Geological Survey and the question came from EarthWise, a digital magazine of the Royal Scottish Geological
Vandals Mar Improvements On Jemez River
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 18, 2016
Jemez River. File photo
SFNF News:
JEMEZ SPRINGS – Vandals at work along the Jemez River have chopped the tops off newly planted cottonwoods on the riverbank and damaged recently installed fish habitat structures in the water.
The restoration and improvement of aquatic habitats is part of the larger Santa Fe National Forest’s Southwest Jemez Mountains Forest Restoration project to create and sustain healthy ecosystems in the Jemez Mountains.
“The work we are doing along the Jemez River is not only beneficial to the river and the species that live in it. It’s also an economic boon to the Read More
White Rock Bear To Be Euthanized
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 18, 2016
A neighbor saw this bear Sunday morning that attacked six baby goats in White Rock. The New Mexico Game & Fish officer at the scene when the bear was captured Sunday night told homeowner Louis Borges that by state law, the bear needs to be put down. It was too aggressive in killing livestock, he said. The officer also said that no one has ever heard of bears being seen in White Rock before, and this kind of behavior was very unusual … to kill six goats by jumping into the pen six time to haul them away. Borges said he found four of the six carcasses strewn around his property. Surprisingly, the bearYMCA Work Crew Receives Public Lands Day Training
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 18, 2016
At Station 1, Engine Captain Adrian Porchas gave a demonstration of the drip torch and how it is used to fight wildland fires. Courtesy/USDA Forest ServiceYMCA News:
Each year The Family YMCA sponsors a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) trail crew through a New Mexico YCC grant program that benefits both Los Alamos County and Forest Service area trails. Under the terms of the grant, the Y’s crew members are selected from the Española, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Pojoaque and Sandoval County areas.
On July 13, during the Forest Service’s Public Lands Day, the Y’s crew
Read More Los Alamos County Enters Stage I Fire Restrictions
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 18, 2016
COUNTY News Alert:
Effective immediately, Los Alamos County is under Stage I Fire Restrictions.
The following acts are prohibited until further notice:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using an open fire, campfire, charcoal or wood stove on all Los Alamos County lands. (See Exemption 1)
- Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3-feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Stage I Exemptions:
- Developed campgrounds with metal grills using charcoal or propane are acceptable
PEEC: Annual Dorothy Hoard Butterfly Count July 23
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 18, 2016
Local butterfly citizen science project leg by Steve Cary takes place Saturday, July 23. Courtesy photoPEEC News:
The annual Dorothy Hoard Butterfly Count is set for Saturday and beginners, experts and everyone in between are invited to participate.
Participants will honor the memory of local environmentalist Dorothy Hoard by gathering for the count in three locations around the Pajarito Plateau:
- Atop a mesa;
- At a high altitude; and
- Along a stream.
New Mexico butterfly expert Steve Cary will be present to help identify butterflies and discuss their life histories.
Read More Officers Capture Bear That Killed Baby Goats Sunday
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 18, 2016
The bear that killed six baby goats Sunday morning at a residence on Estante Way in White Rock was captured Sunday night. Photo by Louis Borges
Tranquilized bear sleeps inside transport container. Photo by Louis Borges
Photo by Louis Borges
Photo by Louis BorgesLos Alamos Celebrates ScienceFest 2016
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 17, 2016
Visitors to ScienceFest gather today at Ashley Pond Park. Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
A robot launches a ball. Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Operating the ball-launching robot. Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Watching the drones perform. Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Drone aloft. Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
3D chalk drawing. Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Chalk Walk drawing. Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Chalk Walk artist. Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Michele and Andy Fox with their AtomicBear Saunters Up To North Shore Shave Ice Company Trailer On Trinity Drive
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 17, 2016
Kayla Parker and Rachelle Stokes were working Friday afternoon at the North Shore Shave Ice Company mobile trailer on Trinity Drive when this bear cub came right up to their trailer. They were a bit startled, but managed to snap this photo. Photo by Rachelle StokesRockhound Geology Outing At Small Fry Prospect Mine
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 16, 2016
Explore an old mining site to find fluorescent deep purple fluorite. Courtesy photoPEEC News:
Patrick Rowe is leading an expedition to Small Fry Prospect Mine at 8 a.m., July 23.
Located just north of Española, this hotspot is brimming with beautiful fluorite specimens.Expect to find fluorescent deep purple fluorite, fluorescent iron patina, and intricate barite crystals. This outing is kid-friendly, so make sure to bring the whole family.
Participants will meet at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at the Los Alamos Nature Center before carpooling
Read More SFNF Implements Stage I Fire Restrictions
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 15, 2016
CAUTION: Fire Danger is Very High! Courtesy imageSFNF News:
SANTA FE ― The Santa Fe National Forest will implement campfire and smoking restrictions effective 8 a.m. today.
Fire danger on the forest remains very high due to continued high temperatures and dry conditions accompanying the delayed onset of the monsoon season.
Under Stage I restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves are allowed only in developed campsites or picnic areas with existing fire rings or grills. Campfires are prohibited at all
Read More Government Accountability Office Releases Report On Whistleblower Retaliation At DOE
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 15, 2016
DOE News:WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., were joined Thursday by federal contractor whistleblowers Sandra Black and Walt Tamosaitis to release a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on whistleblower retaliation at the Department of Energy (DOE).
Black, a contractor employee at DOE’s Savannah River site in South Carolina for more than 30 years was fired for cooperating with the GAO during its collection of information for the report. Tamosaitis was fired after raising safety and design
Read More NWTF Supports Bipartisan Bill To Enhance Funding For Fish And Wildlife
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 15, 2016
NWTF News:EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation acknowledges and thanks U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-AK) and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) for recently introducing the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R. 5650), a bill that calls for the dedication of $1.3 billion in existing revenue to the Wildlife Conservation Restoration Program.
The Wildlife Conservation Restoration Program is currently unfunded. But under the proposed legislation, the program would allow state fish and wildlife agencies to proactively manage at-risk species
Read More DOE Issues Final RFP For WIPP Transportation Services
Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 15, 2016
DOE News:CINCINNATI ― The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center (EMCBC) issued a Final Request for Proposal (RFP) for Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Transportation Services.
An Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract, utilizing Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) task orders, that may include separate Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) (within Task Orders) for specified cost reimbursable (no fee) items such as State permits and Use fees, New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax, fuel, and a safe driving
Read More 
