Public News Service

Researcher Michael Zeiler with GreatAmericanEclipse.com estimated between 84,000 and 337,000 people will visit the Natural State to view the solar eclipse. (Adil/AdobesStock)

Arkansans encouraged to observe birds, wildlife behavior during solar eclipse

On Monday, Arkansans will have the opportunity to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event, a total solar eclipse. It will be visible along a narrow track …

Last month, the U.S. Economic Development Administration committed a $1.2 million grant, matched by $1 million from Arkansas, to expand the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program across four Opportunity Zones. (Nicholas & Geraldine/Adobe Stock)<br />

Arkansas Initiative aims to expand outdoor recreation, boost economy

The Natural State Initiative latest report recommends increasing access to outdoor recreation, which will help grow the state's economy. The …

Duck hunting season is already underway in Arkansas and the Natural State is home to five major classes of wetlands based on water source, geology and landscape position. (Ajamils/AdobeStock)

Duck hunting faces environmental crossroads after spring SCOTUS ruling

Arkansas and other states are dealing with the fallout from a Supreme Court decision in May, which effectively removed federal protections for more …

The National Audubon Society report states that if meaningful action is taken now to stabilize the <br />climate, 76% of climate-vulnerable bird species will experience less range loss. (Kevin/AdobeStock)

Report: Audubon Call to Action for Renewable Energy, Bird Protection

A new report highlights the need for more electric transmission, while showing how it can be implemented without hurting our feathered friends…

More than 1,600 U.S. species are already listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, including 37 species in Arkansas. (David McGowen/AdobeStock)

Bipartisan Bill Could Save 377 Species of Wildlife in Arkansas

Bipartisan wildlife legislation that was recently reintroduced would provide unprecedented conservation funding to states across the U.S. The …

Conservationists say the Recovering America's Wildlife Act could support improvements to water quality in the Ozarks, including the Buffalo National River. (Adobe Stock)

Wildlife Act Could Boost AR Conservation, Advocates Say

ST. JOE, Ark. -- More than a decade of restoration efforts in a section of Northern Arkansas' Ozark National Forest have led to 40 new species of …

The Recovering America's Wildlife Act proposes allocating nearly $1.4 billion across all 50 states, and another 97 million a year for tribal nations.(Adobe Stock)

As More Venture Out in AR, Groups Work to Protect Habitat, Wildlife

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansans are turning to nature in record numbers during the pandemic, and supporters of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act (…

The Ouachita National Forest, which covers about 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas, is one of two national forests in the state. (U.S. Forest Service)

Advocates Challenge Proposed Forest Service Rule Changes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Conservation groups are challenging the Trump administration over proposed changes to U.S. Forest Service rules to allow …

An Arkansas couple casts flies in search of rainbow and brown trout in the clear waters of the Buffalo National River. (Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism)

Congress Poised to Renew Land and Water Conservation Fund

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The U.S. House could vote next week on a package of public lands bills that would permanently reauthorize the Land and …

Additional parts of the Flatside Wilderness may soon get permanent protection, more than 30 years after lawmakers established the current boundaries. (Kirk Wasson)

Bill Expanding Flatside Wilderness Goes to President's Desk

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A bill is now on President Donald Trump's desk that would expand the Flatside Wilderness - about 50 miles west of central …

Dozens of migratory waterfowl and other species, many of them endangered, can be found at the Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge in Central Arkansas. (USFWS)

Report: Toxic Pesticides Used on Leases in Fragile Wildlife Refuges

CLARKEDALE, Ark. – Commercial farms leased in many national wildlife refuges, including several in Arkansas, have been sprayed with nearly a …

Forked Mountain is a prominent feature of the Flatside Wilderness area in central Arkansas. (Wikimedia Commons)<br /><br />

Bill Proposes Expansion of Arkansas Flatside Wilderness Area

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Conservationists are praising a measure designed to expand the Flatside Wilderness area of the Ouachita National Forest in …

The Bobwhite Quail is one of 377 species in Arkansas which, due to habitat loss, are at risk of becoming extinct. (USFWS)

Study Finds One in Three U.S. Species at Risk of Extinction

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A new report warns that as many as one-third of wildlife species in America are in crisis but with funding, their recovery …

Participants at the first Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit will discuss managing and preserving the state�s natural resources, such as Hot Springs National Park. (zrfphoto/iStockphoto)

Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit Set Today

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Environmental advocates and public officials are meeting today at the first Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit, to …

The Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area is among the public lands to be protected from air pollution by the EPA�s Arkansas Regional Haze Plan. (National Park Service)

EPA Completes Regional Haze Plan for Arkansas Parks

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – It took a lawsuit by an environmental group to get it done, but the Environmental Protection Agency has finally released …

A couple of groups have come forward in opposition to six large broiler chicken houses proposed for the Strawberry River Watershed. (univar.edu)

Groups Threaten Suit to Stop Arkansas Factory Chicken Farm

EVENING SHADE, Ark. – A lawsuit could be filed before summer wraps up over plans to build a new poultry plant in Northeast Arkansas. The …

Harmful blue-green algae is increasing in bodies of water across the country because of climate change, farming practices and storm and wastewater runoff. (USGS)

Harmful Algae on the Rise in U.S.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Algal blooms in bodies of water across the nation are increasing as a result of climate change, farming practices, storm …

Civil rights and environmental groups want to encourage more visits to state parks by minorities. (Virginia Carter)

Involving a More Diverse Community in Arkansas National Parks

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - As the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service nears, a coalition of civil rights and conservation groups is calling for …

Arkansas is getting a share of $1.1 billion in wildlife funds being distributed to states by the federal government. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Federal Money to Help AR Restore Waterfowl, Wildlife Habitat

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Money from taxes on guns, ammunition and fishing equipment is being doled out to all 50 states to be used to help protect fishing…

The trial of coal baron Don Blankenship comes at a time of rising anger against CEOs who break the law, legal observers say. Brian Hayden/Wikimedia

Trial of Coal Baron Spotlights Patterns In CEO Prosecutions

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Coal baron Don Blankenship's high-profile trial is coming at a time of anger against corporate wrongdoing - but experts say that …

PHOTO: Halloween wraps up National Bat Week. The northern long-eared bat, found in Arkansas, has been proposed for an Endangered Species Act listing. Credit: StevenThomas/National Park Service

Busting Bat Myths in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Bats are one of the stars for Halloween celebrations tonight, and part of this week's "National Bat Week" observance is bat myth-…

PHOTO: A new report from the National Wildlife Federation outlines how climate change is connected to a proliferation of menacing outdoor pests, such as the Asian tiger mosquito which is found in Arkansas. Photo credit: CDC/James Gathany

Report Claims Pests Proliferate Due to Climate Change

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Climate change is connected to all kinds of creepy-crawly critters, with a new National Wildlife Federation report detailing how …

PHOTO: A new report finds Arkansas businesses have more to lose from disruptions caused by climate change than the costs associated with proposed EPA carbon standards. Photo courtesy of Taneli Rajala / Wikimedia Commons.

Report: Climate Change Disruptions Costing Arkansas Businesses Millions

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The proposed EPA rule to reduce carbon pollution from power plants won't be free - but allowing climate change to continue …

PHOTO: A new rule clarifying where the Clean Water Act applies seems to be drawing a lot of support from farmers like Steph Larsen, seen here watering her sheep. Photo courtesy of Steph Larsen.

Support Grows for “Clearing the Waters” of the Clean Water Act

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A change in federal clean-water rules appears to be popular with some major stakeholders, especially farmers, hunters and anglers…

PHOTO: A lawsuit over government subsidies for a huge confined pig operation next to this tributary of the Buffalo River says hog waste run-off could damage the pristine water of a national park that draws a million visitors annually.

Lawsuit: Should Tax Money Pay to Put Buffalo River at Risk?

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A lawsuit against government subsidies for a factory hog farm near a pristine Arkansas river argues that taxpayer money is being …

PHOTO: When the Sierra Club and Audubon Arkansas settled with SouthWest Power over construction of a coal fired power plant, eight million dollars was directed to The Nature Conservancy for the purchase and preservation of lands. The first tract from with that funding, the Terra Noire Preserve, is dedicated today. CREDIT: TNC of Arkansas

Terre Noire Preserve Dedication: Room to Roam for People to Birds

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – There is not much native prairie left in Arkansas, but a new tract to come under protection is being opened to the public …

PHOTO: The Blue-Headed Vireo is one of the birds

Are Arkansas' Backyard Birds at Risk?

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - From their beautiful songs to their stunning colors, birds are putting on their best displays this time of year in Arkansas…

PHOTO: Canoe trips on the Buffalo River are just one way folks are boosting the outdoor recreation economy in Arkansas. Courtesy Arkansas Dept. of Parks & Tourism

Report: Outdoor Recreation a $10 Billion Business in AR

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – There's big bucks in outdoor recreation for the state of Arkansas, according to a new report from the Outdoor Industry …

PHOTO: The National Wildlife Federation's 'Be Out There' campaign encourages Arkansas parents to get their kids outside to play more often each week. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

‘Be Outside’ Pledges in AR Aim for Outdoor Fun Every Week

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - "Spending more time with family" is a top New Year's resolution, and the "Be Out There" campaign from the National Wildlife …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - April 19, 2024

2024Talks - April 19, 2024

The Yonder Report - April 18, 2024

AR: Public Lands/Wilderness