Scientists estimate there are up to 100 panthers in Florida, up from nearly 30 two decades ago, most roaming on about 2-point-5 million acres in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park and several surrounding state preserves. Scientists estimate there are up to 100 panthers in Florida, up from nearly 30 two decades ago, most roaming on about 2-point-5 million acres in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress...

More importantly, the win was impressive enough to make the case that the Gators deserve to play Ohio State in this year's national championship game. They celebrated for a few seconds and then quickly went into lobbying mode as every Gator interviewed mentioned how his team should get the nod over No. As for the game, Florida (12-1) clearly was the better team on Saturday, playing one of its most complete games of the year, Still, the Gators inexplicably found themselves down by four...

Last week the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced that the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria region will not comply with the Clean Air Act's requirement to eliminate unhealthy levels of ozone by 2010, ensuring that the state will ask the EPA for an extension of time until 2018 to reach attainment. Last week the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced that the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria region will not comply with the Clean Air Act's requirement to eliminate unhealthy...

The modern dilemma: Is it better to go real or plastic? By Suzanne Bohan, STAFF WRITER Article Last Updated:12/04/2006 02:48:20 AM PST Here's a holiday conundrum that's part of modern life for eco-conscious consumers: Which poses less environmental burden, a live or plastic Christmas tree? The answer, experts on all side of the debate say, isn't (to borrow a logging term) so clear cut. The modern dilemma: Is it better to go real or plastic? By Suzanne Bohan, STAFF WRITER Article Last...

Many local fishermen believe that the dams could have prevented the fish kill, by holding back anoxic water. By Nick Casey Officials report that following the breach of the Pescadero Creek sandbar this weekend, scores of juvenile steelhead trout have again been found dead. Among agency scientists, however, the link remains controversial. By Nick Casey Officials report that following the breach of the Pescadero Creek sandbar this weekend, scores of juvenile steelhead trout have again been...

A ban on ''shark chumming'' -- the practice by some researchers, filmmakers and thrill-seekers of spreading dead fish parts in the water to attract great whites. Expanding the sanctuary 14 percent by adding a circular area around Davidson Seamount, an undersea mountain 80 miles south of Monterey known for its coral reefs. Environmentalists and some surfers want the craft banned entirely, arguing they are noisy and can menace wildlife, although documented evidence of that is slim. Bush...

Forty odd columns thus far this year, and there comes a time when a journalist asks what difference did she/he make? Mine is the question; yours is the answer. Reminisce with me as I choose gems (wow!) from my own hills of verbiage (did I hear you say mountain of garbage?) what I thought created ripples in the mighty ocean of your mind: Yes, dear readers, the beloved e-mail will carry my words across eons of time and space, and when you hold this paper, I am there only a page away even if...

Immunity levels have dropped because of pollution, unhealthy diets and lifestyles, making people more susceptible to respiratory problems, says chest physician Dr KC Mohanty. But more than anything, we need cleaner air to breathe and a better environment to live in. It s not just chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is leaving Mumbai residents short of air. The frenzied rush to build housing units, malls, multiplexes and more has a dark side to it: suspended particulate...

Before the Springfield Parks and Recreation Department's Equine Center is operational, a new drive and parking lots for visitors and horse trailers must be built, and the pastures must be restored, said Jon Chamberlin, who is supervising the work from an office in the house overlooking the South Dry Sac. Park brings horses to public Park to combine horses, environmental education Site will be ready by mid-2007, but pastures must be restored before horses can be housed. Before the...