Issues: Wildlands

All Documents in Wildlands Tagged maps

Crown Jewels at Risk
Guide
Without quick action to halt global warming, our favorite national parks could lose some of their splendor.
The Boreal Forest: Earth's Green Crown
Photo Album
Canada's vast boreal forest is among the largest intact forest ecosystems left on earth, and must be preserved. This feature tells its story in words and pictures.

Documents Tagged maps in All Sections

Beach Pollution
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ
Answers to questions including: How widespread is beach pollution? What are the major causes of beach pollution? Can swimming in polluted water make you sick?
Testing the Waters 2009
A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches

Report
NRDC's annual survey of water quality and public notification at U.S. beaches finds that pollution caused the number of beach closings and advisories to hit their fourth-highest level in the 19-year history of the report. The number of 2008 closing and advisory days at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches topped 20,000 for the fourth consecutive year, confirming that our nation's beaches continue to suffer from serious water pollution that puts swimmers at risk. The 2009 survey is based on information reported for 2008.
Water Quality at U.S. Beaches
How to find out whether state and local authorities test for beach pollution, and what they do if they find it.

Guide
Wondering how clean the water is at your favorite vacation spot? Finding an answer can be tricky. Beach testing and closing/health advisory practices vary from beach to beach and state to state. Even when states and localities perform tests, they don't always notify the public or close beaches when bacteria levels in the water exceed health standards. Learn how you can try to check the safety of your favorite beach before you head out for a swim.
Picturing Smart Growth
Visions for Sustainable Communities Across America

Guide

Cities and towns across the country are embracing smart growth as a better solution to meet the needs of their growing populations. Smart growth principles accommodate growth and development while saving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods and helping cool the planet. See visions created through photo-editing software for how 70 communities across the country could apply smart growth principles and improve their streets and neighborhoods.

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Q&A: Documentary Filmmaker Ken Burns on National Parks
Ken Burn spoke to OnEarth about his motivation for his new documentary series on America's national parks.
In the Canadian Boreal Forest, a Conservation Ethic at Work
After fighting successfully for years to keep destructive logging, hydropower and mining projects out of their traditional territory, the people of Poplar River are now working to secure permanent protection for their boreal forest homeland.

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