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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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'The devastation is quite shocking' – Fallen trees in Inverness woodland still blocking major walking and cycling route
Storm damage has left multiple trees blocking paths in Cullaird Wood on the outskirts of Inverness, obstructing a key section of the South Loch Ness Trail. Highland Council says it is seeking an arrangement with the landowner’s agents to clear the routes after recent storms Floris and Amy.
Inverness, Highland, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Management of the Alta River criticized: 'It stinks everywhere'
Large numbers of post‑spawning pink salmon are rotting along the Alta River in Finnmark, causing strong odors and anger among anglers. Critics say the river lacked an effective trap in 2025, while managers and authorities cite technical challenges and are using netting and clean‑ups as interim measures.
Alta, Finnmark, Norway
NRK
Christina Gjertsen; André Bendixen; Iselin Bonesvoll

Wild Reindeer Threatened by Tourists and Early Spring: “This Can’t Continue!”
An expert warns that early snowmelt and increasing ski tourism in vulnerable high‑altitude calving areas on Hardangervidda and Nordfjella are disturbing Norway’s wild reindeer during their critical breeding season.
Hardangervidda and Nordfjella, Buskerud, Norway
NRK

Anchorage skiers and snowboarders are struggling through a poor snow season, but opportunities exist for the adventurous
“It’s out of the ordinary but nothing that’s unprecedented,” according to Arctic Valley Ski Area general manager John Robinson-Wilson.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

New conservation program on Alaska’s North Slope to offset Willow drilling impact
A new conservation initiative allows the Nuiqsut community and its Native corporation to oversee 1 million acres around Teshekpuk Lake to protect caribou habitat from oil drilling impacts.
Nuiqsut, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

'Left to Fend for Themselves': Volunteers Step Up as Russian Government Falters in Black Sea Oil Spill Response
A major oil spill along Russia's Black Sea coast has mobilized volunteers as official response falters after two oil tankers were damaged during a storm.
Black Sea Coast, Krasnodar, Russia
The Moscow Times

Deer are cute, but their over-abundance is bad news for B.C. forests, birds. Here's why.
Deer populations in southwestern British Columbia have expanded beyond historical levels, causing significant harm to forest plants and bird species. This article explores the impacts and possible solutions to manage deer populations and restore ecological balance.
Southwestern British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

Jasper wildfire, flooding, hail among top weather events of 2024
Environment Canada identified key weather events in 2024, including the devastating Jasper wildfire and significant storms leading to floods and hail damage. These events resulted in mass evacuations and substantial economic losses across Canada.
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
CTV News

Landslides to late freezes: New report makes sense of changes to Alaska's environment
A newly updated report titled 'Alaska's Changing Environment' explores the climatic shifts affecting Alaska, from landslides to late freezes, emphasizing the significant impact of climate change.
Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

As hundreds flock to see dead Anchorage whale, scientists are trying to learn more about how it lived
A dead fin whale washed up near downtown Anchorage, attracting hundreds of onlookers while scientists study it to learn more about the whale's life and death.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Historically bad year for dolphin strandings on Cape Cod has scientists looking for answers
Cape Cod experiences a historic rise in dolphin strandings, with warming waters affecting food availability, prompting scientists to seek solutions.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, United States
CTV News

Commercial whaling and climate change are inhibiting evolutionary change in Arctic whales
Commercial whaling and climate change are inhibiting the evolutionary potential of Arctic whales by reducing genetic variation necessary for adaptation, with bowhead whales markedly affected by historical hunting.
Arctic Region
NNSL Media

‘Just terrifying’: As Ketchikan residents take stock after fatal landslide, geologists assess stability
The slide Sunday afternoon just above the Southeast Alaska city’s downtown sent tons of debris and mud onto a half-dozen homes, killing one person and injuring three.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

This Italian vacation hotspot is turning tourists away as it runs out of water
Agrigento, a tourist destination in Sicily, is facing severe water shortages, leading to rationing and the turning away of tourists, impacting the local economy reliant on tourism and agriculture.
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
CTVNews

Budworms ravaged Maine's forests for years. They're starting to come back.
An aerial survey revealed 3,000 acres of Maine's forests damaged by spruce budworm in July, with 178,000 acres at risk next spring. The state uses early intervention to prevent an outbreak similar to the one from 1967 to 1993 that devastated millions of acres.
Aroostook County, Maine, United States
Press Herald

Nome welcomes 1,800 cruise ship visitors to town
Nome experienced a record-breaking influx of 1,800 cruise ship passengers from the MS Westerdam, enjoying a variety of local tours, cultural presentations, and the Berry Festival during their full-day port of call visit.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Juneau had a record-breaking cruise season last year. This year should be about the same.
Juneau implements a new daily limit of five large cruise ships to manage record-breaking tourism and address local concerns about traffic and quality of life.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

New work season opens for Denali Park Road bridge
The $100 million Pretty Rocks Bridge will cross the site of a landslide that has closed the road at Mile 45 since 2021.
Denali Park

Chugach forecasters warn of dangerous avalanche conditions after 1 death, 2 close calls
Chugach forecasters issue warnings of high avalanche danger following a fatal incident and two non-fatal close calls in the mountains.
Girdwood, Alaska, United States
Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

'Like being at a loud rock concert': study looks at how ship noise affects Arctic marine mammals |
A study reveals that increased ship noise in the Arctic disrupts the behavior and communication of marine mammals, impacting local wildlife and indigenous hunting practices.
Beaufort Sea
CBC

Big changes are coming to Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area
The U.S. Forest Service has finalized a plan to revamp Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, addressing tourism growth and community concerns.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Okanagan's water board calls for temporary ban on out-of-province boats
The Okanagan Basin Water Board is proposing a temporary ban on out-of-province boats entering British Columbia's waterways to prevent the introduction of invasive mussels that could cause significant harm to the ecosystem and cost the province millions of dollars annually.
Okanagen Lake, British Columbia, Canada
CBC

Sitka’s tourism boom has brought a staggering increase in cigarette butts
Sitka's tourism boom has led to a significant increase in cigarette butt litter, prompting a monthly cleanup effort and concerns about the environmental impact of the litter.
Sitka, Alaska, United States

Sitka-based tour company is asking visitors to consider the cost of their emissions
Electric heat pumps help homeowners swap fossil fuel for renewable energy. To spread heat pumps across the region, Allen Marine is collecting small donations from thousands of visitors that pass through Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan on their whale watching and glacier tours each year.
Sitka, Alaska, United States

'I'm definitely worried': Wildfire smoke means Yellowknife's air quality among worst in Canada
Clean, fresh air can be part of the draw for tourists to Canada's North — but they won't find it this week in Yellowknife due to wildfire smoke.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

As the climate warms, the face of Denali National Park changes
The damage wrought to the park’s road by melting permafrost is creating a new reality affecting visitors, park staff, local businesses and potentially wildlife.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Anchorage Daily News

How e-bikes are becoming the norm on Anchorage trails
E-bikes offer riders added range, mobility and approachability. But they also potentially bring an added element of increased speed to mixed-use trails that are already buzzing with activity.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Bristol Bay sportfishing regulations change, in response to concerns over king salmon decline
As king salmon decline in the Bristol Bay region, changes to king salmon harvest include reduced bag limits, area closures, as well as the introduction of youth-only fisheries in the Naknek River.
Bristol Bay, Alaska
KDLG

Sail, solar panels, battery. Norwegian zero-emission cruise concept revealed
Hurtigruten Norway says the first zero-emission coastal cruise vessels will be sailing in 2030.
Norway
The Independent Barents Observer

19 cruise ships scheduled to visit Unalaska this season, with UVB 'optimistic' after several challenging years
After decrease tourism during the pandemic Unalaska prepares for summer tourism season and a way for the community to share the history, culture, and environmental stewardship of the Unangan people,
Unalaska, Alaska, United States

Wild reindeer committee wants to remove musk ox from Dovrefjell
The musk oxen attract a lot of tourists, and generate a lot of traffic into reindeer areas.
Snøhetta, Norway
NRK

Hawaii's lawmakers mull imposing fees to pay for ecotourism crush
Taking care of Hawaii's unique natural environment takes time, people and money. Now Hawaii wants tourists to help pay for it.
Hawaii, United States

'Like a highway going right past us': Nome grapples with its future as Arctic shipping traffic increases
Residents wonder if a proposed port expansion will help or hinder efforts to address chronic social problems.
Nome, Alaska, United States

Old Tjikko stands on Fulufjellet, just a mile from the Norwegian border in Trysil
Old Tjikko is 9500 years old, one of the oldest fir tree in the world.
Trysil, Innlandet, Norway

Polar bears in Svalbard are disturbed around the clock by tourists. A police investigation has now begun
Rekordmange båter på fotojakt etter isbjørner. Nå undersøker Sysselmesteren på Svalbard flere mulige brudd på svalbardmiljøloven.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

The Last Ice
In Norway, glaciers are receding faster than ever and potentially will be eliminated by climate change in key tourist destinations.
Norway

The Kerala Floods
Since 2018, Kerala has faced increasingly severe and frequent floods, a stark contrast to its historical rarity, driven by factors like Indian Ocean warming and local environmental changes, underscoring a global trend of climate-driven extremes and the urgent need for improved flood management and climate adaptation.
Arukutti, Kerala, India

Fatal grizzly attack renews debate over how many bears are too many
The fatal grizzly attack in West Yellowstone has sparked a debate over the number of bears, with some arguing for delisting and state management to prevent future tragedies.
West Yellowstone, Montana, United States
NPR

Fagersta resident on swine fever outbreak: ”Hold on and hope for the best”
The small Swedish town of Fagersta, Västmanland County, has been at the epicentre of the recent outbreak of African swine fever.All activities in an area of forest around 1000 square kilometers in the counties of Västmanland and Dalarna have been off limits since Friday following the discovery of dead wild boar.
Fagersta, Västmanland, Sweden

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