Drought

Researchers have found a way to predict whether or not a forest will survive based on drought conditions – information that can help forest managers deal with climate change.

State officials are dropping most fire restrictions in North Idaho as campers prepare for the unofficial end to summer this Labor Day weekend.

Nearly every part of Idaho has been grappling with water supply over the past few years due to drought.

Water is scarce in much of our region. So every spring, one tribe spends days cleaning ditches that are vital to irrigating their farmland. But aging infrastructure and the effects of climate change are making it harder for farmers to get enough water - even after the cleanings.

Idaho Matters takes a look at the news that made headlines this week, including why a former Boise City Council member is suing the city, an update on drought conditions in the Mountain West and a look at Idaho's role in the 2024 presidential campaign.

Federal officials say many parts of the West continue to see “massive” drought improvements, with some of the most significant changes in the Mountain West.

The 83 projects are located in 11 mostly Western states, including Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico and Nevada.

A University of Colorado professor is partnering with community water groups to learn about metal contamination in water – an issue of increasing concern in the Mountain West.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a 3% drop in the country's cattle and calves inventory as of Jan. 1. The number of beef cows was down 4%, the smallest count in more than 60 years.

It's an improvement, but conditions are still slowly recovering from an extreme drought two years ago.