Earth Notes

By Sasa Woodruff

Flagstaff – SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, MIKE JOHANNS WALKED THROUGH THE FOREST WITH BLACK COWBOY BOOTS.

HE WORE A DENIM SHIRT EMBROIDERED WITH THE ICON OF FOREST FIRE PREVENTION: SMOKEY BEAR.

SOT: It is just so beautiful.

SENATOR JOHN KYL INVITED THE CABINET MEMBER TO SEE WHAT ARIZONA IS DOING TO AVOID CATASTROPHIC WILDFIRES.

THEY TOURED THE GUS PEARSON NATURAL AREA.

By Sasa Woodruff

Flagstaff – DAVID SPENCE PARKED HIS FUEL DELIVERY TRUCK IN DOWNTOWN FLAGSTAFF MONDAY MORNING.

SPENCE AND HIST PARTNER ARE TELLING PASSERSBY HOW THEY CAN START RUNNING THEIR CARS ON BIODIESEL.

THE FUEL IS MADE FROM CORN OR SOY BEAN OIL OR EVEN USED RESTAURANT GREASE.
.
DS Put one of these tanks at your home and we'll keep it full of biodiesel

THE RED AND WHITE TRUCK SERVES AS THEIR MOBILE GAS STATION.

MOUNTAIN BIOFUEL CAN'T AFFORD A PERMANENT LOCATION, YET.

By Daniel Kraker

Tusayan, AZ – 50 years ago today, two airliners crashed over the Grand Canyon. One of the airplanes was flying to Chicago, the other to Kansas City --- All 128 people on board the planes were killed. At the time it was the worst commercial aviation disaster in history. And as Arizona Public Radio's Daniel Kraker reports, it still has an impact on local pilots.

SFX1: sneak up background intercom ambi under track

By Laurel Morales

Sedona, AZ – Air tankers dropped fire retardant over the north part of the blaze while hot shot crews used axes and shovels to build fire lines to keep it from burning any more of Oak Creek Canyon, its homes and tourist-driven businesses.

Firefighter Chris Ader takes a break from mopping up hot spots above the Slide Rock picnic area. His blue eyes appear especially bright on his ash darkened face.

By Gillian Ferris Kohl

By Sasa Woodruff

Flagstaff – As the drought in Arizona continues, wildlife depends on water from livestock troughs used by ranchers, but he drinking receptacles can often be fatal for mammals trying to get a drink in the desert.
Arizona Public Radio's Sasa Woodruff reports on how some unlikely groups are coming together to fix the problem.

By Laurel Druley

Sedona, AZ – Sedona's economy relies heavily on tourists. And hotels and restaurants there rely heavily on illegal immigrants to wash those tourists' dishes and make their beds. Meanwhile, House and Senate leaders are trying to forge a compromise on an immigration bill, including what to do with all those undocumented workers. Arizona Public Radio's Laurel Druley reports, whichever bill is approved - if any - could have a dramatic impact on Sedona's economy.

By Gillian Ferris Kohl

By Laurel Druley

Lake Havasu City, AZ – Patrick Tinnell was accustomed to harrowing stunts. As a BMX bicycle rider he had even jumped over an elephant once.

Last month (4/19) he was positioned as a scout leading a troupe of vehicles when he was killed. Tinnell, whose death saved the lives of four others, won a purple heart among other honors.

But more than a hero his mother Debbie Tinnell will remember him as a devoted son.

By Daniel Kraker

Flagstaff, AZ – Tucked deep inside the Bush administration's proposed budget for next year is a tiny cut that's generated a heap of controversy. The federal government has proposed eliminating funding for 34 urban Indian health clinics that serve Native Americans who live off reservations. The House appropriations committee wants that money back. Today the full House votes on the measure. From KNAU's Indian Country News Bureau, Daniel Kraker reports.