logging

A specialized K-MAX helicopter, used in firefighting, logging, and construction, crashed near Ouray, killing a pilot whose identity has not been publicly disclosed. The helicopter belonged to a Georgia-based company.

The Trump administration is rolling back protections under the Endangered Species Act with a new policy allowing drilling, mining, and logging on critical wildlife habitats.

The Trump administration finalized a rule changing the Endangered Species Act's enforcement by narrowing the definition of 'harm,' allowing activities like oil drilling and logging in critical wildlife habitats as long as animals are not directly killed. Environmentalists warn this could accelerate species extinction, while industry and Republican allies argue it promotes economic growth by reducing regulatory burdens.

A lawsuit challenging a logging project in Oregon could disrupt federal management of public lands across the West, potentially invalidating permits and management plans for activities like mining, logging, and recreation. The case stems from Congress using the Congressional Review Act to overturn Biden-era policies, raising concerns about legal uncertainty for industries and conservation efforts.

The Albanese government approved a carbon credit scheme allowing New South Wales to create a national park protecting 12,000 koalas by preserving native forests previously earmarked for logging. The Minns government had awaited federal approval for this initiative.

Two men were killed by crocodile attacks in North Sumatra, Indonesia, highlighting the country's status as having the world's highest annual crocodile-related fatalities. Environmental groups attribute these incidents to habitat destruction caused by logging, plantations, and other land-use changes.