Fronteras: Federal prosecutors in Texas and New Mexico are dealing with an unusual case involving a man from a Mennonite community in Mexico. We take you into the fields of New Mexico where workers are cleaning out an ancient irrigation system. These hand-dug ditches may help retain precious river water in times of drought. Further south, drought is forcing a Mexican city to ration water -- and it's only spring.
New Mexico's Ancient Irrigation Systems Help Protect Scarce WaterSupply
The major rivers of the Southwest are suffering as snow becomes increasingly scarce in the Rocky Mountains. Scientists who study climate change warn such conditions are the new normal. But there’s encouraging news in northern New Mexico. In the first of a two-part report from the Changing America Desk, Mónica Ortiz Uribe tells us about an ancient irrigation system.
New Mexico Farmers Find Opportunities In Local Food Movement
Studies are showing that an ancient irrigation system in northern New Mexico may help mitigate the effects of climate change. But the small farmers who run the system often struggle to get by. In the second of a two-part report from the Changing America Desk, Mónica Ortiz Uribe finds how a growing interest in local food may be one way to ensure their future.
Larger Wildfires Cost More To Fight
Climate change has led to longer fire seasons with larger more complex and more costly fires. Last year the National Forest Service and the Interior Department had to borrow $650 million from other federal programs to fund increased firefighting costs. Federal officials announced Wednesday a better budget plan. From Flagstaff, Laurel Morales reports.
Drug Smuggling Twist: Innocent Mexicans Allegedly Duped By Mennonite Suspect
Federal prosecutors in Texas and New Mexico are dealing with an unusual case. Ten drug smuggling crimes have been traced to a man from a Mennonite community in Mexico who is alleged to have duped the victims. Fronteras reporter Lorne Matalon has more from Chihuahua.
Drought Forces Mexican City To Ration Water -- And It's Only Spring
Southern Californians may have to let their lawns go brown this summer because of the drought. But less than a hundred miles down the coast, in Ensenada, the water situation is much more serious. Many of the city’s 320,000 inhabitants now only get water to their taps two or three times a week. Fronteras reporter Jill Replogle tells us that the governor has declared a state of emergency because of the shortage.
Five Southwest Rivers Make 'Endangered' List
Five rivers in the Southwest made America’s Most Endangered Rivers list this year. (They are the San Joaquín, the Upper Colorado, the Gila, the White Rivers and San Francisquito Creek.) From Flagstaff, Laurel Morales reports.
