Lucy Blake, director of the Sierra Business Council, wins MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Grant.
Lucky Blake argues that economic prosperity and a healthy environment are not mutually exclusive. Blake was awarded the MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant of $500,000, which comes with no strings attached. She is director fo the Sierra Business Council near Truckee, California and former executive diretor of the California League of Conservation Voters. The Sierra Business Council bring together environmentalists and businesses, has raised funds for environmental planning efforts, and has produced a handbook for rural communities on how to integrate new population while remaining sensitive to the environment. "In this country we pride ourselves on caring about environmental quality, but we're really backward in the way we undersatnd the natural world. . .We don't understand it as a system that supports. . .our societies," Blake says.
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Champion of Nature's Wealth Richly Rewarded for Activism

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

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Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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