The latest survey shows another increase in the population of the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel in the Pinaleno Mountains of southeastern Arizona, according to authorities.

I applaud everyone from Game and Fish Department staff, who have worked ceaselessly on this issue, to Secretary Bernhardt and Superintendent Keable. Your efforts will ultimately bring back the appropriate balance that is necessary to ensure the success of the bison herd and the Grand Canyon’s resources for generations to come, by using science and skilled volunteers.

The Game and Fish Department said state officials recently signed an agreement with federal Interior Department officials to establish a bison herd with genetic lineage from the Wind Cave National Park in western South Dakota.

Arizona officials are putting the federal government on notice that they may sue to force development of an update of the current recovery plan for endangered Mexican wolves.

Arizona Game and Fish officials are going on the record as opposing a proposal to designate 43,400 acres of Prescott National Forest land as protected wilderness.

The Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter claims that the rejection of a member who applied to be on a board that recommends Game & Fish Commission nominees is part of a broader effort to keep conservationists from having a say in wildlife policy.

Prominent sportsmen organizations felt former Gov. Janet Napolitano didn’t take their interests seriously when she appointed a non-hunter to the Game & Fish Commission.

It’s unlikely to happen again.