Connecticut approves bear stand-your-ground law

“Indeed, the DEEP supported this legislation when it was first introduced and would have welcomed hunting as a tool to manage the increasing bear population. But state legislators acquiesced to pressure from ill-informed animal rights groups and prioritized emotional appeals over conservation and public safety. SB 1148 now fails to fully address this public safety risk for the Constitution State’s 3.6 million residents—a risk made clear last year when a 10-year-old boy was mauled by a bear in his grandparents’ backyard.” — Hartford Courier

In Episode 379 of District of Conservation, Gabriella discusses Connecticut passing a bear self-defense law that allows residents to shoot bears in self-defense cases and discourages feeding the burgeoning black bear population. The Connecticut legislature was short of passing a bill allowing a highly-regulated hunt, arguably a more preferable and humane option. Tune in to learn more!

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EP 552: The Potomac is No. 1 Endangered River in America – District of Conservation

In Episode 552 of District of Conservation, Gabriella discusses the new American Rivers report on the 10 most endangered rivers list and the Potomac River earning the top spot. Why? The organization claims both the Potomac Interceptor spill and data center buildout are factors justifying the top post. Gabriella also discusses how data centers use water and why these projects aren't as scary as believed. Plus, a preview of this weekend's IOTR Summit in Florida. Tune in to learn more!SHOW NOTESAmerican Rivers: America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2026 is a Call to Action for Healthy Rivers and a Cleaner Water Supply Maryland rejects ‘most endangered’ label for Potomac River, as D.C. remains unaware about ranking