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Western forests are taking longer to grow back after wildfires. That’s partly because climate change has made it harder for new trees to survive where the old trees would have thrived. One researcher at CSU wants to address the problem by planting entirely different species of trees after a wildfire. You can learn more on today’s In the NoCo.

The Emerald Ash Borer is now widespread in Fort Collins and is destroying ash trees.

Quagga or zebra mussels have been detected in every state in the region except for Wyoming and New Mexico.

Grand Valley water managers have a plan to nip a potential zebra mussel infestation in the bud, with one irrigation district beginning treatment of its water this fall. Mesa County plans to apply on behalf of the irrigation districts and water providers for more than $4 million in funding, which will come from the remaining $450 million of Inflation Reduction Act funding for projects in the Colorado River’s Upper Basin.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the second biggest threat to biodiversity is invasive species preceded only by habitat loss. Invasive plants are spread by natural forces, like wind and wildfire, and largely in part, by unknowing humans. Reporter Lily Jones has more to the story.

Invasive zebra mussels could harm native fish and clog agricultural equipment. Until recently they had never before been seen in the stretch of the Colorado River near Grand Junction.

Japanese beetles are a nasty pest that have plagued the Front Range in recent decades. And they have recently shown up on the Western Slope – a worrisome development for the region’s agriculture. We hear about the latest efforts to beat the beetle – and what you can do in your own garden – on today’s episode of In The NoCo.

Yellowstone National Park is adding more measures to try and prevent aquatic invasive species from entering the park’s waters.

The invasive rusty crayfish was discovered in Lake Granby, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is concerned because of its proximity to the Colorado River.

This week, we talk with The Colorado Sun about new state legislation that will allow psychologists who do not have medical degrees to prescribe medication under some conditions. We also discuss the invasive zebra mussels that are becoming a problem at Highline Lake State Park.