Environment

Wisconsin has declared war on wild pigs. Few believed pigs could survive in the wilds of northern Wisconsin. But a herd of pigs is thriving in the woods and wilds near Lake Superior, and that worries the people living in the area.

The runoff from rainstorms carries away a toxic brew of substances spilled onto roadways and parking lots. Most of it goes untreated into lakes and rivers. There's a long list of regulations to control stormwater runoff, but compliance is sketchy and cleanup is slow.

Kevin Knoblach, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, calls global warming "the greatest threat to life on our planet" since the nuclear standoff of the Cold War. In a recent speech at the Cleveland City Club Forum, Knoblach also said that America's political leaders are coming around to his way of thinking.

Minnesota requires a grass buffer strip along certain farm drainage ditches, but some people wonder if it's enforced. The grassy border is designed to limit soil erosion.

The purpose of Minnesota's impaired water list is to put cleanup plans in motion for the state's most polluted streams and lakes. But the cost of such a far-reaching effort is something many say the state is not prepared for.

A list of resources with more information about water pollution in Minnesota.

A glossary of some common terms used in discussions about water pollution.

Nearly two-thirds of the waters deemed impaired in Minnesota have unacceptable levels of mercury contamination.

Minnesota is falling behind in its efforts to test and clean up lakes and rivers. Most say it's a matter of money -- there's not nearly enough funding to address all the polluted waters in the state.

The Endangered Species Act is credited with saving the bald eagle, California condor and wolves. But landowners chafe under the rules dictating what they're allowed to do with their property. Proposed changes could dramatically alter the Endangered Species Act.