Environment


	Debate begins on proposed bridge toll increases in Bay Area Transform group supports $1 toll hike on Bay Area bridges, but opposes charging carpools during rush hour. Explosion in California gull population hampers Bay wetland restoration project Bay Bridge closure takes a toll on region New pest policy considered More than 17,000 species threatened by extinction Fiddler crabs exchange sex for survival, study finds Historic water accord reached Trouble in Isle Royale park -- nature's laboratory Environmental groups turn in paperwork for DMV fee to fund California state parks Legislature approves $9.9 billion water bond bill As water deal takes shape, old problems remain More wildlife turns up dead from oil spill Converting garbage to fuel for garbage trucks Tar balls spotted on Alameda shores, birds found covered in oil Tanker spills oil into San Francisco Bay Tanker spills oil into San Francisco Bay State politicos sidelining Delta area legislators in $9.4 billion repair plan

Green


	California Legislature passes long-awaited water reforms Good for more than the environment Sweeping cuts imposed on more than half of California state parks Goal is more environmental friendliness

Life in the wild

Follow the seasons at the SF wildlife refuge with photo slide shows and more on our ongoing interactive map.

Times Watchdog

BOATING A PERILOUS PASTIME

Narrow, curving rivers and sloughs, faster boats, reckless behavior and the lack of mandatory boater education combine to make California's inland waterways more dangerous than the Pacific Ocean.

Science News from AP


	Prized mushroom collection returns to China BEIJING—A Chinese scholar persecuted during the Cultural Revolution for smuggling a rare collection of mushrooms out of China before World War II was honored Saturday when the collection was returned more than 70 years later. Full Story Seattle team wins $900,000 in Space Elevator Games Seattle team wins $900,000 in Space Elevator Games World leaders needed at talks to cut climate deal Study: Nitrogen pollution worsens in Rockies lakes Caribbean, Gulf spared widespread coral damage Genetic tests for UK asylum seekers draw criticism Success in 'space elevator' competition Over 17,000 species threatened by extinction Study: Man-eating lions consumed 35 people in 1898 Snow cap disappearing from Mount Kilimanjaro Scientists decode DNA of pig, a research favorite