Environment

Illinois farmers say this year’s pumpkin harvest should produce a bumper crop. Farmers in the nation’s top pumpkin producing state say the bountiful harvest is due to a wet spring and dry late-summer weather.

In the second of three conversations with freelance writer Nancy Grant of Louisville, she and Kate discuss  her series “On The Grid” for Kentucky Living magazine, about how regulations keep the complex electric utility system running smoothly. In this conversation, they speak about the 'rules that keep the power flowing, how an invisible web of federal rules and regulations governs electric utility operations and affect your bills,' an article written by Grant.. See more about Nancy's work on her website.

Two species of freshwater mussels have been designated as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The mussels are only found in portions of the Cumberland and Tennessee River systems.

The agency designated 24 critical habitats in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia for the fluted kidneyshell, while 13 were designated for the slabside pearlymussel in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Virginia.

The fall wildfire hazard season has started in Kentucky. The season runs from October 1 through December 15. During that time, outdoor burning is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland.

State Forestry Division Director Leah MacSwords says that with the last several weeks of dry weather, conditions are favorable for the spread of wildfires.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Division of Forestry have purchased more than 4,200 acres of property in western Kentucky for $12.6 million dollars to preserve it for activities such as hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.

The two agencies purchased the property from the Nature Conservancy of Kentucky last week. Along with 2,488 acres acquired in Union County in 2011, the Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area and State Forest will cover more than 6,700 acres.

Illinois will receive nearly $500,000 in federal funds to expand the availability of fresh, locally grown produce. Agriculture Director Bob Flider said yesterday the money will come from the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. It will be split among 12 projects focused on local produce.

Government watchdog group Common Cause of Kentucky is urging Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear to call a special session this fall.

The session would seek to pass legislation protecting private landowners from companies wanting to use eminent domain for a controversial pipeline project. The Bluegrass Pipeline is being built by Williams Co. and Boardwalk Pipeline Partners of Texas.

Roy Helton divides his time between teaching in the English Department at Murray State University and indulging his passion for gardening. In this edition of "From the Garden Gate," Roy talks about the 'vegetative doldrums' of September, and how to prepare for next season.