In the most recent issue of HCN, I read a blurb that claimed that an organization called the Melanin Base Camp was accusing the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics of racist “gatekeeping” and of perpetuating “purity tests” (“Five reasons to keep geotagging”). As one who began reading HCN in 1974 and who has […]
Bill Cook
Posted inNovember 24, 2014: Transportation Transformation
Talking with kids about grizzlies
A volunteer educator reflects on teaching kids about conservation, and learning from them.
Posted inWotr
A neologism for the summer’s inevitable wildfires: smoke season
Planning summer outings here in Montana used to be simple: Enlist participants, round up gear, drive to the river or trailhead, and go. But as I plan this year’s adventures, I’m warning the possible participants: Smoke may force cancellation. Last August was dicey. With wildfires roaring in 11 Western states, all our outings were at the mercy of wind […]
Posted inApril 30, 2007: Rural Education 2.0
Why the West should copy Swiss transit
This winter, my family discovered that Oregon’s Mount Hood is known for more than dramatic mountain rescues. Would you believe it could also be home to the mother of all traffic jams? Taillights for as far as the eye can see, gridlock for nearly an hour: That’s what the highway through the Mount Hood National […]
Posted inWotr
Why do we keep driving ourselves crazy?
This winter. my family discovered that Oregon’s Mount Hood is known for more than dramatic mountain rescues. Would you believe it could also be called the mother of all traffic jams? Tail lights for as far as the eye could see, gridlock for nearly an hour: That’s what the highway through the Mount Hood National […]
Posted inWotr
A little advice for environmentalists
Savvy environmentalists work both sides of the political street, rather than buying into any particular political party or ideology. I’ve concluded this after watching a dispute play out here in Oregon. The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation have proposed building a gambling casino in Cascade Locks, a small town smack in the middle […]
Posted inOctober 31, 2005: The Public Lands' Big Cash Crop
Belief inspires a passion for conservation
In “What’s at stake in the evolution debate,” biologist Pepper Trail attempts to enlist conservationists in the culture wars (HCN, 10/3/05: What’s at stake in the evolution debate). Trail insists that we must side with one warring camp or the other. According to Trail, the good guys are scientists who advance “reality,” while the bad […]
Posted inWotr
Environmentalists do a great job of preaching to the choir
This is an open letter to Yoga Lady: Nothing personal, but you’re making it hard to sell the green lifestyle. I first beheld you a few months ago, gracing the invitations that a local environmental group gave us when we agreed to host an “eat local” party at our house. They were professionally designed invitations […]