Illicit drugs move through this region at farther distances and greater speeds.
Paige Blankenbuehler
Posted inMay 30, 2016: Trial by Fire
HCN’s board meeting on the horizon, and a springtime deep clean
Our biannual HCN board meeting is fast approaching. We hold “virtual” electronic meetings each year as well, but they can’t compete with the energy of our face-to-face real-life gatherings. That’s why staff and board are venturing out from our widely scattered burrows to convene in Basalt, Colorado, June 10-11. We’ll welcome six new board members: […]
Posted inMay 30, 2016: Trial by Fire
Why Hetch Hetchy is staying under water
A judge ruled in favor of San Francisco water needs over the valley’s restoration.
Posted inArticles
After years of drought and overuse, the San Luis Valley aquifer refills
How an over-taxed basin is getting its water use under control.
Posted inJune 13, 2016: Water to Dust
Latest: Elk, not bison, are spreading disease near Yellowstone
Agencies have historically culled bison to prevent the spread of brucellosis to cattle.
Posted inArticles
Can the feds save birds by allowing more to be killed?
Fish and Wildlife Service hopes proposal will entice energy developers to obtain permits for eagle deaths.
Posted inMay 16, 2016: Grizzly Face-Off
Blossoming fruit trees and a bounty of awards
As local orchards and vineyards gear up for business, the High Country News staff has been busier than ever. Something about this glorious time of year is bringing visitors aplenty to our headquarters here in Paonia, Colorado. Erik Cadaret of Mission Viejo, California, recently toured the office before jetting off to Utah’s national parks on […]
Posted inMay 16, 2016: Grizzly Face-Off
Who’s cutting illegal ski trails in the Santa Fe National Forest?
On the trail of a backcountry criminal with the Forest Service.
Posted inMay 16, 2016: Grizzly Face-Off
Latest: New wind farm releases plan to mitigate bird deaths
Renewable energy installations can cause thousands of bird deaths but have been slow to respond.
Posted inArticles
Southwest primed for a nasty fire season
In much of California, Arizona and New Mexico El Niño and La Niña have combined to create dry fuels, ready to burn.
Posted inMay 2, 2016: The Gold King Reckoning
Keeping busy during publication break
April’s publication break allowed us to hunker down for a bit and get the garden started, but the work never stops at High Country News. On the business side, we’ve been hard at work organizing an event with Democracy Now!’s Amy Goodman, who appeared here in Paonia, Colorado, on April 23. And over in the […]
Posted inArticles
Snowpack is melting fast, despite April storms
It has dwindled faster than experts have seen in nearly four decades, which could upset reservoir management.
Posted inArticles
Pain pill addiction has helped precipitate a rise in heroin abuse West-wide
Near Sacramento, California, nearly a dozen people died from opioids in recent weeks.
Posted inArticles
Soundtable: The West and the White House
Experts discuss this year’s presidential race and what Western issues are coming to the fore.
Posted inArticles
A new Klamath water deal emerges, but unease persists
Agreement picks up the pieces of the failed landmark accords.
Posted inApril 4, 2016: A Land Divided
HCN founder Tom Bell to receive honorary degree
We have no idea how it happened, but March is already behind us. Our staff is still hoping for a little more snowfall before we put the skis away and break out the camping and hiking gear — though we’ve also begun shaking the dust from our packs, smearing on sunscreen and venturing onto the […]
Posted inArticles
The growing influence of Hispanic voters in the West
Latinos make up 21 percent of the region’s electorate, and election-day turn-out is on the rise.
Posted inMarch 21, 2016: Making Sense of Malheur
Welcome, Glenn Nelson
We’re excited to report that Seattle-based journalist Glenn Nelson is joining High Country News as our newest contributing editor. Glenn’s work has broken down barriers for diversity and inclusion in discussions about public lands. He’ll be joining fellow contributing editors Cally Carswell, Sarah Gilman and Michelle Nijhuis to bring even more great stories to the […]
Posted inMarch 21, 2016: Making Sense of Malheur
How Nevada became the first Western caucus (and why it matters)
The early caucus drew attention to Western issues. In November, the state will play an even bigger role.
Posted inMarch 7, 2016: The Parks You Don't Know
National parks: Where we go and where we don’t
Much of the Park Service’s land in the West is poorly visited and little-known.