In this issue, the feature explores how melting permafrost in the Arctic will contribute to a changing climate, and how quickly. While that story examines the effect that human-caused climate change is already having, other stories look at one root cause: the proliferation of oil and gas drilling, which, under the Trump administration, is increasingly transferring public lands into industrial leaseholders’ hands.
In Oregon’s Coast Range, a writer explores identity
A collection of essays ranges through the histories, trees and wildlife of the state.
National parks, where landscape and culture intersect
A photography book explores the history of travel within our nation’s parks.
Working within the system
Perhaps if Kayla Brown (“A Separatist State of Mind,” HCN, 1/22/18) had spent the last five years working to reinvigorate “the Northstate” instead of trying to divide the state, her husband might have a job in the area she loves. She could have been working with Extension Services and community colleges to bring in educational…
HCN welcomes a few new faces
Winter interns have arrived, as well as a new office mate.
Our political decisions have Earth-wide implications
The facts are in. Now we have to decide what to do about them.
A celebration of equality and of the land
At a Wyoming wedding, a musician ponders the big questions of life.
Trespassing aliens; Garbage privacy; Brand your calves
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Lessons of the bears
I read Christopher Solomon’s essay on his visit to the McNeil River Sanctuary with great interest (“Bear Essentials,” HCN, 12/25/17). I was especially struck by the idea of humans learning how to interact with bears by figuring out what works for the bears, what their language is, rather than trying to force the bears to…
A look into a climate-altered Alaska
Experiments in the permafrost zone near Denali simulate a warmer North.
Agreeing — and disagreeing — with Bundy
In his editor’s note, Brian Calvert discusses the much-celebrated Cliven Bundy legal case, which was recently summarily dismissed by a Las Vegas judge (“Rural white scorn,” HCN, 1/22/18). He reminds us of the issues that resulted in federal charges brought against Mr. Bundy — that Mr. Bundy was using federal (public) lands as grazing pastures…
Separatism will be a footnote to history
With respect to the movement to create a state of Jefferson in far Northern California, the photo on the bottom of page 17 says all that needs to be said: Those promoting separation from California are overwhelmingly old folks. One was nodding out in the photo (“A Separatist State of Mind,” HCN, 1/22/18)! I’ve lived…
An unfrozen North
The world’s permafrost holds vast stores of carbon. What happens when it thaws?
Latest: EPA puts brakes on Pebble Mine proposal
Agency says risks to fisheries and natural resources justify gathering more data.
Latest: Washington state denies oil-by-rail terminal
Citing risks, Gov. Inslee rejects plans for the nation’s largest oil terminal.
The protectors of British Columbia’s coast
In the Great Bear Rainforest, Indigenous guardians enforce tribal and environmental laws.
Animals’ advice for surviving trying times
Are you the political equivalent of an armadillo, ant or tiger?
The big public land sell-out
Even without wholesale land transfers, public lands are already being conveyed to industry.
Interior cancels decades-old protections for migratory birds
The rollback prompts broad opposition from former officials from both political parties.
‘Orphaned’ oil and gas wells are on the rise
Wells left behind by industry threaten to overwhelm Western states.
Why some young professionals settle in small-town Montana
As rural areas struggle to hold onto youth, a look at a few young professionals who returned.
Idaho protects the rights of faith healers. Should it?
A debate rages over the extent of religious freedom in the face of preventable deaths.