As the Western monarch population declines, survivors may become stranded in a growing sea of houses and farm fields.
Agriculture
Posted inArticles
Forest Service leadership lands in Southern hands
A new chief steps in as Western forests blaze.
Posted inOctober 2, 2017: Following Ancient Footsteps
Money-for-water programs work — but for how long?
In the Colorado River Basin, a pilot project wins over skeptical farmers and ranchers.
Posted inAugust 21, 2017: Rooftop Revolution
U.S. House moves to streamline water projects
A controversial bill would weaken states’ control over water.
Posted inArticles
‘Flash drought’ threatens crops and cattle
Exceptionally dry conditions in the northern Great Plains are devastating farmers and ranchers.
Posted inSeptember 4, 2017: The Elwha, Unleashed
How farmers can help keep salt out of the Colorado River
The solution to a basin-wide problem may fall to individual irrigators.
Posted inArticles
Federal agencies discourage saying ‘climate change’
Emails show the Trump administration ordering scientists to change their tone.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
Los promotores
En medio de los basureros tóxicos de California, los activistas trabajan solos.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
Recognizing California’s invisible activists
We are seeing a mounting intolerance toward undocumented farmworkers.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
A gang of goats; Western weed booms; crow funerals
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
Amid California’s toxic dumps, local activists go it alone
They call themselves promotores, and they’re starting to see results.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
A legal snarl in Idaho portends future conflicts over water
As the climate changes, dams face new challenges for water rights and releases.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
Latest: Duel over Owens Valley water intensifies
A county uses eminent domain to try to reclaim land taken by LA.
Posted inArticles
Bundy supporter gets 68 years
In April, a jury found Gregory Burleson guilty for his part in the 2014 armed standoff at Cliven Bundy’s ranch.
Posted inJuly 24, 2017: Down the Dark Mountain
Crime-fighting squirrels; an undead columnist; voracious jackrabbits
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inJuly 24, 2017: Down the Dark Mountain
Welcome to the irrigator’s club
An encounter with the wild during the hours of a thankless job.
Posted inArticles
The women confronting California’s farm conditions
Female farmworkers face sexual assault, pesticide exposure and low wages.
Posted inJuly 24, 2017: Down the Dark Mountain
Latest: Delta tunnels plan challenged in court
Agencies weigh in on threatened fish — and get smacked with their first lawsuit.
Posted inArticles
Bundy Ranch ‘gunmen’ face retrial in Las Vegas
New evidence links defendants to other anti-government gatherings in the West.
Posted inArticles
Why 1 million Californians lack safe drinking water
Rural, cash-strapped communities don’t have the means to treat contaminated water.