In exchange, the state asks a coal mine to trap its gas—but the BLM won’t require it.
Economy
Posted inArticles
Where federal agencies are failing Indian Country
A government report shows ‘high-risk’ problems haven’t been addressed.
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 inArticles
Texas hurricane exposes flaws in flood protections
After a series of disasters, a national insurance program is struggling financially.
Posted inSeptember 18, 2017: No Hoax
A salmon festival portends struggles on the Klamath River
The Yurok Tribe has again halted fishing during the chinook’s fall run.
Posted inSeptember 4, 2017: The Elwha, Unleashed
States restrict chinook fisheries
Extreme climate conditions over recent years pummeled the king of Western salmon.
Posted inArticles
How many golf trips is public funding for the arts worth?
Consider the saguaro cactus — and celebrate it with your tax dollars.
Posted inArticles
The West’s latest prospecting frenzy? Extraterrestrial gold.
Companies are hunting for lithium near Moab, Utah.
Posted inArticles
The days of $10 senior National Park passes are ending
And seniors are rushing to get one before they’re gone.
Posted inArticles
The boondoggle of Trump’s border wall
There’s no separating the land and people of the border region.
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
The West braces for a “cosmic traffic jam”
Hordes of travelers have filled up campsites and hotels in preparation.
Posted inArticles
Court rules EPA must enforce Obama-era methane rule
The Trump administration’s rollback of environmental regulations has hit a roadblock.
Posted inArticles
Denver to get more water from the Colorado River
Colorado’s largest water supplier makes a big ask — and a bold promise — with demand for water.
Posted inAugust 21, 2017: Rooftop Revolution
One grid to rule them all
And in the darkness, bind them: The West’s bid for one big electric grid.
Posted inArticles
Health care debate will also impact jobs in Indian Country
Indian Health Service has become the largest employer for many tribes.
Posted inJune 26, 2017: Personal Pilgrimage
A network of trails that spans the country
The National Trails System, by the numbers.
Posted inJune 26, 2017: Personal Pilgrimage
Could the lure of trails salvage Alaska’s economy?
A trail along the Trans-Alaska pipeline could be the start of a booming recreation economy.
Posted inJune 26, 2017: Personal Pilgrimage
Why thru-hiking would be a disaster for the Yaak Valley
A long-distance trail would disrupt badly needed grizzly habitat.
Posted inJune 26, 2017: Personal Pilgrimage
The Pacific Crest Trail’s shadow hikers
At the border, migrants and long-distance trekkers hike side by side but worlds apart.