Photos of Washington homesteads, where an old practice draws young farmers.
People & Places
Posted inJanuary 22, 2018: A Separatist State of Mind
A separatist state of mind
In the era of Trump, rural discontent settles in the state of Jefferson.
Posted inJanuary 22, 2018: A Separatist State of Mind
The ski resorts of the West
From Alaska to New Mexico, a new map offers a comprehensive look at where to shred.
Posted inArticles
In Montana, rural fairs cling to a tenuous future
Long seen as a way to fuel local economies, summer festivals are getting harder for some to justify.
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What the battle over the Dream Act means for the West
DACA’s future in Congress remains in limbo.
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Want to revitalize a depressed economy? The EPA can help.
A Montana town is using an obscure program to help clean up contaminated areas.
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Rural areas short on workers turn to overseas professionals
Montana has a shortage of nurses, teachers and other workers.
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In a shuttered mill, a Montana town sees business potential
Frenchtown is waiting on a Superfund designation to clean up toxic remnants.
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No zoning? No problem.
Lack of zoning laws allow entrepreneurs to thrive in East Missoula.
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How to turn motorized rec into a sustainable economy
In 2010, Challis, Idaho, created a trail for ATV riders. Now, it’s enjoying an economic boost.
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What the two-wheeled tourist can offer tiny towns
Cycling tourism contributes nearly $377 million annually to Montana’s economy.
Posted inMay 14, 2018: Death in the Alpine
Craft breweries aren’t a new trend — but co-op pubs are
In Montana, the town of Ronan hops on the brewery bandwagon.
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Can rural towns stem the trend of population decline?
Small-town Choteau, Montana, is working to find answers to the question that is plaguing 23 of the state’s counties.
Posted inFebruary 5, 2018: Caught Between Crises
‘Atmospheric rivers’ aid the West — and imperil it
Improved storm forecasts could help reservoir managers store more water while avoiding floods.
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A majority of Montana counties face primary care shortages
The gap in health care access is particularly acute in rural areas.
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The ‘scenery economy’ reinvigorates a Montana town
Tourism has given Philipsburg new life — but it’s brought few permanent families.
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There aren’t enough affordable homes for rural Montanans
In the second story of the series, the town of Boulder’s aging population is likely to put more pressure on housing.
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Nonprofits make rural home ownership more plausible
In the final part of a series on Boulder, Montana, a pathway for solutions for affordable housing woes.
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How to turn a struggling small town around
In the first part of a series on Boulder, Montana, a well-rounded economic development effort.
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The future of small-town Montana rides on public lands
From Dupuyer to Columbia Falls, a look at the growing recreation economy.