High Country News

BLM gags an archaeologist to get out the gas

BLM archaeologist Blaine Miller says that a slew of new oil and gas projects could harm spectacular Indian rock art and ruins in Utah’s Nine Mile Canyon

by Jodi Peterson, Jul 20, 2004
Destruction and discovery walk hand in hand

A new plan to steer energy development away from cultural sites in New Mexico could streamline energy development, fund archaeological research and preserve ancient sites all at once

by Laura Paskus, Nov 27, 2006
Exodus

The abandonment of the American Southwest by the Anasazi 700 years ago – and the destruction of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina today – show that all civilizations are fragile, complex, and ultimately at the mercy of the climate

by Greg Hanscom, Oct 03, 2005
Historic plant cultivation in Northwest native tribes

Lying to rest a dispute over whether tribal reliance on fish meant they did not garden.

by Eric Wagner, Aug 05, 2012
In search of camas, a Native American food staple

Botanist Madrona Murphy traces long-lost edible wild plant gardens cultivated by the Pacific Northwest's Coast Salish.

by Eric Wagner, Aug 15, 2012
Lake Mead's retreat leaves Nevada ghost town high and dry

The residents of St. Thomas were forced to leave their homes behind when Lake Mead submerged their town. But after decades under water, drought has brought it back to the surface.

by Kate Shaw, Mar 04, 2013
Leave it alone

Archaeology is, or at least ought to be, about more than just picking up artifacts to gather dust on the shelves of crowded museum storerooms.

by Jonathan Thompson, Apr 28, 2008
Lessons from the mighty Maya

Modern-day Americans could learn a lesson from the collapse of the ancient Mayan civilization.

by John Rember, Dec 11, 2008
Nine reasons why a river is good for the soul

A writer on a river trip through canyon country muses on things like sand, rapids, ruins and time, as well as the joy that comes from being outside in the company of family and friends

by Paul Miller, Aug 21, 2006
Out of the Four Corners

Susan Ryan, a young archaeologist, has some unusual ideas about why the Anasazi left their homes in the Southwest, 700 years ago

by Craig Childs, Oct 03, 2005