High Country News

Welcome to the era of scarcity

Arguing about water is a beloved Western pastime, but as the snowpack shrinks, Coloradoans are going to find themselves seriously fighting over what’s left in the Colorado River.

by Paul Larmer, Mar 02, 2009
L.A. Bets on the Farm

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California – the West’s most powerful water agency – uses a shrewd blend of Wall Street tactics and rural diplomacy to keep the water flowing to L.A. and its environs.

by Matt Jenkins, Nov 12, 2007
Rolling on the rivers

The essays in Page Stegner’s Adios Amigos celebrate the fragile beauty of Western rivers and the lives of the artists and explorers who journeyed down them.

by Janice Gable Bashman, Apr 28, 2008
Dewey Bridge: In memoriam

Jim Stiles remembers Utah’s historic Dewey Bridge, which was destroyed by a fire recently.

by Jim Stiles, Jun 23, 2008
River Town

Flagstaff, Ariz., may not really have its own river, but to many of its residents it is a true river town.

by Christa Sadler, Jun 26, 2011
In Navajoland, a contentious water deal divides the tribe

The Navajos are on the brink of getting water they've long been entitled to, but not everybody on the reservation is pleased.

by Matt Jenkins, Mar 01, 2011
Brad Udall on Australian water reform

Lessons from Australia for the Colorado River Basin

by Cally Carswell, Oct 09, 2011
Spread the word and get an exclusive HCN poster

"Friends" campaign offers the new Colorado River Basin poster; Craig Childs wins Orion Book Award; John Dougherty produces "Cyanide Beach" documentary on mine pollution.

by Jodi Peterson, Apr 29, 2013
Dwindling supplies inflame water wars

Arguing about water is a beloved Western pastime, but Coloradoans may soon find themselves seriously fighting over what’s left in the Colorado River.

by Paul Larmer, Mar 06, 2009
Colorado River gets a recreation plan

The National Park Service’s new management plan for the Grand Canyon river corridor allows continued motorized access

by Jennie Lay, Jan 23, 2006