Ray Ring
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History is full of big fires
History and science show that the recent "catastrophic" wildfires in the West are not really a new development
by Ray Ring, May 26, 2003 -
Firespeak Catastrophe
We need to revise or toss out some of our fire vocabulary, especially "wildland-urban interface," "pre-settlement condition" and Smokey’s slogan "only you"
by Ray Ring, May 26, 2003 -
A losing battle
Billions of dollars are being spent to fight Western wildfires, but some scientists now believe that the big blowups can’t be prevented, and that they may be good for the health of the forests
by Ray Ring, May 26, 2003 -
Locals fight new railroad
Ranchers, environmentalists and other locals are fighting plans for the largest railroad construction project in a century, which would cross national grasslands in Wyoming and South Dakota.
by Ray Ring, Mar 03, 2003 -
A mine falls, and a tribe may get the shaft
Part of the price of stopping the planned New World Mine near Yellowstone may turn out to be the development of coal reserves along Otter Creek, next to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation
by Ray Ring and Bob Struckman, Jan 20, 2003 -
A breath of fresh air
For over 30 years, the Northern Cheyenne have stood firm against energy development and its environmental impacts, but now, faced with crushing poverty, some are starting to think about developing the reservation’s coal and methane resources
by Bob Struckman and Ray Ring, Jan 20, 2003 -
Open space initiative offers hope
The Lake County Open Space Initiative has preserved land around Leadville and created trails for cross-country skiing and other recreation, but some local politicians say it’s snatching up too much private land and water.
by Ray Ring and J. T. Thomas, Dec 23, 2002 -
In search of the Glory Days
Twenty years after its longtime mainstay, the Climax Molybdenum Mine, closed, Leadville, Colo., is still groping for a secure economy and a new identity.
by Steve Voynick, with Ray Ring and Hal Clifford, Dec 23, 2002 -
Feds bail on snowmobile ban
The National Park Service gives up on trying to ban snowmobiles from Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks
by Ray Ring, Nov 25, 2002 -
Election Bounce
Most green initiatives fail in West; a few bright spots; "Indian vote" helped Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., but not George Cordova in Arizona; Sen. Wayle Allard, R, re-elected in Colorado; Dems gain 11 seats in Idaho; Northwest keeps to status quo
by Laura Paskus and Ray Ring, Nov 25, 2002 -
Conservation vote groups optimistic
Ed Zuckerman of the Federation of State Voter Conservation Leagues says environmentalists should not despair over the recent elections, because grassroots conservation groups did very well at the local level
by Ray Ring, Nov 25, 2002 -
Gated communities go in with a bang
Exclusive gated communities such as Montana's Yellowstone Club impact the land as well as the social fabric.
by Ray Ring, Nov 11, 2002 -
Judges rule gas leases are illegal
Three judges say the BLM illegally leased coalbed methane rights in Wyoming's Powder River Basin without evaluating impacts - a ruling environmentalists say could affect similar leases across the West.
by Ray Ring, Oct 28, 2002 -
The politics of growth
Almost every major election in Arizona is up for grabs this year, along with a rash of ballot initiatives, and some observers hope the state can pull out of its headlong rush into uncontrolled growth and development.
by Ray Ring, Oct 14, 2002 -
Around the West, the hot races to watch
HCN takes a state-by-state look at the most important elections coming up in the West.
by Ray Ring, with Matt Jenkins, Laura Paskus, Lolly Merrell, Rocky, Oct 14, 2002 -
The Latest Bounce
San Gabriel Watersheds Study Act passes House; Sisters' cattle removed from BLM land; Gold mine resurrected for land sacred to Indians; Utah Rep. Jim Hansen makes deal to sell site to Mormon Church; and Mont. Gov. says miners are "true environmentalists."
by Laura Paskus and Ray Ring, Oct 14, 2002 -
This land holds a story the church won't tell
The Mormon Church would like to buy all of Martin's Cove, Wyo., where Mormon pioneers died 146 years ago, but the writer believes the historical site should stay in the hands of the public, so the full story can be told.
by Ray Ring, Sep 30, 2002 -
The Latest Bounce
Groups appeal White River Plan; Wyoming Game and Fish wants dual classification for gray wolf; judge orders BuRec to release Rio Grande water; Interior Sec. and Assistant Sec. held in contempt; woman's body strapped to hood of vehicle.
by Laura Paskus and Ray Ring, Sep 30, 2002 -
Backlash
In Gallatin County, Mont., and Delta County, Colo., local citizens and county governments are fiercely resisting the recent, no-holds-barred push to drill for coalbed methane.
by Ray Ring, Sep 02, 2002 -
Montana's governor is a poor choice to lead the West
The Western Governors Association made a serious mistake when it selected as its leader Montana Gov. Judy Martz, R, the least qualified member in terms of experience, personality and results.
by Ray Ring, Aug 05, 2002
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