Wildfires are torching state budgets
Oregon allocated $10 million for the 2024 wildfire season. It cost more than $350 million.
The ramifications of record-shattering heat on the West’s ecosystems
‘It was the worst possible way to end the winter that was already worse than normal.’
‘Just noticing birds improves your health’
#iamthewest: Giving voice to the people that make up communities in the region.
How New Mexico is ‘building a forest’ by solving a seedling shortage
A Q&A with the New Mexico Reforestation Center director about what it takes to replant a burn scar post-wildfire.
Wildfires transform soil, turning a nutrient into poisonous chromium-6
New research shows how severe blazes create a carcinogen and how long it might persist.
War, climate change and AI are at stake at the 2026 UN Indigenous forum
Delegates are arriving in New York for the world’s largest gathering of Indigenous peoples, despite the U.S. presenting challenges for attendees to secure visas.
Why mycorrhizal fungi networks need more protection
Scientists say the West’s hidden biodiversity warrants more attention.
How I learned to stop worrying and love flies
These underdogs of the animal world have superhero-like powers. Why don’t we appreciate them more?
Interior Department crafted talking points for public lands sell-off agenda
The agency’s leadership distanced itself from the controversial proposal even though staff helped research public-land sales.
The West’s snow drought meant record dryness — but also record flooding
From the Cascades to the San Juans, the nearly snowless winter wasn’t the same everywhere.
‘Energy dominance’ agenda sidelines tribes
Changes to NEPA come at the expense of tribal consultation. The administration has changed or revoked rules and policies to prioritize extraction.
Opting out could be the thing that sets you free
How a bison inspired me to set boundaries and just say no.
Tribal leaders reflect on a year of uncertainty — and possibility
Federal turnover and policy shifts have forced Indigenous communities to adapt.
Trotting tortoises, juggling unicyclists, ancient clothing and bear poop beer
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Most Popular Stories
High Country News Classifieds
- Job Title: Grants Program Manager Salary: $50,000-$58,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience Manager: Operations Director Classification: Exempt Location: Four Corners Region (CO, AZ, UT, NM) Allocation: 90% Fundraising, 10% Administration About Bears Ears Partnership Bears Ears Partnership (BEP) cultivates durable […]
In This Issue
April 2026: Inside the Attack on Public Lands
In this issue we take a hard look at the on-the-ground impacts of the Trump administration’s slash-and-burn staffing and budget cuts, particularly as they affect the beloved, irreplaceable Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We also ask what “domestic terrorism” really means and why so many notorious bombers…
Try HCN for free
Water
A new era of industrial logging looms
Public lands need less extraction and more rewilding
The BLM wants to ramp up logging. Oregonians aren’t so sure.
Wildlife
The Trump administration sent Greater Yellowstone into chaos. What’s next?
Utah’s new study aims to kill ‘as many cougars as possible’
Wildlife loves Wyoming’s ‘Golden Triangle.’ So do oil companies
Public Lands
The public got one week to comment on Chaco Canyon drilling. It’s almost over
Forest Service overhaul sows confusion, concern
How I found trans joy in backcountry splitboarding
Indigenous Affairs
Bureau of Indian Affairs could face reorganization, deeper staff cuts
Congress contemplates sweeping investigation of Native boarding schools
Heavily contested pumped hydro-storage project gets federal go-ahead
Communities
Border wall blasting hits a treasured New Mexico mountain
New nuclear safety rules reduce protections for workers, the public
Black riders have always held the reins
Books
What can we learn from salt lakes?
Badger signs: An essay from Terry Tempest Williams’ new book ‘The Glorians’
Three books explore deep time and help us look forward
In the News
Why Colorado River negotiations are so difficult
Basin states have had 2 years to figure out how to share the shrinking river. Will they get there before the feds step in?