High Country News is building a new team and correcting old errors.
Anna V. Smith
Anna V. Smith is an associate editor of High Country News. She writes and edits stories on tribal sovereignty and environmental justice for the Indigenous Affairs desk from Oregon.
Revisiting Malheur, one year after the occupation
The wildlife refuge system is more vulnerable than ever.
The Grand Canyon, like you’ve never seen it
An artist’s connection to the landscape through her paintings.
Western states react to Trump’s immigration travel ban
At least eight Republican Congressmen have broken with their party line in opposition.
Trump’s pick for USDA head mixed on climate change
Sonny Perdue’s history shows interest in conservation and big business interests.
Federal hiring freeze hits Western land agencies
It’s not clear what will happen with seasonal hires such as wildland firefighters.
Meet Trump’s Interior, EPA and Energy picks
What we know from the confirmation hearings for Ryan Zinke, Scott Pruitt and Rick Perry.
The story behind New Mexico’s lowriders
A new collection examines the elaborate cars and their place in Mexican-American culture.
The Forest Service relaxes restrictions on recreation
The permitting change could give guided groups more access.
Colorado’s controversial plan to kill predators
A study plans to remove mountain lions and black bears to boost mule deer.
Obama’s mixed impact on endangered species
The administration delisted more species, but ultimately weakened the act itself.
Latest: Invasive zebra mussels have reached Montana
Their arrival could have drastic economic effects.
Second round of Malheur defendants face conspiracy charges
Federal prosecutors are moving ahead, despite the first trial’s acquittal.
Obama’s rush to the end
Keeping track of rulemaking, policy decisions and other last actions before the Trump administration’s inauguration.
In California caves, a millipede mystery
A new species in Sequoia National Park reminds scientists of what is yet to be discovered.
See photos of a journey down the Old Rio Grande
Through the lens of the people who lived near and were shaped by the river.
See photos of otherworldly owls
The North American owls and their landscapes.
Endangered, with climate change to blame
Climate projections are reason enough for Endangered Species Act protection, court rules.
Famous Western landscapes, recreated with processed food
A pair of artists take on our consumption habits, with Froot Loop hills.
Latest: Wildlife Services to revisit predator removal effects
A court order requires that the agency toss out its 22-year-old environmental impact assessment.
