Items by Brian Calvert

Democracy is fraying in the West, too
Democracy is fraying in the West, too
Why your vote matters this election above all.
Working with readers for a better West
Working with readers for a better West
High Country News turns 50 this year, but we’re already planning for the decades to come.
The undeniable truths in literature
The undeniable truths in literature
Four Colorado writers discuss empathy, systems of oppression and ‘the moment.’
Where people are stepping up
Where people are stepping up
In the face of conflict and misinformation, hope remains.
The West protests
The West protests
‘Dominator culture’ and the injustices of climate change, COVID-19 and racism.
Don’t despair. Dissent.
Don’t despair. Dissent.
Look to others doing good work and act.
Pandemic as prologue
Pandemic as prologue
A failure of imagination has stymied our outbreak response, but that’s just the beginning.
Two key components of journalism today: love and strength
Two key components of journalism today: love and strength
As the pandemic grinds on, we in the media must continue to bear witness.
The road to ecofascism is paved with green intentions
The road to ecofascism is paved with green intentions
Why fusing nationalism and naturalism is a bad idea.
From billionaires to bankruptcies, the West is full of flashpoints
From billionaires to bankruptcies, the West is full of flashpoints
And we’re here to cover them all.
The Elon Musk dilemma
The Elon Musk dilemma
When big thinkers think badly.
Consider the contested West
Consider the contested West
The Western U.S. is complicated; more reason to try to understand its workings.
Skiing and snowmobiling are as natural as the weather
Skiing and snowmobiling are as natural as the weather
With human impacts felt everywhere, we need a new environmental ethic.
A quick guide to your redesigned magazine
A quick guide to your redesigned magazine
A fresh magazine for another 50 years of HCN.
What the cowboy hat says about ‘Americanism’
What the cowboy hat says about ‘Americanism’
A problematic symbol of the West gets a reboot.
Climate change and the challenges to human happiness
Climate change and the challenges to human happiness
It’s not too late to confront despair.
The case for speculative journalism
The case for speculative journalism
Climate fiction can help us imagine the impacts of climate change in a way that science journalism can’t.
The mysterious cow murders at Missouri Breaks
The mysterious cow murders at Missouri Breaks
In 2068, a West Obsessed investigation.
Where the incarceration and wildfire crises meet
Where the incarceration and wildfire crises meet
Prison firefighters are severely underpaid. And they’re the lucky ones.
Why invisible dangers are the hardest to face
Why invisible dangers are the hardest to face
Evolved as humans are, we’re terrible at solving problems we can’t actually see.
It’s time to take a stand
It’s time to take a stand
Rise above provocation and choose decency.
Why we’re building coverage by, from and for Indigenous audiences
Why we’re building coverage by, from and for Indigenous audiences
A few words on HCN’s award-winning coverage of Native America.
Making sense of the West
Making sense of the West
Why we’ve expanded our coverage beyond environmental issues.
The ecological danger of ethical impoverishment
The ecological danger of ethical impoverishment
The West is facing challenges that won’t be solved without moral considerations.
What is stopping climate action?
What is stopping climate action?
We’ve become the agents of our own undoing.
Under Trumpism, truth is under relentless attack
Under Trumpism, truth is under relentless attack
Two books warn against the rise of alternative realities.
Journalists need defense, not derision
Journalists need defense, not derision
The U.S. media is taking a beating, even as it struggles to survive.
We must face the ecological realities of the world we’re creating
We must face the ecological realities of the world we’re creating
There is no separating us from the place we live.
Meanwhile, the West is in jeopardy
Meanwhile, the West is in jeopardy
Amid political and cultural tumult, we are unprepared for the new reality of climate change.
The myth of American progress
The myth of American progress
The West may not represent progress, but it does represent constant flux.
High Country News Classifieds
  • ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION GEOPHYSICS
    We characterize contaminated sites and locate buried drums, tanks, debris and also find groundwater.
  • DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
    Are you a supporter of public lands and interested in a career in the nonprofit sector? Grand Teton National Park Foundation is hiring a Development...
  • RANCH GENERAL MANAGER
    Ranch General Manager for a large family-owned Ranch on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. Diversified operations include: an agro-tourism educational retreat center, renewable energy and...
  • COMMUNICATIONS AND PROJECT COORDINATOR CONTRACTOR
    POSITION SUMMARY: The Communications and Project Coordinator will support the Executive Director (ED) in campaign and administrative related tasks. The Coordinator is responsible for research...
  • HOMESICK: WHY HOUSING IS UNAFFORDABLE AND HOW WE CAN CHANGE IT
    A timely, damning, and ultimately hopeful investigation of housing in the United States. Essential reading in the West.
  • OREGON AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENT (ALE) PROGRAM COORDINATOR
    Status: Full time Reports to: Conservation Program Manager Salary Range: $60,000-65,000 Duration: Position is funded for 12 months, with the expectation of annual renewal Benefits:...
  • VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSERVATION
    The Vice President of Conservation will arrive at a time of remarkable growth and opportunity within the organization. Guided by the bold and ambitious goals...
  • WINTER WILDLANDS ALLIANCE IS HIRING!
    Help us inspire and empower people to protect America's wild snowscapes! We are a small, mighty and growing team dedicated to our work and looking...
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR- ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF WEST MARIN
    The EAC's Executive Director provides overall leadership for the operation of the organization. The Executive Director is responsible for implementing programs and policies set by...
  • UTE LEGENDS
    These carefully researched stories reflect a deep and abiding understanding of Ute culture and history. These authintic, colorful legends also illustrate the Ute's close connections...
  • FUNDRAISING ASSOCIATE - HIGH COUNTRY NEWS
    High Country News seeks an organized and collaborative Fundraising Associate to drive donor discovery and the cultivation and acquisition of mid-level and recurring gifts. This...
  • MONTANA CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE
    GYC is hiring! Please see our careers page for more details greateryellowstone.org/careers
  • 12 ACRES IN EAGLE, COLORADO!
    Tranquility & land are becoming more and more rare. This land is a haven for peace, where nature beckons & flourishes. Enjoy the mountain views...
  • SURGICAL SHARPENING SERVICE
    is a Denver-based mail order surgical instrument sharpening service established in 2009. Specialties include surgical scissors, dental elevators, trocar sets, and gynecological biopsy forceps.
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) seeks a strategic and visionary Executive Director: View all job details here- https://bit.ly/CCRHED
  • MONTANA BLUES
    Thrilling new crime novel by ex-HCN editor Ray Ring : A rural White horsewoman and an urban Black man battle White supremacists in a tough...
  • CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE
    Field seminars for adults in natural and human history of the northern Colorado Plateau, with lodge and base camp options. Small groups, guest experts.
  • COMING TO TUCSON?
    Popular vacation house, everything furnished. Two bedroom, one bath, large enclosed yards. Dog-friendly. Contact Lee at [email protected] or 520-791-9246.
  • WESTERN NATIVE SEED
    Native plant seeds for the Western US. Trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and regional mixes. Call or email for free price list. 719-942-3935. [email protected] or visit...