Items by Helen Santoro

North American bats may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2
North American bats may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2
This is bad news for bats and humans.
Where does Pride fit in a time of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter?
Where does Pride fit in a time of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter?
For organizers and participants, this is a chance to return to the roots of Pride — a fight for equity.
Las visitas médicas virtuales florecen en la era del coronavirus
Las visitas médicas virtuales florecen en la era del coronavirus
El COVID-19 ha empujado la salud pública al ciberespacio —y algunos practicantes rurales quizá se queden ahí.
Take heart in hard times
Take heart in hard times
From stowaway hatchlings to eager minds, there’s hope in the West.
One Oregon county has widespread COVID-19 testing. Others aren’t so lucky.
One Oregon county has widespread COVID-19 testing. Others aren’t so lucky.
‘They don’t have a rainy-day fund or bucket of money that’s just waiting for a big crisis.’
Virtual house calls flourish in the age of coronavirus
Virtual house calls flourish in the age of coronavirus
COVID-19 has pushed health care into cyberspace — and some rural practitioners might stay there.
Body brokers arrested for illegally selling body parts
Body brokers arrested for illegally selling body parts
The FBI has been investigating the owner of a now-closed Colorado funeral home since 2017.
Extreme wildfires are changing Western forests
Extreme wildfires are changing Western forests
New studies show how high-intensity fires alter flower pollen, soil health and tree growth.
As COVID-19 spreads, so does misinformation
As COVID-19 spreads, so does misinformation
Sociologist Emma Spiro tracks the sources of coronavirus rumors, from information voids to information overload.
Can a new voting system improve our fractured democracy?
Can a new voting system improve our fractured democracy?
A county in Oregon decides to rank its voters’ choices.
What’s threatening the elusive wolverine?
What’s threatening the elusive wolverine?
As snowmobilers fight to preserve their pastime, scientists worry about the future of the species.
Inside a Seattle lab working to develop a COVID-19 vaccine
Inside a Seattle lab working to develop a COVID-19 vaccine
‘We’ve put a lot of projects on hold so that we can focus on this.’
Why scientists rallied to save a museum of mud
Why scientists rallied to save a museum of mud
Researchers at Oregon State University hope the collection helps scientists understand more about earth’s past and future.
Oregon elk vex landowners and game managers
Oregon elk vex landowners and game managers
The herds are wary of recreationalists, unwelcome at the refuge and eating into profits.
 Meet the group redefining what it means to be a scout
Meet the group redefining what it means to be a scout
The Baden-Powell Service Association offers families a more welcoming version of scouting.
BLM leaders commute between D.C. and new headquarters
BLM leaders commute between D.C. and new headquarters
The majority of employees are considering retiring or leaving the agency rather than relocate.
HCN celebrates newness in the new year
HCN celebrates newness in the new year
We have a new look, editors and fellows.
Montana’s water rights fractured by new development
Montana’s water rights fractured by new development
As subdivisions spread, it’s becoming harder to manage one of the state’s most valuable resources.
Arizona volleyball team faces harassment
Arizona volleyball team faces harassment
Native American athletes continue to experience racism.
Wildlife refuges suffer under budget cuts and staff shortages
Wildlife refuges suffer under budget cuts and staff shortages
The key mission of the Refuge System — to protect and restore wildlife habitat — may be falling by the wayside.
Influx of grizzly bears compels Montanans to adapt
Influx of grizzly bears compels Montanans to adapt
From electric fences to special garbage cans, rural communities find new tools to help them coexist with bears.
Jars of jam and a lot of joy
Jars of jam and a lot of joy
Harvest season meant conferences, visitors and a wonderful wedding.
Diseases are spreading with climate change. Panic doesn’t have to.
Diseases are spreading with climate change. Panic doesn’t have to.
As illnesses like Valley fever emerge in new areas, health officials keep residents informed instead of in fear.
Transgender prisoners in the West now have tools for self-advocacy
Transgender prisoners in the West now have tools for self-advocacy
A court ruling transforms healthcare rights for incarcerated trans people.
Trump administration pushes to exempt Tongass from logging restrictions
Trump administration pushes to exempt Tongass from logging restrictions
Clearcutting of old-growth trees in the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest stopped just three years ago.
For sage grouse, science can be fatal
For sage grouse, science can be fatal
Is the value of data worth the death of individual animals?
A quick guide to threatened terrestrial and freshwater species in your state
A quick guide to threatened terrestrial and freshwater species in your state
New rules would weaken protections for plants and animals listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Trump’s trade war is draining profits for Montana wheat farmers
Trump’s trade war is draining profits for Montana wheat farmers
Today’s agricultural producers battle both environmental threats and geopolitical conflict.
West Coast fishermen have few options against sea lions
West Coast fishermen have few options against sea lions
The federal government continues to use explosives despite their ineffectiveness.
The heart of California, captured
The heart of California, captured
Robb Hirsch hopes his new book compels readers to act on the behalf of Yosemite National Park.
High Country News Classifieds
  • NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION MANAGER
    Central Colorado Conservancy is an accredited land trust and community-based conservation organization based in Salida, CO. Our mission is to protect the land, waters and...
  • ESCAPE THE CROWDS AND EMBRACE NATURE: AFFORDABLE RETREAT, JUST AN HOUR FROM GLACIER NATIONAL PARK AND BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS!
    Welcome to your new tranquil oasis in Montana. This beautiful 2-bedroom home FSBO is just an hour's drive to the east entrance of Glacier National...
  • DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
    Areas of Responsibility: The Development Director collaborates with the Executive Director, other HEAL Utah staff, board, and supporters to continue building one of Utah's most...
  • DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
    Position Summary Western Resource Advocates (WRA) is hiring an organized and creative Digital Engagement Specialist to join our Marketing and Communications Team. The Digital Engagement...
  • 92 ACRE EASTERN WASHINGTON GEM
    Welcome to Lost Creek Sanctuary... a true hidden gem in the heart of the Palouse. 1900 square feet, the main house is warm and charming,...
  • WEEKLY NEWSPAPER FOR SALE
    Vibrant, financially successful 1,100 print run, community-focused subscription newspaper in beautiful Pacific Northwest Washington seeks owner/s. It is time to retire. Now, your Norman Rockwell-like...
  • STAFF ATTORNEY - WILDLANDS AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM
    Job Opening Announcement: Wildlands and Wildlife Program Staff Attorney Reports to: Wildlands and Wildlife Program Director Location: Pacific Northwest, ideally in Eugene, Oregon, Portland, Oregon,...
  • HEAD OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
    The Head of Project Management will oversee our project execution to ensure that we are providing our partners around the world with the field data...
  • LEGAL DIRECTOR
    Trustees for Alaska is the only nonprofit environmental law firm founded and based in Alaska. We are seeking a Legal Director, full-time based in Anchorage....
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    The Fund for People in Parks seeks leader to identify, develop, fund, and facilitate high-impact projects in western National Parks. Remote position with some travel....
  • GRASSROOTS REGIONAL COORDINATOR
    Great Old Broads for Wilderness is a women-led national grassroots organization that engages and inspires activism to preserve and protect wilderness and wild lands. The...
  • GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY MANAGER
    Great Old Broads for Wilderness is a women-led national grassroots organization that engages and inspires activism to preserve and protect wilderness and wild lands. Position...
  • GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP DIRECTOR
    The Grassroots Leadership (Director) oversees the training, guidance, and support of volunteer Broadband Leaders. (Broadbands are women-led grassroots chapters, with 40+ across the country.) They...
  • FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANT NEEDED
    We would like to invite you to participate in a 60-minute focus group to help us enhance the New Mexico Courts website (https://www.inside.nmcourts.gov/). Our aim...
  • GILA GRASSROOTS ORGANIZER
    New Mexico Wild is seeking a Gila Grassroots Organizer who is passionate about public lands and community engagement. The Gila Grassroots Organizer will take a...
  • 20/40 ACRES IN ARIZONA WINE COUNTRY
    Chiricahua riparian ecosystem: 5100 ft elevation:18+ inches of rain/year: 1/4 mile creek through property: The Chiricahuas' have been called: "The most biologically diverse place in...
  • SMALL CABIN WITH 260 ACRES
    Adorable quaint cabin on the Arizona Strip, on the foothills of the Kaibab Plateau with 260 acres bordering BLM lands on two sides of the...
  • STAFF ATTORNEY
    Food & Water Watch works to create a healthy future for all people and generations to come—a world where everyone has food they can trust,...
  • LUNATEC HYDRATION SPRAY BOTTLE
    A must for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Cools, cleans and hydrates with mist, stream and shower patterns. Hundreds of uses.
  • LUNATEC ODOR-FREE DISHCLOTHS
    are a must try. They stay odor-free, dry fast, are durable and don't require machine washing. Try today.