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
  • HIGH DIVIDE RESTORATION PRACTITIONER
    Who We Are: The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create...
  • ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION GEOPHYSICS
    We characterize contaminated sites and locate buried drums, tanks, debris and also find groundwater.
  • SIERRA VALLEY PRESERVE LAND STEWARD
    We are hiring a hands-on worker to help care for the land FRLT has conserved. This position will work directly with the Sierra Valley Preserve...
  • 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.