Items by Joshua Zaffos

The uncompromising environmentalist behind the Sierra Club
The uncompromising environmentalist behind the Sierra Club
A new book details the rise of the Sierra Club from hiking group to political force.
‘Orphaned’ oil and gas wells are on the rise
‘Orphaned’ oil and gas wells are on the rise
Wells left behind by industry threaten to overwhelm Western states.
RV industry lobbies to privatize services on public lands
RV industry lobbies to privatize services on public lands
And they have found an ally in Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
Can coal remain the bedrock of Wyoming’s economy?
Can coal remain the bedrock of Wyoming’s economy?
As companies experiment with ‘clean coal,’ cheaper and cleaner fuels are taking over.
U.S. House moves to streamline water projects
U.S. House moves to streamline water projects
A controversial bill would weaken states’ control over water.
LNG project rises again, with support from Mountain states
LNG project rises again, with support from Mountain states
White House backing could ease approval for the Jordan Cove export terminal, and set off a new drilling boom in the Interior West.
¿Qué debe hacer una comunidad para proteger a sus migrantes?
¿Qué debe hacer una comunidad para proteger a sus migrantes?
Un condado conservador en Colorado se enfrenta a una nueva realidad política.
Fatal Colorado home explosion reignites drilling safety debate
Fatal Colorado home explosion reignites drilling safety debate
Have regulators done enough to protect public safety?
A tribe wins rights to contested groundwater in court
A tribe wins rights to contested groundwater in court
A major federal court decision acknowledges that tribes have priority rights to groundwater — and could limit how much other users can take.
What should a community do to protect its immigrants?
What should a community do to protect its immigrants?
A conservative county in Colorado grapples over a new political reality for its refugee and immigrant residents.
Harry Reid exits the ring
Harry Reid exits the ring
In an era of political gridlock, Congress loses a leader who got things done for the West.
House Republicans want to ‘repeal and replace’ the ESA
House Republicans want to ‘repeal and replace’ the ESA
After attempts to chip away at the law bill by bill, Utah Rep. Rob Bishop says he’d rather scrap the Endangered Species Act altogether.
Silver State lining for Democrats
Silver State lining for Democrats
How Republicans failed to capture Nevada amid a red wave.
A tax on carbon pollution faces surprising opposition
A tax on carbon pollution faces surprising opposition
Some environmental groups and social justice advocates are fighting a proposed emissions tax in Washington. What gives?
How the West’s populist politics play out at the ballot box
How the West’s populist politics play out at the ballot box
Voter-driven ballot initiatives are a powerful force during the Western election season.
The Bundys go on trial
The Bundys go on trial
Following Oregon occupation and Nevada standoff, a family that refuses to accept the federal government will have its day in court.
Where are the fracking fights this fall?
Where are the fracking fights this fall?
Fracktivists look to exercise local control over energy development this November.
‘Keep It in the Ground’ prompts online oil and gas leasing auctions
‘Keep It in the Ground’ prompts online oil and gas leasing auctions
Protests against drilling on public lands continue.
 How will Trump act on conservation and public lands?
How will Trump act on conservation and public lands?
Presidential campaigns offer a sneak peek into natural resource policies.
Big funds for Native American farmers and ranchers on the way
Big funds for Native American farmers and ranchers on the way
The largest ever philanthropic fund for Indian Country stems from a 1999 class-action lawsuit.
What the U.S. can learn from European coal miners’ second act
What the U.S. can learn from European coal miners’ second act
Europe and the U.S. have taken different paths in response to climate concerns and coal declines.
Protests against drilling on public lands are escalating
Protests against drilling on public lands are escalating
In Colorado, another showdown at a government auction for oil and gas leases.
Can we learn from Europe’s approach to laid-off coal miners?
Can we learn from Europe’s approach to laid-off coal miners?
A more secure safety net for workers in transition means higher taxes, a tradeoff many Americans oppose.
Thousands of fish die in Colorado, amid flood recovery projects
Thousands of fish die in Colorado, amid flood recovery projects
Concrete used to rebuild bridges on the Front Range appears to be the culprit for the deaths of 5,600 trout and other fish.
In bison recovery, scientists start small
In bison recovery, scientists start small
A new approach to bison conservation focuses on many small herds on a patchwork of public and private land.
The Bundy bust-up
The Bundy bust-up
Charges rain down on militant leaders of Bundy family standoffs in Nevada and Oregon.
How not to forget the West’s past atrocities
How not to forget the West’s past atrocities
The national park system does more than celebrate beauty. It also commemorates the ugliest parts of our past.
Colorado activists set their sights on a ballot measure to limit drilling
Colorado activists set their sights on a ballot measure to limit drilling
Previous attempts have been blocked and current regulations disappoint.
New leader steps up for the American Lands Council
New leader steps up for the American Lands Council
Montana lawmaker takes over lands transfer group, as a new tendril of the movement emerges.
How some Western cities are leading on climate action
How some Western cities are leading on climate action
Despite faltering national policy, some communities are forging ahead.
High Country News Classifieds
  • INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS EDITOR - HIGH COUNTRY NEWS
    High Country News is hiring an Indigenous Affairs Editor to help guide the magazine's journalism and produce stories that are important to Indigenous communities and...
  • STAFF ATTORNEY
    Staff Attorney The role of the Staff Attorney is to bring litigation on behalf of Western Watersheds Project, and at times our allies, in the...
  • ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
    Northern Michigan University seeks an outstanding leader to serve as its next Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion. With new NMU President Dr. Brock...
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    The Clark Fork Coalition seeks an exceptional leader to serve as its Executive Director. This position provides strategic vision and operational management while leading a...
  • GOOD NEIGHBOR AGREEMENT MANAGER
    Help uphold a groundbreaking legal agreement between a powerful mining corporation and the local communities impacted by the platinum and palladium mine in their backyard....
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    The Feather River Land Trust (FRLT) is seeking a strategic and dynamic leader to advance our mission to "conserve the lands and waters of the...
  • COLORADO DIRECTOR
    COLORADO DIRECTOR Western Watersheds Project seeks a Colorado Director to continue and expand WWP's campaign to protect and restore public lands and wildlife in Colorado,...
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    Digital Media Specialist - WY, MT, UT OFFICE LOCATION Remote and hybrid options available. Preferred locations are MT, WY or UT, but applicants from anywhere...
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    High Country News seeks an energetic, articulate and highly organized grant writer to support a growing foundations program. This position works closely with our Executive...
  • ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HISTORY - INDIGENOUS HISTORIES OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WEST
    Whitman College seeks applicants for a tenure-track position in Indigenous Histories of the North American West, beginning August 2024, at the rank of Assistant Professor....
  • DAVE AND ME
    Dave and Me, by international racontuer and children's books author Rusty Austin, is a funny, profane and intense collection of short stories, essays, and poems...
  • CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
    Rural Community Assistance Corporation is looking to hire a CFO. For more more information visit: https://www.rcac.org/careers/
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    The Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation (ABWF) seeks a new Executive Director. Founded in 2008, the ABWF is a respected nonprofit whose mission is to support...
  • 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.
  • ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION GEOPHYSICS
    We characterize contaminated sites, identify buried drums, tanks, debris and also locate groundwater.
  • 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.
  • 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...
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    Criminal Defense, Code Enforcement, Water Rights, Mental Health Defense, Resentencing.