Items by Kathie Durbin

National Fire Plan vs. the Healthy Forests rule changes
The National Fire Plan, the Healthy Forests Initiative and the Healthy Forests Restoration Act are explained and compared
Slim margins
Loggers say forest-restoration work, which involves the thinning and cutting of small, skinny trees, doesn’t bring in much money
The War on Wildfire
President Bush says the Healthy Forests Restoration Act and Initiative were needed to fight wildfire, but several years into the new rules, critics question whether the changes they brought were helpful or even necessary
Unsalvageable
Despite angry environmentalists, rotting timber, and unenthusiastic logging companies, the Bush administration is determined to push logging on roadless land burned by the Biscuit Fire in southwestern Oregon
Massive logging plan shakes Northwest
The proposed salvage logging of the Biscuit Fire area in Oregon’s Siskiyou Forest is one of the largest timber sales in history, and critics say it’s not only ecologically dangerous, but undermines the Roadless Rule
On a new national monument, has an agency been cowed?
On a new national monument, has an agency been cowed?
When President Clinton established Oregon’s Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument three years ago, he told the BLM to study grazing impacts, but now funding for the study has been cut, while grazing continues unabated
A revival on Hart Mountain
Oregon’s Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is thriving these days, but refuge managers are courting controversy by trying to get permission to shoot coyotes from airplanes
In fire’s aftermath, salvage logging makes a comeback
Despite the warnings of scientists who say it’s a bad idea, the Bush administration is eager to log trees burned by the Biscuit Fire in Oregon’s Siskiyou National Forest
Renegade house with a view - for now
A three-story house being built on the rim of Washington's Columbia River Gorge - in defiance of the National Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area - has become a battleground between supporters of the scenic act and property-rights advocates.
Do coyotes need "control' on the refuge?
Evidence that coyotes are keeping the antelope population down leads some to propose that the coyotes on Oregon's Hart Mountain Refuge should be controlled by killing.
Selling science to the agencies: an ecologist's story
Zoologist David Dobkin believes that federal land managers are closing their minds to his scientific research - especially when his research indicts grazing.
Restoring a refuge: Cows depart, but can antelope recover?
Oregon's Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge seems to be recovering now that cattle have been banned from it - but despite the lush grasses, the antelope are still in decline.
Habitat plans are in full flood
In the Pacific Northwest, timber companies such as Weyerhaeuser are enthusiastic about HCPs because of the spotted owl.
Timber's bad boy comes to the table
Biologist Lorin Hicks of Plum Creek Timber Co. says that the notorious logging company is now trying to do the right thing for endangered species with the help of HCPs.
The feds won't enforce the ESA
Some say the real problem with habitat conservation lies in the government's unwillingness to really enforce the Endangered Species Act.
New plan draws hisses, boos
The long-awaited draft of the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project draws little but criticism from environmentalists, loggers, Indian tribes and ranchers.
Rain and clearcuts make fatal brew
Heavy rain on clearcut hillsides in western Oregon is blamed for floods and landslides that kill eight people.
Proposed gold mine stirs up a rural Washington county
Farmers lead the protest against Battle Mountain Gold Company's open-pit mine in Washington's conservative Okanogan County.
Silencing science at UW: one researcher's story
Aquatic biologist Steve Ralph recalls how he directed a new stream-research program for the University of Washington - until timber industry scientists objected and the project was cancelled.
The ax falls at the University of Washington
The University of Washington's innovative environmental institute and other new forestry programs are clearcut by a conservative dean.
Reformation in the Vatican of sawlog forestry
Oregon State University rejects its one-time advocacy of unsustainable forestry practices and begins to teach new forestry.
Dog and pony show about salmon and owls
Public hearings on the rewriting of the Endangered Species Act stir up controversy among environmentalists and their opponents.
Forest activists retrench and grope for support
Pessimism and anxiety mark the fourth Western Ancient Forest Conference in Ashland, Ore.
Judge hints that Clinton's forest plan is dead
The Option Nine forest plan may be sent back for revision for more owl and salmon protection.
A small town in Oregon gets ugly
Wise-use movement clashes with environmentalists in Joseph, Oregon.
If you hear the alarm, stop breathing
A reporter tours the chemical agent disposal facility at Tooele Army Depot in Utah.
The progress of freewheeling consensus jeopardized as feds pull back
An unusual group, the Applegate Partnership, tries to build consensus among environmentalists and loggers in southern Oregon.
Ranchers arrested at wildlife refuge
Ranchers arrested at wildlife refuge
The arrest of rancher Dwight Hammond for running cattle on a wildlife refuge provokes a wise-use backlash in Oregon.
Shame and threats impel Eastside plan
Restrictions on logging in spotted owl habitat lead to increased cutting in the Eastside forests.
Ambitious ecosystem management advances east
The Eastside Ecosystem Management Project seeks to plot a future for the forests of the Interior Columbia Basin.
High Country News Classifieds
  • 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.
  • 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...
  • LUNATEC HYDRATION SPRAY BOTTLE
    A must for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Cools, cleans and hydrates with mist, stream and shower patterns. Hundreds of uses.