The Stock Farm outside of Hamilton, Mont., is one of many
new exclusive gated housing developments in the West, and some fear
that these fortified palaces, which cater to a wealthy elite, will
further divide communities and adversely impact the land.
Magazine
November 11, 2002
The "Real West" at the touch of an access code? A look into the fortified rural retreats of the West's moneyed elite. Also in this issue: Hanford bomb factory's hard-to-reach radioactive dregs might stay where they are.
Feature
Sidebar
Exclusive gated communities such as Montana's Yellowstone
Club impact the land as well as the social fabric.
The sales pitch for the Silver Bow Club, a gated ranch
community proposed for Montana's Big Hole River, weighs 12 pounds
and encourages vivid lifestyle fantasies.
Essays
An anti-war demonstration in Flagstaff, Ariz., leads the
writer to consider that our leaders are becoming more and more
removed from the people, living and governing in isolation behind
high and fortified walls.
Conversation
Colorado writer Alex Merkels talks about the revolution in
wind power now sweeping over the West.
Writers on the Range
Independent, family-owned newspapers are disappearing down
the gullets of huge corporations, and American democracy is
directly threatened by the loss of a diversity of voices.
Heard Around the West
Grizzly jam turns into fracas; School administrator
embezzles for his self-esteem; yield to bison; Cody Boobyprise
speaks out for endangered liberals; low-flow toilets cause problems
in Santa Fe; rats in Beverly Hills; and Nike vs. British
brewery.
Dear Friends
Gated communities; HCN calls readers; visitors; gripes
& gun-totin' Democrats
News
The Department of Energy is looking for shortcuts in the
cleanup of radioactive waste at the Hanford bomb factory in
Washington, but area tribes and environmentalists fear the job may
not be properly done.
In Hanford, Wash., a local group, the Citizens for Medical
Isotopes, wants to convert the Fast Flux Test Facility into a
private facility producing medical isotopes.
Whistleblower says Fisheries Service followed politics,
not science; decision to release water for the silvery minnow is
reversed; Farmers get money for destroyed crops; Report says Bush
admin. acted improperly when it overturned environmental
regs.
Small desert springs in the Grand Canyon area are
indispensable oases for many plants and animals, but they may be
endangered by development many miles away as the groundwater is
depleted.
Rancher Merle Edsall wants to save wild horses by sending
them to a sanctuary in Sonora, Mexico, but some fear such a move
would actually endanger the animals.
RD's Drive-In in Page, Ariz., is facing a federal lawsuit
over its policy of not allowing Navajo employees to speak their
native language while at work.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says that, because of
drought, changing the management of the Missouri River and its dams
to benefit endangered fish and birds must be postponed.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering whether
to list the disappearing golden trout, California's state fish, as
endangered.
Some Sheridan, Wyo., residents fear a planned land swap
could land them with responsibility for an underground coal-seam
fire at the Welch Ranch on the Tongue River.
In Coahuila, Mexico, the corporate colossus CEMEX is
working to create a "Mexican Yellowstone" that would preserve the
rich wildlife and wild country of the Sierra El Carmen.
Under a new law, California's three investor-owned
utilities must buy 20 percent of their power from alternative
energy sources such as wind and solar.
Letters
Featured stories
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MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER High Country News, an award-winning media organization covering the communities and environment of the Western United States, seeks a Marketing Communications Manager to join our...
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF High Country News, an award-winning media organization covering the communities and environment of the Western United States, seeks an Editor-In-Chief to join our senior team...
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RESEARCH FELLOW (SOUTHWESTERN U.S. ENERGY TRANSITION) 
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) in partnership with the Grand Canyon Trust is seeking a full-time Fellow to conduct topical research...
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LENDER OWNED FIX & FLIP
2 houses on 37+ acres. Gated subdivision, Penrose Colorado. $400k. Possible lender financing. Bob Kunkler Brokers Welcome.
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ONCE OR TWICE A short historical novel set in central Oregon based on the the WWII Japanese high altitude ballon that exploded causing civilian casualties. A riveting look...
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HISTORIC LODGE AND RESTAURANT - FULLY EQUIPPED Built in 1901, The Crazy Mountain Inn has 11 guest rooms in a town-center building on 7 city lots (.58 acres). The inn and restaurant...
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HOUSE FOR SALE Rare mountain property, borders National Forest, stream nearby. Pumicecrete, solar net metering, radiant heat, fine cabinets, attic space to expand, patio, garden, wildlife, insulated garage,...
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COMMUNITY ORGANIZER- NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL Want to organize people to protect Montana's water quality, family farms and ranches, & unique quality of life with Northern Plains Resource Council? Apply now-...
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CONSERVATION MANAGER The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (RiGHT) is hiring an energetic and motivated Conservation Manager to develop and complete new conservation projects and work within...
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POLLINATOR OASIS
Seeking an experienced, hardworking partner to help restore a desert watershed/wetland while also creating a pollinator oasis at the mouth of an upland canyon. Compensation:...
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ELLIE SAYS IT'S SAFE! A GUIDE DOG'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE by Don Hagedorn. A story of how lives of the visually impaired are improved through the love and courage of guide dogs. Available on Amazon.
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COMING TO TUCSON? Popular vacation house, furnished, 2 bed/1 bath, yard, dog-friendly. Lee at [email protected] or 520-791-9246.
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NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY All positions available: Sales Representative, Accountant and Administrative Assistant. As part of our expansion program, our University is looking for part time work from home...
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RUBY, ARIZONA CARETAKER S. Az ghost town seeking full-time caretaker. Contact [email protected] for details.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Powder River Basin Resource Council, a progressive non-profit conservation organization based in Sheridan, Wyoming, seeks an Executive Director, preferably with grassroots organizing experience, excellent communication...
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ADOBE HOME Passive solar adobe home in high desert of central New Mexico. Located on a 10,000 acre cattle ranch.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition, based in Ely, Nevada is looking for a new executive director to replace the long-time executive director who is retiring at...
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STEVE HARRIS, EXPERIENCED PUBLIC LANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL ATTORNEY Comment Letters - Admin Appeals - Federal & State Litigation - FOIA -
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LOG HOME IN THE GILA WILDERNESS Beautiful hand built log home in the heart of the Gila Wilderness on five acres. Please email for PDF of pictures and a full description.
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COPPER STAIN: ASARCO'S LEGACY IN EL PASO Tales from scores of ex-employees unearth the human costs of an economy that runs on copper.
