In Riverside County, Calif., the conflict between the
Endangered Species Act’s critical habitat rule and the
West’s booming, sprawling, growth-driven economy comes to a
head
Magazine
February 20, 2006
In Riverside County, Calif., the conflict between the Endangered Species Act’s critical habitat rule and the West’s booming, sprawling, growth-driven economy comes to a head. Also in this issue: The seven states of the Colorado River Basin have come to a groundbreaking agreement that, among other things, will allow cities such as Las Vegas to lease water from out-of-state farms during times of drought.
Feature
Sidebar
A behind-the-scenes look at the struggle over critical
habitat reveals the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be an agency
at war with itself
Editor's Note
Despite its problems and failures – many of them
arising from the conflict between the United States’ growing
population and our declining wildlife habitat – the
Endangered Species Act is a necessary law
Uncommon Westerners
Small-animal veterinarian Sharon Senezcko has become a
fierce advocate for South Dakota’s mountain lions
Essays
The hurricanes in the Gulf and New Mexico’s endless
drought lead the author to wonder why it is human beings refuse to
take nature seriously
Book Reviews
Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological
Atlas is a revised and expanded edition of a classic
botanical guide
A View from the Inland Empire, a new
collection of essays from Stephen J. Lyons, is an honest account of
coming to — and later leaving — the West, and in the
process learning about home and heart and family
Science writer Yvonne Baskin’s new book, Under
Ground, takes an intriguing look at the planet’s soils and
sediments and their strange inhabitants
Coyote Warrior by Paul VanDevelder
highlights the experience of Raymond Cross, a Mandan/Hidatsa
attorney who fights for his tribe’s rights
Perspective
California Republican Rep. Richard Pombo is having a
terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad year
Heard Around the West
Child-friendly in Salida; new ranchers sell out at a high
price; hot real estate in ski country; water fights in L.A.; Bill
Richardson’s photograph; "BioWillie."
Dear Friends
Welcome, Lillian Jane Lawrence (Laura Paskus’
daughter); Jonathan Thompson new HCN editor;
HCN intern program; William Kent of Moab dies;
photo caption correction
News
The seven states of the Colorado River Basin have come to
a groundbreaking agreement that, among other things, will allow
cities such as Las Vegas to lease water from out-of-state farms
during times of drought
Grazing fees to be cut; Russian drill rigs coming to
Colorado; new power plant on Navajo Nation gets big tax break;
Washington may become sixth Western state with renewable energy
standards
The Hualapai Tribe has ambitious plans for Grand Canyon
West, a tourist destination on its remote reservation bordering the
Grand Canyon
Newport, Ore., decides the environmental and financial
risks are too great to allow Bay Bridge Enterprises, a
ship-recycling firm, to dismantle decommissioned military vessels
at Yaquina Bay
A controversial study says only a fraction of cancer cases
can be attributed to nuclear fallout in the U.S.
The BLM adds 11 new categorical exclusions to the National
Environmental Policy Act that will make it easier for salvage
logging, grazing and energy exploration
The Western Growers Association says its farmers need
another 20,000 workers to harvest this winter’s crop, and
President Bush endorses the idea of a guest-worker program to make
it easier for migrant workers in the U.S.
Letters
Featured stories
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DISTRICT MANAGER 
The San Juan Islands Conservation District is seeking applicants for the District Manager position. The position is open until filled and application plus cover letter...
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mountain Time Arts, a Bozeman-based nonprofit, is seeking an Executive Director. MTA advocates for and produces public artworks that advance social & environmental justice in...
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BEND AREA HOME WITH AMAZING CASCADE PEAKS VIEW Enjoy rural peacefulness and privacy with one of the most magnificent Cascade Mountain views in sunny Central Oregon! Convenient location only eight miles from Bend's...
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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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STEVE HARRIS, EXPERIENCED PUBLIC LANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL ATTORNEY Comment Letters - Admin Appeals - Federal & State Litigation - FOIA -
