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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FIGHTING FOR WILDLIFE Position Type: Community organizer; full-time, exempt Location: Bozeman, MT. Compensation: $50,000 Benefits: Medical stipend, vacation time, flexibility. Application Deadline: June 15th. Starting Date: July 1...
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ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN COORDINATOR The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is hiring an Environmental Programs Manager in the Natural Resources Department. This position manages work in wetlands, brownfields, climate change, energy...
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PROGRAM DIRECTOR - YELLOWSTONE TO YUKON CONSERVATION INITIATIVE About the Organization The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) is a joint Canada-U.S. not-for-profit organization with a mission to connect and protect wildlife habitat...
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COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Position Type: Full time, exempt Location: Bozeman, MT Compensation: $42,000 - $47,000 Benefits: Major Medical Insurance, up to 5% match on a 401k, PTO, flexible...
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PARTNERSHIP & COLLABORATION DIRECTOR WEST REGION WILDFIRE COUNCIL- RIDGWAY, CO The partnership & collaboration director will provide leadership and/or assistance with all initiatives that create and enhance connections between...
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2 FIELD PROJECT SPECIALISTS (POSITION FORMERLY TITLED TRAIL CREW TECHNICAL ADVISOR) Are you passionate about environmental conservation and connecting people to the outdoors? The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is looking for someone with outdoor leadership...
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WATER STEWARD The Blackfoot Challenge is seeking a full-time Water Steward to coordinate and deliver a variety of partnerships and projects aimed at conserving and enhancing water...
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SMALL FARM AT BASE OF MOUNT SHASTA, CALIF. Fruit/berry/veggie/flower farm in the mountain town of Mount Shasta. Small home, 2 barns (one with apartment), and more. Famously pure air and water.
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POLICY & PLANNING SPECIALIST Position Type: Full time, exempt Location: Bozeman, MT highly preferred, remote negotiable Compensation: $50,000-54,000 Benefits: Major Medical Insurance, up to 5% match on a 401k,...
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CONSERVATION PROGRAM MANAGER Illinois Valley SWCD is offering an incredible career opportunity in beautiful SW Oregon. .8+ FTE, plus benefits. Visit our website for full details.
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DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Formed in 1980, Western Colorado Alliance for Community Action brings people together to build grassroots power through community organizing and leadership development. The Alliance works...
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LITIGATION ASSISTANT, NORTHERN ROCKIES OFFICE - FULL-TIME BOZEMAN | REMOTE OPTION Visit our website to apply: earthjustice.org/about/jobs
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BUFFALO NATIONS GRASSLANDS ALLIANCE SEEKING AN ASSESSMENT CONSULTANT ASSESSMENT OF THE SCOPE OF CONSERVATION PLANNING AND ACTIVITIES IN NATIVE NATIONS IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance...
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CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Rural Community Assistance Corporation seeks experienced CFO.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks, the official philanthropic non-profit partner with the National Park Service Southeast Utah Group, is seeking an Executive Director....
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GRAND CANYON MANAGER Application deadline: May 9, 2022 Anticipated start date: June 15, 2022 About the position Are you passionate about building authentic relationships, supporting tribally led initiatives,...
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LAND CONSERVATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT) is seeking a Land Conservation Program Director to join our nationally accredited land trust. This is a full-time position based...
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OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Reports to: Communications and Outreach Director Location: Ashton, Idaho (partial remote schedule possible) Status: Full-time, 40 hours per week Timing and Duration: Position open until...
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OUTDOOR PROGRAM - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (TEMPORARY, FULL-TIME POSITION) St. Lawrence University seeks to fill a temporary, full time, Assistant Director position in the Outdoor Program. The Outdoor Program provides professional outdoor recreational and...
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ENVIRONMENTAL GEOPHYSICS We find groundwater, reduce excavation costs and determine your IBC site class for a fraction of drilling costs.