Magazine
Wish You Weren’t Here

March 5, 2007

Quagga mussels – an extraordinarily prolific and costly invasive species – have appeared in Lake Mead, and no one is sure how to keep these unwanted newcomers from infesting the West. Also in this issue: Condor 134’s harrowing experience with lead poisoning exemplifies these endangered birds’ greatest challenge – which some advocates hope to ease by banning lead bullets in California.

Feature

Wish You Weren’t Here
Quagga mussels – an extraordinarily prolific and costly invasive species – have appeared in Lake Mead, and no one is sure how to keep these unwanted newcomers from infesting the West.
Michelle Nijhuis March 5, 2007 From the print edition

Sidebar

Battling over ballast
Congress has tried to regulate ballast water in ships in order to stop the spread of zebra mussels, but so far loopholes in the law and tussles over policy have made the effort ineffective.
Michelle Nijhuis March 5, 2007 From the print edition
Don’t move a mussel
Boaters, kayakers, anglers and other recreationists can help stop the spread of quagga mussels and other aquatic invasives by following a few simple rules.
Michelle Nijhuis March 5, 2007 From the print edition

Editor's Note

Welcome to the Homogocene
The rapid spread of invasive species like quagga and zebra mussels could transform the once-isolated and ecologically unique West into just another McDonaldized patch of the planet.
Paul Larmer Opinion March 5, 2007 From the print edition

Uncommon Westerners

A wolf’s life
The wolf known as B-7 – the last surviving member of a group of Canadian wolves released in Idaho in 1995 – has died.
Erin Halcomb March 5, 2007 From the print edition

Essays

The knowledge of mules
After more than a decade of a solitary existence packing mules in the Northern Rockies, the writer is seriously injured and must reconsider his way of life.
Jason Fisher Essay March 5, 2007 From the print edition

Book Reviews

A geography of the imagination
In Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape, edited by Barry Lopez and Debra Gwartney, 45 diverse writers define unusual geographical terms used across the country.
Eliza Murphy March 5, 2007 From the print edition

Writers on the Range

Don’t send a check, send yourself
In an effort to “think globally and act locally,” the author volunteers his time for environmental causes, rather than just reaching for his checkbook.
Rob Pudim Opinion March 5, 2007 From the print edition

Heard Around the West

Heard around the West
Gail Kimbell and the vanishing Forest Service budget; not saying the Pledge in Mesa, Ariz.; racing old beaters in California; talkative men’s rooms; saying it (the Miranda warning, that is) with flowers.
Betsy Marston March 5, 2007 From the print edition

Dear Friends

We're Honored
HCN’s Ray Ring wins the 2006 George Polk Award for Political Reporting for his story, “Taking Liberties.”
John Mecklin March 5, 2007 From the print edition

News

Getting the lead out
Condor 134’s harrowing experience with lead poisoning exemplifies these endangered birds’ greatest challenge – which some advocates hope to ease by banning lead bullets in California
Mitch Tobin March 5, 2007 From the print edition
Stream leases languish
Efforts to privatize instream-flow protection – to keep enough water in rivers and streams to sustain their ecological functions – face tough going in the West.
Matt Jenkins March 5, 2007 From the print edition

Two Weeks in the West

Two weeks in the West
The Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change has bad news; Govs. propose global warming legislation; nuclear revival in the wings; Rockies Prosperity Act back in Congress; Arizona may stifle ballot measures; Bush’s budget; the West’s electrical grid.
Jonathan Thompson March 5, 2007 From the print edition

Letters

A moment of silence for our meat
Carolyn Bills March 5, 2007 From the print edition
The once-over on overgrazing
Stacey Sullivan March 5, 2007 From the print edition
Let's start with a Kennecott Mine
Michael J. Aune March 5, 2007 From the print edition
Labels are for pickle jars
Bill Hainer March 5, 2007 From the print edition
When analogies go bad
Lynne Gonzales March 5, 2007 From the print edition
Our sincere apologies
Mary Geary March 5, 2007 From the print edition
'Taking Liberties' on the High Plains
George Ledbetter, Editor and publisher, The Chadron Record March 5, 2007 From the print edition
High Country News Classifieds
  • CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE
     Colorado Plateau Natural & Human History Field Seminars. Lodge, river, hiking options. Small groups, guest experts.
  • NATURE EDUCATION DIRECTOR
     Our mission is to inspire a life-long connection to nature and community through creative exploration of the outdoors. We are seeking an educational leader who...
  • DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING DIRECTOR
     The Development and Marketing Director is a senior position responsible for the execution of all development and marketing strategies to raise funds and increase public...
  • DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
     Coordinates all Wyoming Wildlife Federation philanthropic activities. Tasks include identification, recruitment, and retention of donors, organizing fundraising events, and assisting with grant writing.
  • REALTOR NEEDS A REMOTE ASSISTANT
     This is a business assistant position, The working hours are flexible and you can chose to work from anywhere of your choice, the pay is...
  • CORPORATE & GRANTS PARTNER MANAGER
     Forever Our Rivers Foundation Corporate Partnerships Manager February 2020 www.ForeverOurRivers.org Forever Our Rivers Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was formed in late 2016 with the mission...
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
     Central Oregon LandWatch is seeking an Executive Director to advance our mission and oversee the development of the organization. Job Description: The Executive Director oversees...
  • WESTERN NATIVE SEED
     Specializing in native seeds and seed mixes for western states.
  • MEDIA DIRECTOR
     Love working with the media? Shine a spotlight on passionate, bold activists fighting for wild lands, endangered species, wild rivers and protecting the climate.
  • STAFF ATTORNEY - NEVADA
     The Center for Biological Diversity is seeking an attorney to expand our litigation portfolio in Nevada. Come join our hard-hitting team as we fight for...
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
     The Montana Wildlife Federation seeks an energetic leader to advance our mission, sustain our operations, and grow our grassroots power. For a full position description,...
  • HISTORIC COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY IN DOWNTOWN NOGALES
     Nogales. 3 active lower spaces and upper floor with lots of potential. 520-245-9000 [email protected]
  • CHUCK BURR'S CULTUREQUAKE.COM BLOG
     Change will happen when we see a new way of living. Thinking to save the world.
  • COMING TO TUCSON?
     Popular vacation house, furnished, 2 bed/1 bath, yard, dog-friendly. Lee at [email protected] or 520-791-9246.
  • DIRECTOR, TEXAS WATER PROGRAMS
     The National Wildlife Federation seeks a Director to lead our water-related policy and program work in Texas, with a primary focus on NWF's signature Texas...
  • SPLIT CREEK RANCH
     Spectacular country home on 48 acres with Wallowa River running through it! 541-398-1148 www.RubyPeakRealty.com
  • OJO CALIENTE COMMERCIAL VENTURE
     Outstanding location near the world famous Ojo Caliente Mineral Spring Resort. Classic adobe Mercantile complete w/living quarters, separate 6 unit B&B, metal building and spacious...
  • NEW MEXICO GILA NATIONAL FOREST HORSE RANCH
     43 acres in the Gila National Forest. Horse facility, custom home. Year-round outdoor living. REDUCED to $999,000, 575-536-3109.
  • EVERLAND MOUNTAIN RETREAT
     Everland Mountain Retreat includes 318 mountaintop acres with a 3,200 square foot lodge and two smaller homes. Endless vistas of the Appalachian mountains, open skies,...
  • COPPER CANYON MEXICO CAMPING & BACKPACKING
     Camping, hiking, backpacking, R2R2R, Tarahumara Easter, Mushroom Festival, www.coppercanyontrails.org.