Magazine

September 17, 2012

On the overworked Missouri River, searching for signs that pallid sturgeon haven't reached the end of their line. Also, superhero scientists unleash new weapons in the fight against invasive cheatgrass, the politics of public health, fire scientists duke it out over what the West's forests should look like, and more.

Feature

Can pallid sturgeon hang on in the overworked Missouri River?

In the dam-locked Upper Missouri, scientists search for signs that the ancient species hasn't reached the end of its line.

Marian Lyman Kirst Sept. 24, 2012 From the print edition

Great Basin scientists unleash new weapons to fight invasive cheatgrass

A trio of dedicated scientists are testing out cutting-edge ways to finally turn the tide against the Great Basin's cheatgrass invasion, as the weed continues to cause devastating fires.

Stephanie Paige Ogburn Sept. 17, 2012 From the print edition

Editor's Note

Salvation for our dam nation?

Although dam removals are occurring across the West, they're the exception more than the rule. And some dwindling species, like pallid sturgeon, may not be able to wait for our rivers to return to normal.

Cally Carswell Essay Sept. 17, 2012 From the print edition

Current

The politics of public health

Environmental regulations are a favorite target in the runup to this year's election.

Judith Lewis Mernit Sept. 19, 2012 From the print edition

The great New Mexican juniper massacre

On public land in New Mexico, firewood-hunters have illegally cut down hundreds of old-growth juniper trees, much to the dismay of the Bureau of Land Management and environmental activists.

Jonathan Thompson Sept. 17, 2012 From the print edition