Why not let people out?
Magazine
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November 1, 2023
The climate crisis affects everything, from where we live to what we eat to how we deal with crime. In Washington, extreme weather and COVID-19 pushed over-strained prisons to the brink, leading some to ask: Why not let people out? In Kasigluk, Alaska, buildings are succumbing to rising sea levels and melting permafrost, but relocating entire communities isn’t easy. Eureka, California, wanted to build affordable housing in parking lots, but opponents are exploiting an environmental law to fight back. The danger’s not over when the wildfire ends: Debris flows can be deadly. Trucking young salmon past dams seemed like a great idea, but what happens if the adult fish can’t find their way home? Can Green River, Utah’s famous melons survive climate change? Montana ranchers come together to start their own meatpacking facilities. An Indigenous writer reflects on everything his mentors taught him. Though DACA failed Tony Valdovinos, he still pursues his dreams. Just walking through a beloved landscape can help ease the pain of grief.
Feature
Residents of the Alaska village maintain community in the face of climate change.
Reportage
Geologists in Washington are monitoring scorched forest to help create a better warning system for deadly debris flows.
Small-scale processing is on the rise, but ranchers still need buyers’ buy-in.
The culprit is a tactic designed to save them – one that could decrease the species’ resilience in the long run.
Thousands turn out for Melon Days, but the future looks uncertain.
In Eureka, the California Environmental Quality Act is used to target projects that benefit low-income people.
Editor's Note
It’s possible to eat your way to a more sustainable future.
Essays
On pain specific to America and artistic influence.
A writer finds what she needs on a snowy walk through a cherished and familiar landscape.
Poetry
A poem by Cecily Parks.
Perspective
Tony Valdovinos was brought to the U.S. at the age of 2. The challenges of not having citizenship haven’t stopped his success.
Heard Around the West
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
#iamthewest
#iamthewest: Giving voice to the people that make up communities in the region.
Dear Friends
Readers describe how they first ran into the magazine in the wild.
Letters
Comments from readers.
Featured stories
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RANCH GENERAL MANAGER Ranch General Manager for a large family-owned Ranch on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. Diversified operations include: an agro-tourism educational retreat center, renewable energy and...
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OREGON AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENT (ALE) PROGRAM COORDINATOR Status: Full time Reports to: Conservation Program Manager Salary Range: $60,000-65,000 Duration: Position is funded for 12 months, with the expectation of annual renewal Benefits:...
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VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSERVATION The Vice President of Conservation will arrive at a time of remarkable growth and opportunity within the organization. Guided by the bold and ambitious goals...
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WINTER WILDLANDS ALLIANCE IS HIRING! Help us inspire and empower people to protect America's wild snowscapes! We are a small, mighty and growing team dedicated to our work and looking...
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR- ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF WEST MARIN The EAC's Executive Director provides overall leadership for the operation of the organization. The Executive Director is responsible for implementing programs and policies set by...
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UTE LEGENDS These carefully researched stories reflect a deep and abiding understanding of Ute culture and history. These authintic, colorful legends also illustrate the Ute's close connections...
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WYOMING AND NORTHERN UTAH DIRECTOR 
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12 ACRES IN EAGLE, COLORADO! Tranquility & land are becoming more and more rare. This land is a haven for peace, where nature beckons & flourishes. Enjoy the mountain views...
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SURGICAL SHARPENING SERVICE is a Denver-based mail order surgical instrument sharpening service established in 2009. Specialties include surgical scissors, dental elevators, trocar sets, and gynecological biopsy forceps.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) seeks a strategic and visionary Executive Director: View all job details here- https://bit.ly/CCRHED
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MONTANA BLUES Thrilling new crime novel by ex-HCN editor Ray Ring : A rural White horsewoman and an urban Black man battle White supremacists in a tough...
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CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE Field seminars for adults in natural and human history of the northern Colorado Plateau, with lodge and base camp options. Small groups, guest experts.
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COMING TO TUCSON? Popular vacation house, everything furnished. Two bedroom, one bath, large enclosed yards. Dog-friendly. Contact Lee at [email protected] or 520-791-9246.
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WESTERN NATIVE SEED
Native plant seeds for the Western US. Trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and regional mixes. Call or email for free price list. 719-942-3935. [email protected] or visit...
