Magazine
Reemergence
  • Digital Editions are available for our paid subscribers. Please login here.

  • If you wish to subscribe, click here.

May 1, 2023

In this issue, our feature highlights a Makah artist who preserves the stories of his ancestors and their reciprocal relationship to whales. We also follow two female botanists as they raft down the Grand Canyon in an attempt to make the first recorded, botanical survey of the region. Elsewhere, a FEMA contractor’s incompetence in translating Alaska Native languages shows systemic problems. In a Colorado coal town, the discovery of a 74 million-year-old fossil brings a new kind of tourism. A team of epidemiologists in Washington prepares for climate change. In Wyoming, off-rez hunting is under scrutiny. Is the Behren’s silverspot butterfly valuable enough to save? Climate change refugia can shelter wildlife if the planet doesn’t warm too much. And finally, we check in with Debra Magpie Earling on her new novel, learn about the importance of good ice for hunting in coastal Alaska and think on the meaning of ‘new animism.’

Feature

The artist and the harpooner
The artist and the harpooner
In Micah McCarty’s art, the past and future are one, and the whales never left.
Tenacious specimens of the Grand Canyon
Tenacious specimens of the Grand Canyon
In the 1930s, two women risked their lives to record a scientific survey of the region’s plants.

Reportage

Climate change is changing public health
Climate change is changing public health
In Washington, a new team of epidemiologists is preparing for a hotter, smokier future.
Alaska Natives are underserved by emergency translation services
Alaska Natives are underserved by emergency translation services
A FEMA contractor’s incompetence in Alaska Native languages highlights a systemic problem.
Who gets a say in tribal treaty hunting?
Who gets a say in tribal treaty hunting?
In Wyoming, everybody wants influence over off-rez hunting — and nobody’s happy.
How a dinosaur is redefining a rural coal town
How a dinosaur is redefining a rural coal town
The 74 million-year-old fossil of Walter the hadrosaur brings paleo-tourism to Craig, Colorado.
Inside the fight to save a beleaguered butterfly
Inside the fight to save a beleaguered butterfly
In 2020, the population count of the Behren’s silverspot was zero. That didn’t stop Clint Pogue.

Editor's Note

The illusion of discovery
The illusion of discovery
How understanding our past can strengthen our future.

Facts & Figures

Seeking sanctuary on a warming planet
Seeking sanctuary on a warming planet
Scientists look to identify, map and preserve climate change refugia.

Essays

Where the first spring harvest relies on a still-frozen ocean
Where the first spring harvest relies on a still-frozen ocean
In coastal Western Alaska, wildlife and humans alike rely on good, thick ice.
The spirit of  the Rillito
The spirit of the Rillito
‘New animism’ seeks a connection to nature’s pulse.

Poetry

Scarlet Paintbrush
Scarlet Paintbrush
A poem by Garrett Hongo.

Review

The many ways to see a story
The many ways to see a story
Acclaimed Indigenous author Debra Magpie Earling returns with a new novel.

Heard Around the West

Good drones, coyote living and a cow-chip lottery
Good drones, coyote living and a cow-chip lottery
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.

#iamthewest

‘We need to touch the earth’
‘We need to touch the earth’
#iamthewest: Giving voice to the people that make up communities in the region.

Dear Friends

Meet up with the HCN community
Meet up with the HCN community
And send us your bumper sticker ideas!

Letters

Letters to the editor, May 2023
Comments from readers.
High Country News Classifieds
  • ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION GEOPHYSICS
    We characterize contaminated sites and locate buried drums, tanks, debris and also find groundwater.
  • DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
    Are you a supporter of public lands and interested in a career in the nonprofit sector? Grand Teton National Park Foundation is hiring a Development...
  • 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...
  • COMMUNICATIONS AND PROJECT COORDINATOR CONTRACTOR
    POSITION SUMMARY: The Communications and Project Coordinator will support the Executive Director (ED) in campaign and administrative related tasks. The Coordinator is responsible for research...
  • HOMESICK: WHY HOUSING IS UNAFFORDABLE AND HOW WE CAN CHANGE IT
    A timely, damning, and ultimately hopeful investigation of housing in the United States. Essential reading in the West.
  • 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:...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • FUNDRAISING ASSOCIATE - HIGH COUNTRY NEWS
    High Country News seeks an organized and collaborative Fundraising Associate to drive donor discovery and the cultivation and acquisition of mid-level and recurring gifts. This...
  • MONTANA CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE
    GYC is hiring! Please see our careers page for more details greateryellowstone.org/careers
  • 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...
  • 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.
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) seeks a strategic and visionary Executive Director: View all job details here- https://bit.ly/CCRHED
  • 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...
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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...