Public Lands

The state of tribal co-management of public lands
The state of tribal co-management of public lands
As National Public Lands Day approaches, Indigenous leaders discuss working with agencies to manage dispossessed lands.
BLM has a plan to tackle booming recreation — at least in theory
BLM has a plan to tackle booming recreation — at least in theory
The agency is taking a hard look at how to protect land and wildlife while welcoming ever more visitors.
Public lands had a roller coaster month
Public lands had a roller coaster month
Rounding up the Biden administration’s ups and downs on land policy.
How a long-sought Idaho wilderness bill defies the odds
How a long-sought Idaho wilderness bill defies the odds
The threat of a national monument gets Boulder-White Clouds the highest protection.
Interior launches national conversation on federal coal
Interior launches national conversation on federal coal
Should royalties be higher to account for social costs of climate change?
KDNK Radio speaks with HCN reporter Sarah Tory
KDNK Radio speaks with HCN reporter Sarah Tory
A battle over illegal bike trails in Sedona raises tough questions about soaring recreation use on public lands.
Public-lands visitation and recreation, by the numbers
Public-lands visitation and recreation, by the numbers
Fatalities, backcountry trips, ATVs and Denali summit attempts over the years.
Deaths renew calls for national parks to rescind BASE jumping bans
Deaths renew calls for national parks to rescind BASE jumping bans
Squirrel suited flyers say the bans actually contribute to deadly accidents.
Illegal bike trails and a Forest Service crackdown divide a town
Illegal bike trails and a Forest Service crackdown divide a town
A biking boom in Sedona, Arizona, forces locals to ask: Is there room for all these people?
Private-land camping startups offer alternative to public lands
Private-land camping startups offer alternative to public lands
Airbnb-like websites spring up in response to overcrowded public campsites.
Biking the line between wilderness and civilization
Biking the line between wilderness and civilization
A bikepacking trip in Canyonlands offers a new look at a well-travelled landscape.
Idaho mining dispute raises questions about the future of wilderness
Idaho mining dispute raises questions about the future of wilderness
A grandfathered mining claim has opened the doors to development.
Ranch Diaries: How the Triangle P grazes on tribal lands
Ranch Diaries: How the Triangle P grazes on tribal lands
Breaking down private leases and federal permits.
The counties that actively oppose a federal lands transfer
The counties that actively oppose a federal lands transfer
Commissioners fear states could reduce county power and remove public access.
National parks scramble to keep up with the crowds
National parks scramble to keep up with the crowds
Does Utah's mega tourism campaign compromise the outdoor experience?
Obama designates three more national monuments
Obama designates three more national monuments
Vast stretches of Nevada and Northern California are now protected, bringing Obama’s count to 19.
Efforts to save Utah's Cedar Mesa reach a crescendo
Efforts to save Utah's Cedar Mesa reach a crescendo
Conflicting county and state proposals would provide various levels of protection.
New data released on violent threats to federal employees
New data released on violent threats to federal employees
Documents show 15 incidents in 2014, but don't account for the Cliven Bundy standoff.
Methane leaks from oil and gas production on federal lands
Methane leaks from oil and gas production on federal lands
New proposals from EPA and BLM to curtail leaks are due out this summer.
Latest: A controversial ski resort proposal gets approval
Latest: A controversial ski resort proposal gets approval
A Colorado land swap with the Forest Service gives developers a green light.
Battle of the Lands: Denali wins
Battle of the Lands: Denali wins
Readers voted in our bracket-style tournament to crown the West's best public lands on which to recreate.
Outfitters seek exemption from new federal minimum wage
Outfitters seek exemption from new federal minimum wage
Bill would allow recreation businesses to operate on federal land without paying staff $10.10 an hour.
HCN forum: Local control in a federal West
HCN forum: Local control in a federal West
Hear a panel of experts discuss whether communities should have more authority over federal lands in their backyards.
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