High Country News https://www.hcn.org/ A nonprofit independent magazine of unblinking journalism that shines a light on all of the complexities of the West. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:34:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.hcn.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-HCN_Logo-Monogram_White_Sq-2-32x32.png High Country News https://www.hcn.org/ 32 32 229054741 Sen. Mike Lee targets the Roadless Rule https://www.hcn.org/articles/sen-mike-lee-targets-the-roadless-rule/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=344967

The Utah senator launched another unpopular assault on public lands.

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]]> 344967 ‘What we have to do is come together and stick together’ https://www.hcn.org/issues/58-6/what-we-have-to-do-is-come-together-and-stick-together/ Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=344103

#iamthewest: Giving voice to the people that make up communities in the region.

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]]> 344103 White Salmon has been fighting for free mail for decades https://www.hcn.org/articles/white-salmon-has-been-fighting-for-free-mail-for-decades/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=344715

The small Washington town exemplifies a broader problem across the West, where some pay for a service others get for free.

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]]> 344715 Heat waves increase the West’s wildfire risk https://www.hcn.org/articles/heat-waves-increase-the-wests-wildfire-risk/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=344817 Northern California wildfire

A new study found that 42% all the area burned by Western fires had occurred during or right after a heat wave.

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]]> 344817 If you can’t find a Utah peach this year, climate change may be to blame https://www.hcn.org/articles/if-you-cant-find-a-utah-peach-this-year-climate-change-may-be-to-blame/ Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:01:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=344763

Record-breaking spring heat followed by freezes led to 95% crop losses.

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]]> 344763 The electrifying allure of a tide pool creature https://www.hcn.org/issues/58-6/the-electrifying-allure-of-a-tide-pool-creature/ Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=344077

The moon, the stars and the sea anemone.

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]]> 344077 Interior delayed endangered wolf release in New Mexico https://www.hcn.org/articles/interior-delayed-endangered-wolf-release-in-new-mexico/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=344733 Mexican wolf

Karen Budd-Falen, Interior’s associate deputy secretary, former private attorney and grazing advocate, intervened in the release after meeting with former clients.

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]]> 344733 The curious comeback of Putah Creek’s salmon https://www.hcn.org/articles/the-curious-comeback-of-putah-creeks-salmon/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=344508

All the efforts to rewild a Northern California stream leads to salmon rewilding themselves.

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]]> 344508 Do chainsaws belong in designated wilderness? https://www.hcn.org/articles/do-chainsaws-belong-in-designated-wilderness/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=344530

The Forest Service has approved the tools for use in some protected areas to clear neglected trails.

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]]> 344530 Bazillions of bunnies, Montecito’s ‘hog heaven,’ and pride will always prevail https://www.hcn.org/issues/58-6/bazillions-of-bunnies-montecitos-hog-heaven-and-pride-will-always-prevail/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=344098

Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.

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