Christine Peterson, Author at 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. Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:07:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.hcn.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-HCN_Logo-Monogram_White_Sq-2-32x32.png Christine Peterson, Author at High Country News https://www.hcn.org 32 32 229054741 People brace for impacts on land, water and wildlife after feds fire thousands over holiday weekend https://www.hcn.org/articles/people-brace-for-impacts-on-land-water-and-wildlife-after-feds-fire-thousands-over-holiday-weekend/ Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:07:39 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=331828

Career employees told HCN they were unsettled by the termination email sent by HR, which cited ‘performance issues.’

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]]> 331828 Why the West needs prairie dogs https://www.hcn.org/issues/57-1/why-the-west-needs-prairie-dogs/ Wed, 01 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=330425 Prairie dogs emerge from their burrow in a colony on American Prairie in Montana. Prairie dogs, once one of the most abundant animals on the prairie, now occupy 2% of their historic range.

They’re among the region’s most despised species, but some tribes, researchers and landowners are racing to save them.

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]]> 330425 Where horses roam, sage grouse struggle https://www.hcn.org/articles/where-horses-roam-sage-grouse-struggle/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=329679

A new study shows the imperiled bird declines as free-roaming horses exceed the land’s capacity.

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]]> 329679 Wolverines may return to Colorado https://www.hcn.org/articles/wolverines-may-return-to-colorado/ Fri, 09 Aug 2024 16:32:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=327303

But can they survive in the warming southern Rockies?

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]]> 327303 When grasshoppers attack https://www.hcn.org/articles/when-grasshoppers-attack/ Wed, 10 Jul 2024 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=326585

Is the cure for grasshopper outbreaks worse than the disease?

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]]> 326585 When a landslide blocks your commute https://www.hcn.org/articles/when-a-landslide-blocks-your-commute/ Mon, 24 Jun 2024 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=326222

The Teton Pass collapse highlights the importance — and growing vulnerability — of mountain roads.

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]]> 326222 For these mammals, migration is a means of survival https://www.hcn.org/issues/56-4/for-these-mammals-migration-is-a-means-of-survival/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:05:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=323699 Roughly 5 miles separate the wildlife overpass just north of Daniel Junction, pictured, from the Trappers Point overpass outside Pinedale, Wyoming. Overpasses like these, along with underpasses and wildlife fences, have helped reduce wildife-vehicle collisions in the state by 80% to 90%, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Will Westerners repair a fractured landscape for mule deer, pronghorn, and elk?

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]]> 323699 New refuge provides hope for critically endangered toad https://www.hcn.org/articles/new-refuge-provides-hope-for-critically-endangered-toad/ Fri, 20 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/new-refuge-provides-hope-for-critically-endangered-toad/ Molter scans a Wyoming toad for the microchip that indicates he was raised in captivity. After noting the toad’s location and the number of his microchip, she will release him back into his Laramie Basin habitat and continue her survey.

One of the most endangered amphibians in North America faces threats but also possibilities.

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]]> 199080 BLM has a plan to tackle booming recreation — at least in theory https://www.hcn.org/articles/recreation-blm-has-a-plan-to-tackle-booming-recreation-at-least-in-theory/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/recreation-blm-has-a-plan-to-tackle-booming-recreation-at-least-in-theory/ People with off-highway vehicles recreate at Anthony Sand Dunes, Idaho.

The agency is taking a hard look at how to protect land and wildlife while welcoming ever more visitors.

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]]> 203147 People are shooting birds off power lines in the West https://www.hcn.org/articles/birds-people-are-shooting-birds-off-power-lines-in-the-west/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:27:04 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/birds-people-are-shooting-birds-off-power-lines-in-the-west/

Gunshots outnumber electrocution as a cause of death, according to a new study.

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