Public Lands

View through Montana ranch entrance to rangeland with a view of central Montana shows snow covered Crazy Mountains in the background. The Crazy Mountains rise to over 11,000 feet and are located north of Interstate-90 between Billings and Bozeman Montana; they can be seen for many miles along this stretch of Interstate.

Welcome to Bozangeles! Welcome to Bozangeles!

The greater Bozeman, Montana, region has become ground zero for rampant luxury development that is taking the “public” out of public lands.

Mar 27, 2025 / Erica Etelson

Protesters hold signs during a national day of action against Trump administration's mass firing of National Park Service employees at Yosemite National Park, California, on March 1, 2025.

Trump’s War on Public Lands Moves to its Second Phase Trump’s War on Public Lands Moves to its Second Phase

The Great Firing continues—and the next round of layoffs will reveal how much power over public lands the Trump administration will cede to corporations.

Mar 18, 2025 / Lazo Gitchos

A prescribed burn in northeastern Washington.

How to Save a Forest How to Save a Forest

Members of the Kalispel Tribe in Washington have become some of the country’s foremost forest caretakers, ministering to the health of lands broken by settlers and industry.

Jun 24, 2024 / Audrea Lim

For Decades, the Ojibwe Tribe Shunned Scientists—Until Their Partnership Became Vital

For Decades, the Ojibwe Tribe Shunned Scientists—Until Their Partnership Became Vital For Decades, the Ojibwe Tribe Shunned Scientists—Until Their Partnership Became Vital

In the Midwest, a sacred wild rice plant has slowly vanished. University scientists and indigenous resource managers have combined their expertise to try to save it. 

Feb 15, 2023 / Feature / Nancy Averett

How Black Landowners in the South Are Recovering Lost Generational Wealth

How Black Landowners in the South Are Recovering Lost Generational Wealth How Black Landowners in the South Are Recovering Lost Generational Wealth

Industry encroachment and farm consolidation contributed to decades of Black-owned land loss. In North Carolina, many are fighting to recoup what was lost.

Oct 26, 2022 / Photo Essay / Cameron Oglesby

Frederick Law Olmsted

Can’t Stand All the Political Heat? Escape to the Park. Can’t Stand All the Political Heat? Escape to the Park.

Many cities have Frederick Law Olmsted to thank for these spaces.

Jun 28, 2022 / Katrina vanden Heuvel

The New York Story Is Not the Real Estate Story

The New York Story Is Not the Real Estate Story The New York Story Is Not the Real Estate Story

Massive overdevelopment and warehousing apartments for the wealthy were killing New York even before the pandemic. So why are none of the mayoral candidates talking about that?

May 26, 2021 / Robert Neuwirth

A hiker in Yosemite National Park

We Need a Civilian Conservation Corps We Need a Civilian Conservation Corps

We need knowledgeable, passionate stewards of our public lands, but most people can’t afford to pursue a career in conservation. So let’s create the jobs.

Feb 22, 2021 / Paul Gordon

California Is Burning—and Trump Gathers Kindling

California Is Burning—and Trump Gathers Kindling California Is Burning—and Trump Gathers Kindling

No sympathy for those whose homes are threatened or firefighters risking their lives. Instead, he’s lobbed insults and stripped environmental protections.

Aug 21, 2020 / Sasha Abramsky

David Bernhardt

A Former Oil-Industry Lobbyist Is Now In Charge of America’s Public Lands A Former Oil-Industry Lobbyist Is Now In Charge of America’s Public Lands

Questions about conflicts of interest and transparency shadow newly confirmed Interior Secretary David Bernhardt.

Apr 12, 2019 / Adam Federman

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