Early in my career I had the immense good fortune to work with Garrett Hardin, a distinguished ecologist. He was an extraordinarily fine and brave gentleman and scholar. Garrett was also sufficiently honest to admit his occasional errors and modify his analysis accordingly. Together, we produced a book that remained in print for nearly 20 […]

Professor William Cronon is a University of Wisconsin philosopher and historian who explores environmental history and the West. He is in Bozeman this week to deliver the annual Wallace Stegner Lecture, tomorrow night at 7:30 at the Museum of the Rockies. I recommend it. Cronon’s mere presence illustrates the evolution of the American West and […]

Many of my friends express concern at the rapid economic growth of China and India (9.9 and 8.4 percent annually, respectively). They fear the environment will suffer greatly if all these people adopt an American lifestyle. Since the Earth’s natural resources (e.g., timber, fossil fuels, and minerals) are limited, aren’t there natural limits to growth? […]

Thirty-plus years ago I chose Montana rather than accept offers elsewhere. My Ph.D. committee was appalled. They claimed I would disappear into an academic wilderness. I would forgo opportunities to work with prominent scholars; I couldn’t inform national decision makers and opinion leaders; I’d be stranded outside the national environmental policy debate. My professors didn’t […]

Most folks care about their less fortunate neighbors. Americans have long formed voluntary associations and civic groups to address such problems. Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army are two successful examples. But since FDR’s New Deal and LBJ’s Great Society, which harnessed government to cure social problems, the federal government has claimed the dominant […]

For over two centuries economists have agreed that free trade is mutually beneficial. They argue countries should specialize in what they do best — and buy the rest. They explain why the usual alternatives, protectionism and trade barriers, ultimately destroy wealth or frustrate its creation. Princeton economist Paul Krugman, a high priest of the anyone-but-Bush […]

Public school funding challenges communities across the nation. My hometown of Bozeman, Montana, is no exception. Our community highly values education and understands good schools are a key ingredient for social and economic progress. Like many others, our school board is deciding how to trim its budget in reaction to reduced state funding. The school […]

I recently read a book by a biologist who doesn’t apply the evolutionary theory she no doubt knows well. Barbara Ehrenreich’s Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is her compelling picture of American workers (especially single moms) trying to make ends meet in minimum wage jobs. Our empathy with and sympathy for […]

“Unfortunately for everyone who cares about Yellowstone Park, [federal judge] Brimmer’s decision further entangles the park in a legal quagmire: The opponents of recreational snowmobiling sue. The government responds. The proponents of snowmobiling sue. The government responds. Then the cycle starts all over again. What will the rule be next winter? Where will this all […]

Dear Max and Denny: Thanks so much for giving Montana such good highways. Céline and I enjoy taking road trips to explore and photograph the state. The drive up Routes 287 and 89 along the Rocky Mountain Front is beautiful. We really appreciate the fine condition of Montana’s roads. I, particularly, am grateful since I […]