In this issue, Westerners struggle to cope with the effects of our nation’s politics and policies. Our feature story delves into how right-wing extremists, responding to pandemic recommendations, are causing public health officers to step down across the West. Meanwhile, families who can’t afford skyrocketing rents are camping year-round on public land and often finding it’s not easy. The sparks are flying between utility equipment and climate change. But there’s also good news: Oregon families are rebuilding houses and lives after last year’s fires, while St. Johns, Arizona, decided its at-risk youth needed a youth center more than juvenile detention. In north-central Montana, Aaniiih and Nakoda youth reclaim their heritage by restoring the prairie, while elsewhere in the state, volunteers remove fences that impede migrating wildlife. Jason Asenap reflects on the need for more Indigenous critics to discuss Indigenous films and TV series, and a Washington writer wonders i
Last call for photo submissions for the 2022 calendar Photographers are encouraged to answer ONDA s call for submissions for the 2022 Wild Desert Calendar which runs through June 12. Oregon Natural Desert Association wants to see the desert s special lands, waters and wildlife protected, said Lace Thornberg, ONDA communications manager. We know that people protect what they love, and the Wild Desert Calendar shows off just how much there is to love in the high desert. Mark Darnell Cottonwood Creek near Steens Mountain. Five photographers whose stunning images have graced many a past calendar offer some sage advice on how to turn a snapshot into a legacy-lasting image on ONDA s website. Planning, patience, and knowledge of the area is a constant refrain that underlies the photographers work.