Saving the West
The Wild West, the Golden West, the Great Wide Open—whatever you call it, we have a lot to be grateful for. This means that we also have a lot to lose. Saving the West is an online news resource bringing you up to date news stories surrounding all things land, water, air and food.
Above all, Saving The West is dedicated to bringing you news stories that foster understanding between people living in densely populated cities and those who live near and work on the land.
What is Saving the West?
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit nonpartisan community of people who care. This is where we’re coming from:
Every day the United States loses 6,000 acres of open space and wilderness to development. It’s time to adopt a new model that uses spaces and resources sustainably rather than growing without regard to consequences. In the next 35 years, 50 million more people are expected to move to the West, putting tremendous pressure on our already stressed natural resources. Our mission is to educate the public with news stories that pertain to all things land, water, air and food with particular regard to bringing stories that accentuate common ground in urban and rural communities. In that vein, Saving The West seeks to elevate partner organizations and thought leaders who are already making a difference.
Why the West?
The West is a unique place with unique challenges. The stunning landscape and the culture that has defined the American character are both at risk of vanishing.
Rapid development is devouring natural wild spaces at an alarming pace. Farms, ranches, parks, and small businesses are being replaced by condos and shopping centers. And as farmers and ranchers leave the land, they take with them a way of life that is irreplaceable.
If we want the West to sustain all of us, we have to be smart about it. By learning, sharing and taking meaningful action, we believe we can save the West and preserve the rugged, wild spirit that has inspired generations.
What we do in the West to conserve and come together will benefit everyone, and many of our news stories accent ideas and practices happening all over the planet. Whether the West is defined as starting in Greece or on the wide open plains of the American West, we all depend on air, water, food and shelter to survive. Through the same indomitable spirit that gave birth to democracy and conquered the endless rugged landscapes of the American West, Saving The West brings you news stories that seek out what we all have in common.
What’s the urban-rural divide?
We often see people living in cities pitted against residents of our wide open spaces. Whether it’s an argument about water conservation or climate change, there is frequently a false conflict that prevents us from working together to address our common problems.
The fact is our natural resources are finite, and it is imperative that we become invested in the stewardship of the land and water that sustain us, no matter where we live.
People in cities eat the food grown on farms, and people who live closer to the land depend on urban centers for investment and support. You cannot separate one from the other—we all breathe the same air.
We are especially interested in bridging this divide and overcoming our challenges the only way that is sustainable—together.
Why one more news site?
As much as we’re a platform for news and information, we want to make a difference. The world has drifted to a place of intense polarization where news that already confirms our existing beliefs is the only kind of news we seek out. The goal at Saving The West is to be a resource for people who want inclusive stories rather than confirmation bias, factual pieces than shed light on how much those who live outside of cities have in common with more urban dwelling folk and vice versa.
We care about finding real solutions, and we’re always looking for good ideas and success stories. We can’t accomplish our goals if we act on bad information, so our site is built on facts for that reason. And the facts are and always will be that we have finite natural resources on this planet.
Who is behind this?
Our platform was inspired by Alex Warren’s documentary, “Losing the West,” which tells the story of the West’s vanishing character, culture and land from the perspective of one of the last real cowboys.
We have partnered with some of the West’s leading voices in conservation, from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. They include:
- Ken Salazar, Former Secretary of the Interior
- Bill Ritter, Former Governor of Colorado
- Joel Reynolds, Natural Resources Defense Council
- Felicia Marcus, California Water Board
- Pete Maysmith, Conservation Colorado
- Michael Kelly, The LA Coalition
- Jeff Hubbard, Mirr Ranch Group
- Jim Alexee, Sierra Club
- Duron Sylvester, The Ed Center
Titles for identification purposes only.
OK but are you Democrats or Republicans?
We’re seriously not partisan—seriously. It’s a well-worn cliche, but no one has a monopoly on good ideas. Besides, the West is a diverse place, politically and otherwise. You can’t get things done without hearing each other out and we’re about getting things done.
OK I’m in. What now?
First: Sign up to join the newsletter. You’ll get solid info you’ll actually want to read and we’ll provide you with ways on how you can make a difference.
It’s your morning briefing with the best stories we can find.
We have a dynamite podacts you can download here
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for gorgeous photos and smart content.
Whether you sign up or not, if you care about the West you’re a part of this. It’s up to you to have an impact and keep this place special and sustainable.
