High Country News (HCN), a venerable independent media institution dedicated to covering environmental, social, and political issues across the American West, announces the departure of Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Sahn after a transformative five-year tenure. Sahn, whose leadership has been instrumental in navigating a period of significant societal and journalistic flux, recently communicated her decision in a heartfelt editor’s note, prompting a moment of reflection on the publication’s trajectory and future. Her departure coincides with other key personnel changes and a strategic re-engagement initiative, underscoring a dynamic period for the pioneering non-profit news organization.

Sahn assumed the editorial helm during a particularly tumultuous era, both for the nation and for the complex, often contested, landscapes of the American West. The mid-2010s were characterized by heightened political polarization, intensifying debates over land use and resource management, and a growing, urgent reckoning with issues of race, equity, and belonging within Western communities. HCN, with its long-standing commitment to in-depth, nuanced reporting on these critical themes, sought a leader with a steady hand, a sharp editorial eye, and an unflinching approach to challenging topics. Sahn, with her extensive background in conservation- and community-focused journalism, proved to be precisely that leader.

During her tenure, Sahn spearheaded a steadfast commitment to ensuring that HCN’s coverage authentically reflected the diverse communities and breathtaking, yet increasingly vulnerable, landscapes of the West. This commitment was not merely philosophical but translated into tangible editorial strategies that deepened the publication’s impact. Readers frequently expressed gratitude for her thoughtful and heartfelt editor’s notes, which provided both clarity and comfort amidst complex narratives, fostering a crucial sense of connection between the journalism and its audience.

Under Sahn’s guidance, HCN experienced a significant revitalization and expansion of its editorial operations. She is particularly proud of successfully reviving the publication’s online news presence, a critical move in an increasingly digital media environment. This strategic enhancement allowed HCN to deliver timely, impactful reporting and analysis to a broader audience, complementing its celebrated bi-weekly print magazine. Furthermore, Sahn meticulously raised the quality of the print publication, ensuring that its investigative features, essays, and visual storytelling continued to set a high bar for environmental journalism. She also dedicated considerable effort to recruiting and mentoring a top-notch, diverse staff, building a robust team poised to carry HCN’s mission forward. These efforts collectively elevated HCN’s profile within the larger news and magazine ecosystem, solidifying its reputation as an indispensable voice for the West. Her leadership leaves a robust foundation, ensuring continuity as the organization prepares to announce its future editorial direction.

The departures extend beyond the editor-in-chief’s office, marking a broader transition for the publication. Roberto (Bear) Guerra, HCN’s visuals editor for over six years, is also embarking on a new professional chapter, joining the ranks of the esteemed investigative journalism outlet ProPublica. Guerra’s distinct visual fingerprint is evident throughout HCN’s pages, from the striking photography and evocative illustrations he commissioned and curated to the powerful images he produced himself. A seasoned photojournalist, Guerra’s work often graced the publication’s feature stories and essays, frequently employing dramatic black-and-white compositions to convey the profound beauty and stark realities of the Western landscape. His work on pieces such as the recent feature on Gary Paul Nabhan exemplifies his ability to merge compelling aesthetics with journalistic depth. Beyond his artistic contributions, Guerra was a tireless advocate for equity and inclusion, serving on numerous hiring committees and consistently championing diverse perspectives within the organization. His move to ProPublica not only highlights his exceptional talent but also underscores HCN’s role as a proving ground for leading journalistic professionals.

Another significant departure from the HCN team is Bradon Barmann-Schwarz, who dedicated four years to the organization’s crucial fundraising efforts. Barmann-Schwarz’s journey, which began as a remote fundraising role during the challenging days of the global pandemic, rapidly evolved into that of a "fundraising road warrior." His commitment saw him undertaking hundreds of donor meetings and traversing thousands of miles across the West, forging vital connections and securing the financial lifelines necessary for independent, non-profit journalism to thrive. In an era where traditional revenue streams for media are increasingly fragile, the dedicated work of fundraising professionals like Barmann-Schwarz is paramount to sustaining in-depth reporting and community engagement. His efforts directly contributed to HCN’s ability to continue its mission, and the organization extends its best wishes for his future endeavors.

The past month also brought news of a profound loss to the conservation and outdoor community with the tragic passing of David Page in July. Page, a longtime travel and adventure writer and a passionate conservation advocate, died in a tragic accident on Teton Pass, a notoriously challenging yet iconic mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains known for its stunning vistas and demanding outdoor recreation. As the executive director of the nonprofit Winter Wildlands Alliance, Page dedicated his life to advocating for responsible backcountry access and the preservation of wild places. His commitment extended to numerous local organizations, including the Wasatch Backcountry Alliance and Mammoth Medical Missions Inc., which he co-founded. Colleagues at Winter Wildlands Alliance remember him as a zealous backcountry skier, a fierce champion for wilderness, and an individual who profoundly believed that genuine progress stemmed from open dialogue, curiosity, and collaborative efforts. His legacy embodies the spirit of environmental stewardship and community engagement that HCN strives to amplify. The organization extends its deepest condolences to David’s wife, Allison, and his sons, Jasper and Beckett, during this immensely difficult time.

Against this backdrop of transitions and tributes, High Country News is embarking on an ambitious, year-long "listening tour" across the American West. This initiative represents a strategic response to the dual challenges of rapid, often unprecedented, change within Western communities and the ongoing transformation of the news industry itself. Recognizing the critical need to remain deeply connected to the pulse of the region, HCN’s staff and board are committed to hearing directly from the people who live and work in the West. The tour aims to gather insights on the most pressing issues facing communities – from water scarcity and climate change impacts to land management conflicts, energy transitions, indigenous sovereignty, and rural economic development – and to understand how HCN can best support their efforts to drive positive change.

The "listening tour" will involve a series of road trips, taking HCN representatives to community halls, local watering holes, public parks, and other gathering places in both the near and far corners of the vast Western region. By engaging directly with readers and community leaders, and partnering with local nonprofit and news organizations, HCN seeks to foster meaningful dialogues about how the West is evolving and how the publication can enhance its service to the region. This grassroots approach is crucial for building trust, ensuring journalistic relevance, and producing reporting that truly reflects the lived experiences and diverse perspectives of the American West. Further information regarding tour dates, locations, and partnership opportunities will be shared in upcoming issues and on the HCN website. The organization encourages community members to reach out via postcard or email to [email protected] with suggestions for places to visit or groups to collaborate with, signaling a profound commitment to collaborative journalism and community-driven storytelling. This expansive engagement effort underscores HCN’s enduring mission to be a vital resource and a catalyst for informed discussion and positive change across the dynamic and ever-evolving Western United States.