A Watershed Moment

The American West in the Age of Limits

Edited by Robert Frodeman, Evelyn Brister, Luther Propst

The American West is often portrayed as a place of rugged, unending landscapes presenting us with boundless opportunities. But the land is more fragile and resources more finite than popular perceptions acknowledge. This collection of essays, A Watershed Moment, reveals tensions between a culture of economic growth and personal freedom and the ecological, economic, and social constraints set by community values and the land itself. As Westerners and their communities come up against these limits, the volume editors highlight issues of sustainability endemic to the region and to the nation as a whole.

The volume presents practical approaches to land use, land management, and community planning that are motivated by philosophical views on justice, quality of life, and sustainability in the American West. The contributors are policymakers, government employees, land and water managers, urban planners, biologists, tribal members, writers, and academics from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The result is a compelling vision of place-based, policy-oriented sustainability across the West.

Robert Frodeman writes on environmental philosophy, science and technology policy, and the future of the university.

Evelyn Brister is a professor of philosophy at Rochester Institute of Technology and works on environmental justice and conservation policy.

Luther Propst is an elected county commissioner in Teton County, Wyoming. He founded the Sonoran Institute in 1991 and served as executive director until 2012.

Praise and Reviews:“For those of us who love the West and are concerned about its future, A Watershed Moment has arrived at the right moment. It’s chock-full of provocative, insightful, and timely essays. Wallace Stegner challenged us to build communities to match our landscapes. A Watershed Moment shows us the route to craft Stegner’s vision.”—Mark Udall, former US Senator, Colorado

“A wonderful collection of thoughtful essays that give a wide, deep, and perspective-expanding view on the choices facing people who call the American West home.”—Kevin Dahl, Vice Mayor, City of Tucson

“We need homegrown solutions to the challenges facing our communities. Local officials and activists should not feel alone in confronting these issues. A Watershed Moment offers relevant case studies and lessons learned that should be required reading for all of us who love the Intermountain West.”—Dennis Glick, retired Northern Rockies conservation advocate

“Whether an elected official, planner, conservationist or just plain denizen of the Rocky Mountain West, A Watershed Moment will inspire you to think deeply and creatively about our region’s growth challenges. The essays are a treasure trove of history, storytelling, lessons learned, and insights that will enlarge the toolbox for conscientious action.”—Stephanie Kessler, Conservationist, former wilderness guide and county commissioner, Wyoming

“A significant contribution that presents a variety of voices and disciplinary perspectives on issues of community planning, development, and resource use.”—David Rich Lewis, Department of History, Utah State University

“A compendium of essays on conservation and community issues of the West has been sorely needed. This is an effective text for natural resource students, resource managers, and the general public alike.”—Doug Wachob, Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources, University of Wyoming (retired)