How Biden Can Start Protecting the Environment
Plus, an oral history of the National Brotherhood of Skiers
Good morning! I took a bit of time away from this newsletter over the holidays, as my to-do list felt a little too long this year. But I’m back. Happy belated New Year.
What I’m reading
Tracksmith Made Running Culture Something You Can Buy: The brand's ethos signals a departure from an apparel industry that has been dominated by giant shoe companies. But can it stay true to the soul of the sport? [Martin Fritz Huber for Outside]
Through Wildland Firefighting, Finding a Space to Heal: A grieving daughter encounters solace in an unexpected place. [Kimberly Myra Mitchell for High Country News]
An Oral History of the National Brotherhood of Skiers: Since 1973, a groundbreaking organization has gathered thousands of Black snow-sports enthusiasts for a week of on-mountain revelry. But the event has always had a more serious mission, too: changing perceptions about who belongs on the slopes. [Bill Donahue for Outside]
Surviving An Avalanche At My Home Ski Resort: On January 7, 2020, Rebecca Hurlen Patano was caught in an inbounds avalanche at Silver Mountain Ski Resort in Kellogg, Idaho, the same one that took the lives of three other skiers. She was one of the ones who survived. This is her story. [on Mountain Culture]
Good News: Trump's ANWR Oil-Lease Sale Was a Failure: Drawing only three bidders and $14 million, the administration's attempt to drill for oil in the massive Alaskan refuge is likely dead on arrival. [Wes Siler for Outside]
Native Groups Demand Justice for Man Tased by Park Ranger at Petroglyph National Monument: The National Park Service said the incident is still under investigation. In response, Native activists organized a prayer walk to the Petroglyphs from Santa Fe, calling for the firing of the park ranger. [Christina Rodriguez for KOB 4]
They Went Out for a Bike Ride. They Never Came Home. Nearly 700 people on bikes have been killed by drivers this year. This is who we lost. [on Outside]
When COVID Hit, a Colorado County Kicked Out Second-Home Owners. They Hit Back. How a group of nonresident homeowners tried to influence a rural Colorado election. [Nick Bowlin for High Country News]
How Biden Can Start Protecting the Environment: The end of the Trump administration can't come soon enough for our climate and public lands. Thankfully, there are a series of actions our new president can immediately take to begin undoing the damage. [Heather Hansman for Outside]
