The American West at Risk: Science, Myths, and Politics of Land Abuse and Recovery

The American West at Risk summarizes the dominant human-generated environmental challenges facing the 11 contiguous arid western United States. The importance of this story is that protecting lands and soil also protects air and water quality, and water supplies, which are critical support for our lives and our health.

Howard G. Wilshire was a U. S. Geological Survey research geologist for thirty-five years and now is Board Chairman of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

Jane E. Nielson was a U. S. Geological Survey research geologist for twenty-five years and now is President of the Sebastopol Water Information Group.

Richard W. Hazlett is Professor of Geology and the coordinator of the Environmental Analysis Program at Pomona College.