A small farming community is racing to secure rights that will protect the centuries old irrigation system they need to survive. On a sage-infused summer morning in the San Luis Valley, Robert Quintana steps from his worn silver pickup truck to check the acequia. Photo: Elliot Ross.

The U.S. is moving forward with a plan to create new cattle pasture and prevent fires despite what scientists say is meager environmental review. In among the quietest places in the continental United States, where the discordant whine of newly hatched cicadas is usually the loudest sound…