<p>The vastness and isolation of the American West forged a dependence on scarce natural resources—especially water, forests, fish, and minerals. Today, the internet is shaping another revolution, and it promises both obstacles and opportunity.<i>Rethinking Rural</i> summarizes characteristics of isolation, mass society, and global society eras, provides an overview of western environmental history, explores the significant challenges identified during the forum discussions, and offers guidance to community leaders, policy makers, and scholars seeking ways to address poverty, increasing inequality, changing demographics, resource management, and conservation issues.</p>