KQED's Forum The Threat to California Public Lands
Jul 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Josh Jackson, the author of 'The Enduring Wild' and founder of the Forgotten Lands Project, dives into the hidden treasures of California's public lands. He discusses the overlooked Bureau of Land Management areas and their ecological significance. The conversation highlights the imminent threats these lands face from exploitation and proposed sell-offs. Personal narratives enrich the exploration of unique landscapes, urging listeners to advocate for the protection and mindful enjoyment of these shared spaces.
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BLM Lands as Crucial Leftovers
- BLM lands are often called "leftover lands" because they were not claimed during major land grabs.
- These lands serve critical ecological functions and are the underappreciated "small cogs and wheels" of conservation.
Discovering BLM Camping Experience
- Josh Jackson's first BLM camping experience was with his young children at Trona Pinnacles.
- It was a magical trip that revealed the unique and underexplored beauty of desert BLM lands.
Desert as Pilgrimage
- The desert demands a slow, mindful approach unlike the grand spectacles of national parks.
- Experiencing desert BLM lands can become a pilgrimage to the self, revealing subtle and sacred natural beauty.
