The Landscape

In this insightful discussion, Chris Clarke, host of the 90 Miles from Needles podcast and a dedicated environmental journalist, dives into the controversial Cadiz pipeline project. He reveals how this water mining initiative threatens the Mojave Desert’s delicate ecosystem and scrutinizes the complex history of the project since the 1980s. Clarke also discusses the ecological and cultural stakes of aquifer depletion, stressing the urgent need for conservation efforts and the impact on indigenous communities.

In this special episode of The Landscape, Kate visits the Dolores River Canyon Country in southwest Colorado, along with CWP’s Lauren Bogard and Sterling Homard, to meet with folks who support protecting this special region. The Dolores River’s riparian zone contains the largest and most biodiverse stretch of unprotected public lands in Colorado. Advocates are […] The post Special episode: Inside the Dolores River Canyons appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Jennifer Rokala, Executive Director of the Center for Western Priorities, and Curtis Hubbard, a seasoned political consultant from Colorado, dive into the implications of the recent election results on public lands. They discuss the threatening tides of fossil fuel policies and Project 2025's potential overhaul of public land management. The duo emphasizes the importance of community involvement in conservation, navigating political challenges, and the risks of unqualified oversight. Tune in for insights on how these political shifts could transform America's treasured landscapes!

Sanjay Narayan, managing attorney at the Sierra Club’s Environmental Law Program, delves into the lawsuit challenging the Uinta Basin oil train project. He discusses the case's implications for the National Environmental Policy Act and how it could reshape environmental regulation. Narayan highlights the balance between environmental concerns and energy demands, local health impacts, and the potential legal chaos if NEPA is weakened. The conversation also touches on the shifting political landscape and its influence on environmental governance.

Kate and Aaron are joined by Dr. Dominick DellaSala, Chief Scientist at Wild Heritage, a project of the Earth Island Institute. Dr. DellaSala came on The Landscape twice last year to talk about the Biden administration’s plans to protect mature and old growth forests. He recently wrote an op-ed for the Seattle Times in which […] The post What Biden can do for America’s forests before he leaves office appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate and Aaron are joined by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers CEO Patrick Berry to talk about why Utah’s lawsuit seeking control of over 18 million acres of national public land in the state would be terrible for sportsmen across the West. News Other states urge Supreme Court to hear Utah federal land case – E&E […] The post How Utah’s land grab lawsuit could harm hunting in the West appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate and guest host Sterling are joined by journalist and producer Marissa Ortega-Welch to talk about her new podcast series, How Wild, which was recently released by KALW and distributed by NPR. The podcast explores how the concept of capital W wilderness is changing due to climate change, technology, crowding, and shifting views on colonialism. […] The post How climate, crowds, and colonialism are complicating the concept of Wilderness appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Aaron and Kate are joined by members of the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe to talk about the proposed Kw’tsán National Monument in southern California. This is part of our Road to 30 postcards series, in which we highlight local efforts to protect iconic landscapes around the country. A Tribal elder, a Tribal youth, and […] The post Meet the proposed Kw’tsán National Monument—a 390,000 acre landscape in the California desert appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Wyatt Myskow, a reporter for Inside Climate News, dives into the fascinating story of the endangered Devil's Hole pupfish in Nevada's Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Discover how this small fish is transforming its image from villain to hero amidst a controversial lithium mining proposal. Wyatt highlights the growing alliance between environmentalists and the local community, uniting to protect vital water resources. The discussion emphasizes the delicate balance between economic development and ecological preservation, showcasing a unique fight for conservation.

In this engaging discussion, John Leshy, a law professor emeritus and former Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior, delves into Utah's bold lawsuit against the federal government for control of over 18 million acres of public land. He unpacks the state's legal arguments, noting their likelihood of failing in court. Leshy critically analyzes the constitutional implications, particularly the property clause and the Antiquities Act, while shedding light on the financial burdens of such legal pursuits. A deep dive into land ownership and federal management unfolds!