The Landscape

The whole Center for Western Priorities team sits down to talk about what brought us each into conservation work, and recount some of the most memorable moments we've had as public lands advocates. The post Episode 200! (Behind the scenes at CWP) appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate talks to author Zak Podmore about his upcoming book, Life After Deadpool: Lake Powell’s Last Days and the Rebirth of the Colorado River, which explores various aspects of Lake Powell’s emptying due to drought, from how to replace the loss of hydropower to how wildlife and plant life is returning to Glen Canyon as […] The post The future of Lake Powell with Zak Podmore appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Syren Nagakyrie, founder of Disabled Hikers, champions outdoor accessibility for individuals with disabilities. She critiques a recent bill promoting road construction on public lands, calling for better-maintained trails instead. The discussion highlights the growth of the disabled hiking community and the essential philosophy of slow hiking, ensuring enjoyable experiences for all. Nagakyrie emphasizes the need for inclusive trail information and collaborative policies to enhance access, while also celebrating the launch of their Disabled Hikers Network for mentorship.

Aaron and Kate talk to Dr. Hitesh Tolani, creator of the Gays of National Parks Instagram account, which is aimed at fostering community among LGBTQ people through a love of the outdoors. Hitesh began the account as a joke in 2022, but it has since grown into a community with over 15,000 followers. Hitesh talks […] The post How an Instagram ‘joke’ turned into an outdoor LGBTQ community appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Murphy Woodhouse covers wildfires and wildfire policy across the West, informed by his past experience as a wildland firefighter. In a wide-ranging discussion, Murphy talks about the bleak state of wildfire pay, the possibility of much of the West becoming uninsurable because of wildfire risk, and much more. The post Reporter Murphy Woodhouse on the future of wildfire season appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

The proposed Mimbres Peaks National Monument would add protections for lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management in Luna County, New Mexico near the city of Deming. The collaborative effort is locally-led by elected leaders, business owners, economic development advocates, hunters, youth leaders, conservationists, and students. The proposal would protect approximately 245,000 acres in […] The post Protecting the Mimbres Peaks in Southern New Mexico appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Aaron and Kate are joined by Kristen Miller, Executive Director of the Alaska Wilderness League, to talk about some big steps to protect public lands in Alaska made by the Biden administration this spring. They include increased protections for 13 million acres inside the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, as well as the cancellation of a proposed 200-mile […] The post A huge step forward for public lands in Alaska appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Davina Smith, representing the Navajo Nation, and Lauren Henson, a specialist in collaborative management, delve into the Bears Ears draft management plan. They discuss how this plan was collaboratively developed with federal agencies and tribal input, emphasizing the vital role of tribal knowledge. The conversation highlights innovative strategies for engaging tribal communities in resource management and the importance of public participation in shaping the plan. They also explore the challenges of foreign mining activities affecting U.S. public lands.

Michael Carroll and Justin Meuse from the Wilderness Society share their insights on significant new federal regulations transforming public land management. They discuss measures addressing methane waste, ecosystem restoration, and conservation of caribou herds in Alaska. The duo highlights the Biden administration’s commitment to responsible climate-friendly practices. Their conversation also delves into the complexities of rulemaking, the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act, and urgent actions to protect sage grouse habitats amidst shifting political tides.

Kate and Aaron are joined by Trout Unlimited CEO Chris Wood, who has been with TU for twenty years, following a career as chief policy director at the U.S. Forest Service during the Clinton administration. Chris talks about how an influx of federal funding for ecosystem restoration is supercharging the group’s work reconnecting streams and […] The post Swimming upstream with Trout Unlimited appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.