The Landscape

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!

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.