The Landscape

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.

Betsy Gaines Quammen, an author specializing in extremism in the West, joins the discussion to share insights from her two books. She delves into the intersection of public lands and extremist ideologies, notably through the lens of the Bundy family's influence. The conversation includes the complex history of Native American injustices and ongoing battles over land use. Betsy also addresses the rise of extremism in small communities and the social ramifications of affluence in these regions, emphasizing the need for dialogue and resilience.

A team of reporters investigates the impact of lithium mining on Western water supply, highlighting Nevada's water sourcing challenges. They uncover misleading water use measurements by mining firms and advocate for federal guidelines to protect communities and ecosystems. The podcast also discusses the significance of investigative journalism and positive water conservation news in Arizona.

Kate and Aaron are joined by pollsters Lori Weigel and Dave Metz to discuss the 14th Annual Colorado College State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West poll. The poll surveys voters in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado on their environmental views. This year, it found support for conservation […] The post What Western voters want in 2024 appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate and Aaron are joined by Justin Meuse, Director of Government Relations for Climate and Energy at the Wilderness Society, to talk about a proposal from the Bureau of Land Management to prioritize around 22 million acres of public land for utility scale solar development across the West. They discuss why planning matters, how much […] The post More solar on public lands? Digging into BLM’s plan appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.