The Landscape

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 lake recedes. Click here to read a transcript of this podcast. News US energy reform bill a ‘wishlist for the fossil industry’, say environmental groups – The Guardian In long-sought change, states must consider tribal rights when crafting water rules – Source NM Resources Pre-order Life After Deadpool Lake Powell’s Last Days and the Rebirth of the Colorado River – Torrey House Press Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam; James Marvin Phelps/Flickr  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 about how the group is fostering connection both online and in person, as well as why representation in the outdoors and park leadership matters. News The Supreme Court will consider reinstating a critical approval for a rail project in eastern Utah – Associated Press Contact Gays of National Parks New state program aims to put 500,000 acres of Montana prairie under conservation leases – Montana Free Press Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Participants in a GONP trip, courtesy of Hitesh Tolani The post How an Instagram ‘joke’ turned into an outdoor LGBTQ community appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate and Aaron are joined by Boise State Public Radio’s Murphy Woodhouse, a reporter with the Mountain West News Bureau collaborative. Murphy 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. News Interior Department holds community meeting on Chuckwalla National Monument Sen. Michael Bennet addresses the misinformation campaign on the Dolores River Bonus editorial: Dolores monument proposal depends on compromise White House swears in first class of the American Climate Corps Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: The 2021 Ponina Fire in Oregon, Oregon Department of Forestry 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 an area that contains documented cultural and historic sites that continue to hold importance to modern day Tribes and Pueblos, and also provides diverse outdoor recreation opportunities including hunting, hiking, equestrian use, biking, camping, picnicking, photography, and more. According to a recent independent economic analysis, the proposal would bring a much needed boost to the area, broadening access to nature and creating new jobs and revenue through increased visitation. Hear from a father and son who know and love this region and want to see it protected: Ray Trejo works for New Mexico Wildlife Federation and is currently a Luna County Commissioner. BJ Trejo lives in Deming and is working as an organizer for New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. He is also Ray’s son. News DOD, Interagency Partners Designate 5 New Sentinel Landscapes – U.S. Department of Defense Sign the petition to support the proposed Mimbres Peaks National Monument Proposed national monument would be economic boon for area – Las Cruces Sun News New Polling Confirms Strong Majority Support for an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument – Protect the Owyhee Owyhee Video Postcard – Center for Western Priorities Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Florida Mountains in the proposed Mimbres Peaks National Monument 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 road that would have stretched across part of Alaska called the Ambler Road.  News The U.S. just took its biggest step yet to end coal mining – Washington Post The coal industry, running on fumes, likely to shrink more with new EPA power plant rule – USA Today Biden administration restricts oil and gas leasing in 13 million acres of Alaska’s petroleum reserve – Associated Press Tribes, activists gird for fight over Ambler Road rejection – E&E News Haaland visits site of proposed Southern California monument – E&E News Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: BLM/Flickr 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 rivers, as well as how his group is engaging in legislative mining reform. Click here to read an automatically generated transcript of the episode. News Biden administration bars drilling in Colorado’s Thompson Divide landscape – The Hill Feds announce final renewable energy rule for public lands – NM Political Report Oil and gas companies must pay more to drill on federal lands under new Biden administration rule – Associated Press U.S. clamps down on oil and gas firms releasing potent greenhouse gas – Washington Post Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Salmon using a fish ladder; Wikimedia Commons   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.