In this episode, I interview Zack Porter who discusses the state of public lands and roadless areas in Vermont and across New England. He highlights the ongoing threats from logging and road construction, particularly in the Green Mountain and White Mountain National Forests. Zack emphasizes the ecological importance of these lands for clean water, carbon storage, biodiversity, and habitat protection. Our conversation touches on the challenges of preventing degradation, the inadequacies of current forest management practices, and the broader struggle to preserve wilderness areas. Zack also shares insights into his organization, Standing Trees, which is focused on stopping public land logging in New England, and the need for public support and action.

https://www.standingtrees.org/

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:07 Current State of Public Lands in Vermont

01:28 Challenges and Management of Roadless Areas

04:50 Comparisons with Other Regions

06:11 Logging Projects and Their Impact

09:07 Wilderness Act and Forest Service Policies

17:37 Public Response and Activism

20:16 Role of Environmental Organizations

31:09 Formation and Mission of Standing Trees

35:16 Personal Reflections on Wilderness

57:32 Call to Action and Conclusion

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