In this episode, I interview John Leshy, an influential academic and public servant who has served in multiple presidential administrations in the realm of public lands management and its associated politics. Our discussion covers John’s interest and career progression in public lands, key legislative and administrative milestones, the evolution of public land politics, and the importance of these lands to American society. John discusses his time with the Carter, Clinton, and Obama administrations, opines on current challenges like grazing, climate change, common myths about the history of public lands. Specific case studies, such as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National and Bears Ears Monuments, grazing reform, and legal battles, the Sagebrush Rebellion and corner crossing in Wyoming, are all discussed and considered.

https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300235784/our-common-ground/

https://www.uclawsf.edu/2022/08/29/professor-john-leshy-tells-history-of-u-s-public-lands-in-new-book/

00:25 Early Career and Entry into Public Lands Advocacy

03:19 Transition to Academia and Continued Advocacy

04:09 Return to Washington and the Clinton Administration

06:25 Writing and Publishing on Public Lands

08:34 Myths and Misunderstandings About Public Lands

11:25 The Role of Public Opinion and Political Influence

12:34 Challenges and Controversies in Public Lands Management

18:57 Grazing Policies and Environmental Impact

26:28 Legal Battles and Policy Reforms

31:28 Challenges of Legislative Reform

31:48 Local Solutions and Negotiations

32:43 Historical Successes and Missed Opportunities

34:59 Legacy of Bruce Babbitt

41:33 Sagebrush Rebellion and Public Lands

45:14 Modern Threats to Public Lands

01:01:00 The Importance of Public Lands

01:02:29 Conclusion and Reflections

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