In this episode, I speak with journalist Gloria Liu about her recent article on National Parks in RE:PUBLIC and Outside Magazine, her career trajectory, and the significance of long-form journalism. We delve into the condition of national parks, the impact of staffing shortages, and the Trump administration’s approach to public lands. Gloria shares insights from her reporting trips, discussing the intrinsic value of preserving wild places for future generations. Highlights include her firsthand experiences in Yosemite, the role of park concessioners, and the dedication of park service employees to their mission.

00:22 Challenges of Long-Form Journalism

01:32 Popular Long-Form Pieces

04:15 Career Journey into Journalism

05:43 The Craft and Impact of Journalism

07:26 Story Development and Inspiration

09:45 National Parks Under Threat

12:12 The Reality of Park Management

20:32 Staffing Challenges in National Parks

23:31 Future Implications for National Parks

29:40 Legal Challenges Against Government Employee Reductions

30:36 Privatization and Concessioners in National Parks

32:29 Issues with Concessioners: The Case of Yosemite

36:46 The Role and Passion of Park Rangers

40:05 Economic Value vs. Intrinsic Value of Public Lands

44:14 Exploring the Wilderness of Yosemite

47:05 Legislation and Protection of National Parks

48:42 Connecting with Park Service Employees

50:35 The Dedication of Park Service Employees

52:36 The Importance of Public Lands

56:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get full access to Our Public Lands Podcast at ourpubliclandspodcast.substack.com/subscribe