In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke dives into recent legislative developments surrounding the protection of the iconic Western Joshua Tree in California. The conversation highlights the intricacies of conservation laws, the intricate process of implementing these policies, and the pushback from various stakeholders navigating this environmental directive. The discussion is enriched with insights from returning guest Brendan Cummings of the Center for Biological Diversity, who shares his expertise on species protection under the California Endangered Species Act.

The episode provides a comprehensive update on the California Fish and Game Commission's approval of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan. This plan is required by the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act passed in 2023, seeking to protect Joshua trees threatened by climate change, development, and wildfires. Cummings, who was pivotal in initiating the process by petitioning to protect the Western Joshua Tree in 2019, offers an in-depth exploration of the process, the challenges faced, and the compromise built into the legislation.

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for the episode's conclusion, featuring the moving song "Joshua Tree" by Melanie Marshall, which thematically underscores the significance of preserving this desert species.

Key Takeaways:

Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act: The act passed in 2023 addresses climate change threats and simplifies permits for relocating or removing Joshua Trees, aiming for the species' long-term survival by 2033.

Collaboration and Compromise: The passing of protections involved compromise between environmentalists and industries, balanced by setting more straightforward processes for developers and prioritizing protection through coordinated conservational efforts.

Adapting to Climate Threats: The Conservation Plan identifies climate threats, prioritizing refugia and high-elevation areas for sustained Joshua Tree populations, with a focus on reducing invasive species and fire risks.

Community and Tribal Involvement: Engagement with local governments and Native American tribes plays a significant role in implementing conservation methods, highlighting cultural ties to the land and species.

Future Directions: By 2033, effectiveness will be reassessed, potentially reconsidering the species' threataned status if current measures do not mitigate the threats effectively.

Notable Quotes:

Brendan Cummings: "The Western Joshua Tree Conservation act signed into law in July 2023 was the first state law by California that recognized the climate threat to biodiversity."

Brendan Cummings: "The goal was to protect the species and to ensure Joshua trees continue to be a part of our desert communities."

Brendan Cummings: "The overriding threat, of course, is climate change. We also have increased fires fueled by invasive grasses, and then the most immediate threat, which is Joshua trees getting chopped down."

Robert Gomez: "I want to look at the cultural aspect of the Joshua Tree for our particular tribe… It means a lot to us."

Brendan Cummings: "We can hopefully figure out how to reduce the impacts or frequency of fire in Joshua tree habitat, but we're not going to stop it."

Resources:

Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

California Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Environmental-Review/WJT/WJTCA

Melanie Marshall's Music: https://soundcloud.com/melaniemarshallmusic

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Host Chris Clarke delves into the profound impact of the Dome Fire on the cherished Joshua Tree forest within the Mojave National Preserve. Marking the five-year anniversary of the Dome Fire, Clarke reflects on personal experiences and the broader ecological ramifications. The devastating event shifted his life, carving a definitive "before" and "after" in his approach to desert protection. Listeners are taken on an emotional journey through the charred landscape of Cima Dome, providing striking narratives about recovery efforts and the ongoing challenges posed by invasive species like cheatgrass and red brome.

Clarke's introspection includes insights from Cima Dome experts like Drew Kaiser and Debra Hughson. They highlight both the devastation wrought by the Dome Fire and the collaborative restoration efforts underway. The episode serves as both a sobering reminder of what has been lost and a hopeful testament to resilience in the face of environmental upheaval. 

Key Takeaways:

• The Dome Fire of 2020 dramatically altered the landscape of the Joshua tree forest, marking a pivotal moment of change for environmental activists like Chris Clarke.
• Restorative efforts in the Mojave National Preserve highlight the complexities of ecosystem recovery, facing challenges from invasive species such as red brome and cheatgrass. 
• Personal and ecological narratives intertwine as Clarke discusses the grief of environmental loss and the slow process of healing for the affected landscapes.
• The episode underscores the importance of maintaining awareness of environmental destruction while finding hope and actionable paths for positive change.
• Clarke explores the idea of "solastalgia," feeling deep nostalgia and loss for a place he once knew as both an environmentalist and a deeply connected individual. 

Notable Quotes:

1. "Every time I come back here, it looks worse. The memories of how it used to be become more clear and more ever present in my mind."
2. "I feel as if I'm visiting someone that I have loved for a long time in hospice after all of their brain activity has ended."
3. "When I die, I want to be burned to ash and I want the people that love me to bring those ashes here."
4. "My being around to see it, if you take that literally, is a choice on my part. And I'm not sure why I keep coming back." 

Resources:

• 90 Miles From Needles Podcast website: https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/
• Mojave National Preserve web page on the Dome Fire: https://www.nps.gov/moja/learn/nature/dome-fire.htm
• DAMN Chihuahuan Desert Travel Fund: https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso

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This episode, celebrated over several parts to accommodate in-depth discussions, features a captivating final chapter with Ruth Nolan. A distinguished voice in desert poetry and a former wildland firefighter, Ruth shares her insights into the ecological challenges and intrinsic beauty of California's deserts through her evocative poetry, with themes of renewable energy impacts, wildfires, and invasive species.

Through readings from her works such as "Ruby Mountain" and "After the Dome Fire," Ruth Nolan paints a vivid picture of the Mojave Desert's poignant struggles and enduring spirit. She invites us to reflect on the necessity of environmental vigilance and collective action through the memories of her firefighting days, close calls with nature, and poetic musings on desert life. The narrative threads courage, resilience, and reflection into a poetic tapestry that speaks to both the heart and the mind, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts in the face of modern challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Ruth Nolan emphasizes the blend of past experiences and contemporary challenges in the struggle to protect the desert, alongside her literary contributions.
• The readings from Ruth's works highlight themes of environmental impact due to renewable energy projects and the cultural significance of desert landscapes.
• The episode celebrates the collaboration of activists, journalists, and writers engaging in the dialogue on desert preservation.
• The interconnectedness of art, activism, and environment is a recurring theme, urging listeners to witness both poetic and practical advocacy for desert protection.
  
  

Notable Quotes:

"I saw three golden eagles on the morning of an all-night mourning ceremony..." – Ruth Nolan
"This is how you put out a fire before it has a chance to erupt into something big." – Ruth Nolan
"We did this to ourselves, people. And we keep doing it again and again and not again." – Ruth Nolan
"Look for the small things. A wisp of sultry smoke... This is where it will stop." – Ruth Nolan
"We have to love it. But we also know there's a lot of darkness." – Ruth Nolan

Resources:

"Ruby Mountain" by Ruth Nolan
"No Place for a Puritan: The Literature of California's Deserts"
"Fire and Rain: Eco Poetry of California"

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In this chapter of the milestone hundredth episode  of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke introduces a rich tapestry of insights from renowned desert advocate and writer Ruben Martinez. The chapter, part of a comprehensive six-part series celebrating this landmark with diverse contributors, invites listeners into a profound discussion linking deserts not only as geographical landscapes but as symbols of spiritual and existential exploration.

Martinez shares an evocative narrative that intertwines personal experiences in the stark wilderness with broader socio-political and spiritual themes. Describing his retreat at a Cistercian monastery on the Lost Coast of California, he highlights the desert as a metaphor for existential struggle and spiritual enlightenment. Drawing connections between historical Christian meditation traditions and the contemporary borders between the U.S. and Mexico, Martinez explores the desert as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop for human migration and introspection. Through this exploration, he echoes the desert's dual role as a site of significant suffering amid hope, and as a place where nature's stark reality meets transcendent potential.

Key Takeaways:

• The desert serves as a powerful metaphor for contemplation, self-discovery, and refuge.
• Historical Christian monastic traditions often depict the desert as a spiritual sanctuary and testing ground.
• The U.S.-Mexico borderlands bear a dual representation as both harsh environments and spaces of profound human migration and hope.
• Spiritual silence and withdrawal can act as essential means to confront personal and collective traumas.
• The chapter underscores the vital integration of storytelling and activism in understanding the contemporary and historical significance of desert regions.

Notable Quotes:

"I write about the desert from within the confines of a Cistercian monastery...in a region known generally as the Lost Coast."
"The desert is lack, was fullness, was political or beyond politics...was native land."
"Two darks, two deserts. One where corruption and violence joined to crucify the bodies of the vulnerable, and the other where silence is a salve..."
"Every step in the wilderness was an act of faith."
"I'm in my desert alongside the migrants in theirs, writing in the dark."

Resources:

Rubén Martinéz at Loyola Marymount University https://bellarmine.lmu.edu/journalism/faculty/?expert=rubn.martnez

Gary Paul Nabhan's anthology, The Nature of Desert Nature, published by University of Arizona Press.

 

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Episode Summary:

In this chapter of the landmark 100th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, journalist David Morales, known for his insightful "Three Sonorans" newsletter, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities behind this development and how a community united to challenge a potentially devastating project.

The episode highlights how Project Blue, backed by Amazon Web Services, planned to establish a massive data center in Tucson, Arizona. This project raised alarm due to its anticipated consumption of scarce desert resources, including water and energy. Community activists scrutinized the implications of this center, revealing its environmental impact and the economic motivations linked to enticing tax exemptions.

Morales passionately articulates the broader significance of this victory and how it exemplifies a stand against exploitative initiatives pushing the limits of desert environments. The episode educates listeners on the historical connections of resource extraction in Arizona, the racial aspects of environmental degradation, and the importance of thoughtful modern policies that respect both indigenous heritage and future sustainability. With phrases like "manifest destiny" still ringing true in new forms today, this episode serves as an inspiring example of local advocacy effecting meaningful change.

Key Takeaways:

•  Project Blue's proposed data center in Tucson faced significant opposition due to excessive water and energy demands in a desert region.
• The initiative exemplifies environmental racism and reflects historical patterns of extraction and exploitation in Arizona.
• Community activism was pivotal in stopping the project, showing the power of collective action in confronting large corporations like Amazon.
• Kevin Dahl, a Tucson City Council member, took a hard oppositional stance that contributed to the council's unanimous decision to halt the project.
• The "Three Sonorans" newsletter provides valuable insights into indigenous and progressive perspectives on environmental issues in Tucson.

Notable Quotes:

"Now's your chance today. Stopping Project Blue is your way of stopping manifest destiny today."
"It's all connected because you have energy, you have coal, you have water."
"You have to know the history. You have to know all of it together."
"They were trying to build this out here because our last governor passed this bill in 2013 to give huge tax incentives to data centers."

Resources:

David Morales’ "Three Sonorans" Newsletter: https://threesonorans.substack.com

Arizona Luminaria: Coverage on the public records request that revealed Amazon's involvement: https://azluminaria.org/2025/07/21/amazon-web-services-is-company-behind-tucsons-project-blue-according-to-2023-county-memo/

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In this landmark 100th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, host Chris Clark celebrates with a treasure trove of content breaking into six segments. This episode features Cameron Mayer, contributing his passion for the desert through eloquent poetry readings. Mayer shares his profound connection to the Mojave and surrounding areas and highlights his work with Friends of the Amargosa Basin aimed at increasing protection for the unique watershed.

Listeners are treated to Mayer's evocative poetry that captures the mystical allure of the desert flora, such as the Honey Mesquite and Mojave Aster. The discussion focuses on the importance of appreciating and conserving often-overlooked desert landscapes, with eloquent passages from Mayer’s writings infusing the episode with introspective reflections. Hear how Mayer's work and art bring attention to the majestic beauty and delicate balance of desert ecosystems, with a special focus on Nevada's understated splendor.

Key Takeaways:

• Cameron Mayer shares his poetic tributes to desert plants, such as Honey Mesquite and Mojave Aster.
• Mayer's work weaves together poetry, botany, and photography to highlight the beauty of desert environments.
• Mayer serves as Program Director for Friends of the Amargosa Basin, advocating for the conservation of this critical area.
• Personal experiences in Nevada’s Paranigate Valley spotlight the diverse, hidden treasures of desert landscapes.
• Listeners are urged to consider the deeper connections and motivations behind desert conservation efforts.

Notable Quotes: 

• "Oh, the life giver, sustainer of cultures more than human alike."
• "For those of you who know the Great Basin, Highway 93, it goes all the way to Idaho. It's wonderful."
• "Roadside rock side, any side of a valley, of a river."
• " I will tell you, trying to tent camp in 13 degree weather really does build character maybe, but anyways, it's an experience. "
• "Traveling the basins and ranges with no clear method for healing."

Resources:

• Friends of the Amargosa Basin (https://friendsoftheamargosabasin.org/): Ongoing efforts to establish a national monument status for the Amargosa Basin to protect its unique ecosystems.
• Wildflowers of Shoshone and Tecopa: An Intuitive Guide : A book authored by Cameron Mayer, available locally at the Shoshone Museum and other local outlets.

Listeners are invited to immerse themselves in the full episode to further appreciate the stunning work and poetic voice of Cameron Mayer. Stay connected for more insightful content from "90 Miles from Needles" as we continue to explore and advocate for desert protection.

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Episode Summary:

In this chapter of the 100th episode of the 90 Miles from Needles podcast, host Chris Clarke welcomes the acclaimed author and environmental advocate Morgan Sjogren to the show. Broadcasting from the serene and historically rich landscapes of Bears Ears National Monument, Sjogren shares insights into her literary journey and environmental activism, reflecting particularly on the controversial legacy of uranium mining in the Four Corners region. This episode, part of a special series divided into six chapters, seeks to illuminate the intertwined narratives of public lands advocacy and environmental protection.

Sjogren captivates listeners with an excerpt from her recent work, Path of Light, A Walk Through Colliding Legacies of Glen Canyon. She draws listeners into a reflective exploration of the desert's raw beauty and unyielding connection to historical and modern environmental challenges. Emphasizing the enduring impact of uranium mining, Sjogren articulates the environmental risks posed by abandoned mines and the broader implications for Indigenous communities, wildlife, and public lands. Her reading underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the consequences of past human endeavors on natural landscapes, advocating for thoughtful stewardship and conservation. Tune in for a powerful narrative that seamlessly blends the personal, geographical, and political narratives shaping the majestic desert regions.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the delicate dance between beauty and environmental harm in Glen Canyon, as Morgan reflects on the area's enduring scars and resilience.
• Learn about the long-term impacts of uranium mining on both the environment and Indigenous communities, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms.
• Explore the intricate legalities of staking mining claims and how archaic laws continue to shape land management policies today.
• Hear about Sjogren's eco-activism through staking a mining claim to challenge the status quo in land use policies.
• Appreciate the vital role storytelling and public discourse play in advocating for sustainable environmental policies and conservation efforts.

Notable Quotes:

"Finding beauty in the chaotic refuse brings me hope in a world that often appears doomed." – Morgan Sjogren
"The lonesome road I walk now in Red Canyon ends in Lake Powell, a monument to the way humans are abandoning their relationship with the natural world." – Morgan Sjogren
"The gusts briefly pause. Silence sits heavy on my chest, amplifying the rhythm of my thumping heart." – Morgan Sjogren
"Uranium mining poses extensive threats to people, wildlife, and water sources long after the underground work is done." – Morgan Sjogren
"It's as if the grains of sand are begging me to carry them away from here to journey with me." – Morgan Sjogren

Resources:

Morgan Sjogren's Book: Path of A Walkthrough, Colliding Legacies of Glen Canyon – Explore this insightful work published by Torrey House Press.
Wild Words Substack – Subscribe to Morgan's dispatches from the desert through her evocative writing.

Engage with this compelling episode of 90 Miles from Needles to gain a deeper understanding of the intersections of history, environmental activism, and public lands conservation. Stay connected for more thought-provoking episodes featuring passionate voices advocating for desert protection and environmental justice.

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Episode Summary:

In this milestone 100th episode of the 90 Miles from Needles Podcast, host Chris Clarke celebrates a significant achievement in desert conservation and advocacy. Episode 100 marks a turning point for the show, which has engaged audiences with diverse stories about desert protection and environmental activism. The episode showcases the collective efforts that led to a significant victory against reckless mining practices near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Divided into manageable chapters, this celebration brings forward voices of activists and advocates, revealing a vibrant community's resilience and strength in battling environmental challenges.

This chapter's highlight features a conversation with Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy, who shares the exhilarating news that Rover Critical Minerals, a company behind invasive exploratory mining operations, has ceased its pursuit of lithium drilling near the Amargosa Basin. This development is a testament to the power of united grassroots efforts, involving a wide spectrum of people from different backgrounds, including environmental groups and local community members. Mason discusses how persistent advocacy and legal maneuvers helped deter further damaging initiatives, showcasing a commendable victory for the environmental community. Noting other ongoing threats, Mason emphasizes the need to stay vigilant and united for future environmental battles.

Key Takeaways:

• The 100th episode of 90 Miles from Needles celebrates victories in desert conservation, marking significant achievements in environmental activism.
• Mason Voehl announces a major win as Rover Critical Minerals withdraws plans for harmful lithium exploration near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
• The success is attributed to a broad coalition across diverse political and social groups against environmentally harmful projects.
• Despite this victory, ongoing environmental threats in the region necessitate continued advocacy and community engagement.
• Mason Voehl highlights the importance of celebrating milestones, reinforcing community support and vigilance for future conservation efforts.

Notable Quotes:

"It's hard to believe that we've gotten this far with so few resources... it's been a really affirming and also soul-destroying process." – Chris Clarke

"We got to take the wins everywhere we can get it and make sure we don't rush past them because they don't happen every day." – Mason Voehl

Resources:

Amargosa Conservancy https://amargosaconservancy.org

Subscribe to the Amargosa Conservancy newsletter for updates on campaigns and conservation efforts.

 

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Episode Summary:

In this landmark 99th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," Chris Clarke sets the stage for the upcoming 100th episode celebration, inviting listeners to join a special recording featuring prominent writers and activists. The episode examines the impact of a massive budget cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, exploring how this decision threatens the viability of many local public media outlets, particularly in rural and tribal areas. Chris discusses the slashing of $548 million in funding from the CPB by the Trump administration, grounding the issue in a broader context of how public media serves as a lifeline for communities during emergencies and supports local culture and education. As cuts disproportionately affect stations serving communities of color and Native American tribes, public radio faces an existential threat, underscoring the podcast's commitment to amplifying voices and stories in endangered desert regions.

Key Takeaways:

The "90 Miles from Needles" podcast has reached its 99th episode, with plans for an interactive 100th episode featuring special guests and a live public reading. The Trump administration has enacted devastating cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, eliminating $548 million in grants that support local radio and television stations. Rural and tribal radio stations, such as those in Arizona and New Mexico, face significant funding challenges, potentially losing up to 96% of their budgets. A call to action is issued to support public media and the podcast, highlighting the critical role of listener contributions in sustaining independent journalism and storytelling. 

Notable Quotes:

"The difference between having cuts take away 20 to 96% of your budget and having them take away 4% is public support." — Chris Clarke 
"We have just under 200 people who have supported 90 miles from Needles financially through the last three and a half years." — Chris Clarke
"Republican cuts to local public radio and TV stations are reckless, dangerous and put New Mexicans directly in harm's way." — Quoting Senator Martin Heinrich

Resources:

Adopt A Station: https://adoptastation.org
90 Miles from Needles - Official Website: https://90milesfromneedles.com
Support Portal: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate
Project Blue Updates: https://www.instagram.com/no_desert_data_center/?hl=en
100th Episode Zoom link: https://90milesfromneedles.com/100

 

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Episode Summary: 
In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke invites listeners to explore the urgency and allure of desert destinations in his personal bucket list. As listeners, we embark on a quest across arid landscapes, inspired by the tragic recent loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, which burnt down due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. Peppered with intriguing stories and environmental insights, Chris takes this opportunity to ponder on the significance of visiting and preserving these desert gems while time is on his side. Listeners are treated to a virtual expedition through places like the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, the picturesque landscapes of Baja California's Valle de los Cirios, and the awe-inspiring Vermillion Cliffs in Arizona. Throughout the episode, Chris interlaces environmental advocacy with travel tips and personal anecdotes, all while offering insights into ecological dynamics and conservation efforts. His reflections instill a renewed sense of urgency to appreciate and protect these iconic landscapes, making it a thoroughly captivating episode for desert enthusiasts and eco-conscious adventurers alike.

Key Takeaways:

Desert Beauties and Threats: The episode explores various desert locales significantly impacted by human activity and climate, emphasizing the need for conservation. Bucket List Inspiration: Chris shares his longing to visit places like the Whipple Mountains and the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, underscoring their ecological significance.

Crisis and Conservation: Reflections on the Grand Canyon Lodge fire underline the volatility of these environments and the important role fire plays in ecological regeneration.

Personal Connection: Listeners learn about Chris’ personal journey and experiences, which enriches the narrative with authenticity and urgency.

Audience Engagement Opportunities: Chris encourages engagement, inviting listeners to contribute to sign-off catchphrase ideas and supporting podcast outreach efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• "You get a rough idea of what kinds of things you'd like to do in the time you have remaining on the planet."
• "The ave is not a place where you can just decide to go and then just go."
• "We could not have made it as close to having a hundredth episode as we have without your contributions."
• "There's a thing that people do when they get to a certain age…they prioritize."
• "There's something about the red rock that's… It's an iconic desert landscape and I need to go."

Resources:

• 90 Miles from Needles Website https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/
• "Letters from the Desert" newsletter on Substack https://lettersfromthedesert.substack.com/
• Chihuahuan Desert Travel Fund: To support podcast expansion efforts https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso
• The old Cima Dome fire episode from Season 1 https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s1e3-the-life-death-and-rebirth-of-cima-dome/

Listeners will find this episode both enlightening and inspiring, with Chris Clarke’s insights prompting reflection on the delicate balance of enjoying and conserving desert landscapes. Tune in for more episodes, exploring new perspectives and ongoing conversations on vital desert protection efforts.

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