In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke interviews Myles Traphagen, a conservationist and scientist working with The Wildlands Network. They discuss the impact of the border wall on wildlife and the environment, as well as the artificial humanitarian crisis at the US-Mexico border. Traphagen highlights the need for a more humane and constructive approach to immigration and emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecological consequences of border policies. Tune in to gain insight into the complex issues surrounding the border and the urgent need for change.

The borderlands storymap Myles describes is here.

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Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Chris Clarke speaks with Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity about a significant victory in the Nevada Supreme Court regarding water rights. They discuss the case of Coyote Springs, a proposed city in the desert that would have a detrimental effect on the Muddy River and its endangered species. The court ruling sets a precedent for managing groundwater and surface water as a single resource, potentially affecting other areas in Nevada facing similar water issues. This episode sheds light on the importance of protecting desert ecosystems and the interconnectedness of water resources.

Read the Center for Biological Diversity's press release on the Nevada Supreme Court decision.

Read and subscribe to Patrick Donnelly's email newsletter Sage and Sand.

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In this episode, host Chris Clarke discusses the successful fight against a proposed glamping project called Flamingo 640 in the California desert. Clarke is joined by community member Caroline Partamian, former president of the Homestead Valley Community Council Justin Merino, and Luke Basulto from the National Parks Conservation Association. They discuss the negative impacts the project would have had on wildlife, traffic, and the peaceful atmosphere of the area. Through community organizing and advocacy, they were able to successfully defeat the project. Tune in to learn more about their efforts to protect the desert landscape.

Save our Deserts Website is here.

Listen to Other Desert Radio here.

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The Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Utility-Scale Solar energy development is shaping the future of solar in the western United States. In this episode, host Chris Clarke explores the different alternatives proposed in the draft and their potential impact on public lands. He discusses the exclusion areas, the size of land available for solar development, and the importance of considering rooftop solar as an alternative. Listeners are encouraged to comment on the draft and make their voices heard. Tune in to learn more about the future of solar energy in the desert.

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In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke introduces four books that will challenge preconceptions about the desert. The first book, "The Arid Lands: History, Power, and Knowledge" by Diana K. Davis, challenges the notion that deserts are wastelands in need of development. The second book, "Peoples of a Sonoran Desert Oasis" by Jared Orsi, explores the history and culture of Quito Bacito and the impact of border policies on the oasis. The third book, "Dead in Their Tracks" by John Annerino, sheds light on the human cost of crossing the desert borderlands. Lastly, "Chasing Centuries" by Ron Parker uncovers ancient agave cultivars and their significance in Native American cultures. Tune in to discover a new perspective on the desert.

Buy the books: 

The Arid Lands; History, Power, Knowledge

Chasing Centuries

Peoples of a Sonoran Desert Oasis: Recovering the Lost History and Culture of Quitobaquito 

Dead in Their Tracks: Crossing America's Desert Borderlands in the New Era

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About The Guest(s):

Dr. Christina Aiello is a bighorn sheep biologist and research associate with Oregon State University. She has dedicated her career to studying and conserving desert wildlife, particularly desert tortoises and desert bighorn sheep. With a focus on the Mojave Desert region, Dr. Aiello's research examines the impacts of habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change on bighorn sheep populations.

Summary:

Dr. Christina Aiello joins host Chris Clarke to discuss the conservation of desert bighorn sheep in the Mojave Desert. They explore the threats facing these iconic animals, including habitat loss, fragmentation, and the spread of respiratory diseases. Dr. Aiello highlights the importance of maintaining genetic diversity and connectivity between bighorn populations to ensure their long-term survival. They also discuss the potential impacts of the proposed high-speed rail project on bighorn sheep movement and the need for wildlife crossings to mitigate habitat fragmentation. Despite the challenges, Dr. Aiello remains hopeful and inspired by the resilience of desert wildlife.

As a bonus, desert writer Louise Mathias offers a related commentary on the likely impact of the proposed Soda Mountain Solar Project on bighorn sheep in Mojave National Preserve.

Key Takeaways:

1. Desert bighorn sheep require rocky, high-elevation terrain with access to water and forage.
2. Habitat loss and fragmentation from urbanization and infrastructure development are major threats to bighorn sheep populations.
3. Bighorn sheep exhibit natural movements and rely on connectivity between habitats for genetic diversity and survival.
4. Wildlife crossings, such as overpasses, are crucial for facilitating bighorn sheep movement and maintaining population connectivity.
5. Bighorn sheep are susceptible to respiratory diseases, which can be introduced through contact with domestic livestock.
6. Genetic diversity plays a vital role in bighorn sheep's ability to resist and recover from diseases.
7. The proposed high-speed rail project in the Mojave Desert will further fragment bighorn sheep habitat and hinder their movements.
8. Protecting and improving degraded habitats can still benefit wildlife, as they demonstrate resilience and adaptability.

Quotes:

• "Bighorn sheep will make use of a bad situation that we hand them and get as much from that landscape as they can." - Dr. Christina Aiello
• "Wildlife crossings are a public health measure for bighorn sheep." - Dr. Christina Aiello

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Summary: Chris discusses the challenges that the deserts will face in 2024, including increased utility scale development of renewable energy, the threat of lithium mining, and the continuation of border policies that waive environmental laws. Chris emphasizes the need for accurate advocacy for the deserts and challenges the misconception that the desert is a defective version of other ecosystems. He introduces the Desert Advocacy Media Network and highlights the importance of support to continue their work in providing accurate information and promoting desert protection.

Key Takeaways:

• 2024 will bring challenges for the deserts, including increased utility scale development and the threat of lithium mining.
• The Desert Advocacy Media Network aims to provide accurate information and challenge misconceptions about the desert.
• Support is needed to hire sound editors, pay freelance reporters, and promote the podcast through targeted advertising.

Quotes:

• "We have no lack of work to do. We just need to be able to do that work." - Chris Clarke
• "Please consider helping us make the Desert Advocacy Media Network the place people turn to when they want to learn more about the desert and how to protect it." - Chris Clarke

How to Donate

• Use the podcast's Patreon account at 90milesfromneedles.com/patreon
• Text "NEEDLES" to 53-555
• Visit our Facebook page at https://facebook.com/ninetymilesfromneedles to donate via Network For Good

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.