On the Ground

In this debut episode of “We Do That!”, a special new mini-series from the BLM’s On the Ground podcast, we take a look at Wyoming’s National Minerals Testing Laboratory — a small but mighty facility doing big things for the management of our public lands. Included are behind-the-scenes insights on the facility’s history, discussion of ongoing mineral analysis processes, and visions for the future of the laboratory.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a unique geological destination for visitors from around the world. Turning from a hidden gem to a primary tourist destination here in New Mexico, the BLM—in partnership with Cochiti Pueblo—has taken steps to provide a sustainable recreational destination for visitors while also protecting its fragile resources. 

In the final installment of BLM On the Ground’s three-part Wildfire Awareness Month podcast series, we discuss wildfire prevention education, the prevalence of human-caused wildfires, and the importance of public responsibility, such as preparing properly before recreating on public lands, checking fire danger levels, and reporting wildfires immediately.

To continue our three-episode podcast series on wildfire awareness, this week’s episode delves into the importance of effective communication pertaining to fire prevention, examining best practices and strategic approaches employed by fire crews, as well as the major challenges and widespread public misconceptions surrounding wildfires.  

In December 2024, Backpacker.com magazine published an article titled, "Bob Wick Is the Greatest Outdoor Photographer You’ve Never Heard Of." You likely have seen his work on BLM.gov, in social media, in major newspapers and magazines, and on advocacy and industry websites. Today, we visit with the man himself: Bob Wick, whose primary job never was as a photographer. 

In recognition of Wildfire Awareness Month, On the Ground is kicking off a three-episode podcast series highlighting all things wildfires. The series dives into the critical roles, challenges, and innovations shaping how BLM Fire prevents and responds to wildfires today.  You’ll hear seasoned wildland firefighters discuss behind-the-scenes management strategies, and learn about the National Interagency Fire Center’s safety tips for the everyday public lands user.  

The Department of the Interior is changing many place-names on public lands to discontinue the use of terms that are considered derogatory to Native Americans. In Arizona's Yuma Field Office, this includes one lake on the Arizona-California border that was changed with the help of the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe. In this report, Heather Feeney speaks to Ray Castro, Yuma Field Manager about the reasons and process for changing the name. 

In 2000, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt authorized the creation of the National Landscape Conservation System, the BLM's official directorate for managing National Conservation Lands. In this episode, we reflect on the early years of the NLCS and how BLM created the structure to manage these beautiful and iconic locations with three people who led the program: Elaine Marquis-Brong, Elena Daly, and Carl Rountree. 

In 2025, the Bureau of Land Management will celebrate 25 years since the creation of the National Landscape Conservation System in 2000. But to appreciate the breadth of National Conservation Lands, you actually need to go back more than 50 years. 

In this holiday season of giving, the BLM sincerely thanks the many thousands of volunteers who have freely given their time and efforts to care for public lands. Highlighted in this podcast episode are Sue and Jim Johnston, a couple out of Utah who have been making a difference in our trails in Kanab for more than 10 years. Their positive impact and attitudes towards maintaining public lands, as well as laying the groundwork for future preservation long after they’re gone, is what sets them apart as an admirable model for future generations to follow. The duo has received BLM’s Outstanding Volunteer Achievement Award for their continued dedication to beauty and workable recreation.