In this episode, I interview Boone Kauffman, retired professor from Oregon State University and lead scientist of Illahee Sciences International, and Erik Molvar, Executive Director of the Western Watersheds Project to discuss the decline of the greater sage grouse and their habitat. Boone and Erik examine the impacts of livestock grazing and land use on sage grouse, the political stonewalling behind listing the bird as an endangered species, and the integrity of scientific research around the bird, specifically naming the livestock industry and their influence on university and agency research. Our conversation highlights the need for political will and effective science-backed conservation strategies to restore sage grouse populations and the Sagebrush Sea.

http://www.westernwatersheds.org/

02:13 Introducing Erik Molvar and Boone Kauffman

05:42 Understanding the Greater Sage Grouse

09:09 Impact of Livestock Grazing on Sage Grouse

13:55 Sage Grouse Conservation Plans and Challenges

23:51 Scientific Integrity and Livestock Industry Influence

35:59 The Role of Research and Public Policy

59:19 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode, I speak with Amaroq Weiss, Senior Wolf Advocate, and Samantha Miller, Senior Carnivore Campaigner, with the Center for Biological Diversity, where we explore the ongoing challenges of wolf recovery and conservation across the United States, while dispelling myths along the way. Our conversation delves into the political pressures causing cyclical removal and reinstatement of wolf protections under the Endangered Species Act and the implications of state management, emphasizing public advocacy’s impact. Cultural differences in wolf management between the U.S. and Europe are examined, dispelling myths about ‘Canadian super wolves’ and the role that hunters play in the culture wars and conservation efforts. Ethical dilemmas in trophy hunting, the impact of politicized hunting organizations, and the specific case of the Cody Roberts incident in Wyoming are discussed. We end the episode with updates on Colorado’s wolf reintroduction efforts, focusing on the resilience of the Copper Creek wolf family.

02:05 Challenges and Myths in Wolf Conservation

07:00 Political Pressures and Wolf Protections

16:51 The Role of the Endangered Species Act

29:25 Cultural Perspectives on Wolves

42:09 The Hunting Community and Carnivore Conservation

47:14 The Changing Dynamics of Wolf Reintroduction

47:54 Ethical Hunting and Public Perception

50:32 The Controversy of Wolf Hunting

54:00 The Cody Roberts Incident

56:15 Legal and Social Implications of Wolf Hunting

01:03:01 Debunking the Myth of the Canadian Super Wolf

01:11:48 Wolf Reintroduction Efforts in Colorado

01:21:50 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

Right now, the Boundary Waters is facing one of its most serious conservation threats in decades as efforts are underway to reverse a longstanding federal mining ban and open up lands in the Superior National Forest to copper-nickel sulfide mining. In January 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to overturn a 20-year moratorium that had protected the headwaters flowing into the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore mining—now headed to the Senate and potentially the President’s desk.

Proponents argue mining would supply critical minerals like copper, nickel, and cobalt and create jobs, but environmental groups like Save the Boundary Waters warn that sulfide mining has a long track record of acid mine drainage and heavy-metal pollution that could irreversibly contaminate the region’s pristine lakes, rivers, and groundwater, devastating wildlife, recreation, and local economies built on clean water and wilderness tourism.

In this episode, I speak with Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director of Save the Boundary Waters, about the historical, ecological, and economic significance of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. We explore the history of the Boundary Waters, the ecosystem and wildlife, the importance of outdoor recreation to the regional economy, and the ongoing battle against proposed copper mining operations. She shares insights into the impact of potential mining on this incredible ecosystem and the broader implications for public lands nationwide.

https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/call-senate-now

The main Capitol switchboard number to reach the United States Congress is (202) 224-3121. This operator can connect you directly with any Senate or House office.

02:10 Current Threats to the Boundary Waters

05:04 History and Significance of the Boundary Waters

08:04 Ingrid’s Personal Connection to the Boundary Waters

13:35 Unique Features and Wildlife of the Boundary Waters

19:34 The Mining Threat: History and Impact

26:40 Economic Importance of the Boundary Waters

29:22 Economic Impact of Proposed Mining Project

30:53 History and Legal Background of Mining Claims

31:18 Mineral Withdrawal Process and Challenges

36:05 Congressional Actions and Implications

41:21 Potential Consequences and Public Response

49:57 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode, I interview Allison Jones, a seasoned conservation biologist with extensive experience in arid ecosystems—specifically the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin. We discuss a range of topics including juniper treatments, sage-grouse, pygmy rabbits, and the unique ecology of the Great Basin. Allison details her educational background, professional experiences, and contributions to wildlife and land management policy through roles in organizations like the Sageland Collaborative, the Wild Utah Project and here current employer, Conservation Science Partners. Our discussion covers the impacts of mechanical vegetation treatments on pinyon juniper ecosystems, the impacts from livestock grazing post treatments, and the challenges posed by invasive species like cheatgrass, post treatments. We also delve into controversial practices, effects on water resources, and the impacts to wildlife species.

Do Mechanical Vegetation Treatments of Pinyon-Juniper and Sagebrush Communities Work? A Review of the Literature

The Pygmy Rabbit

03:02 Allison’s Background and Career Journey

08:04 The Great Basin: A Unique Ecosystem

12:21 Pinyon and Juniper Forests: Ecology and Management

16:29 Controversial Practices and Wildlife Impact

27:24 Cheatgrass Dominance in Treatment Areas

28:48 Impact of Grazing on Cheatgrass Spread

29:55 Water Flow and Juniper Removal

33:56 Phases of Juniper Encroachment

37:10 Sage-Grouse Habitat and Treatment Effectiveness

41:54 The Pygmy Rabbit: Habitat and Conservation

45:25 Fire Cycles and Livestock Grazing Impact

In this episode of the podcast, I speak with author Nate Schweber about the life and activism of Bernard and Avis DeVoto. Nate is the author of ‘This America of Ours.’ He shares insights into DeVoto’s work as a journalist, historian, and public lands advocate. Our conversation delves into Bernard’s early years and the profound impact growing up in Utah had on his advocacy for public lands. We discuss Bernard’s journey into becoming a leading voice against the privatization of public lands during the 1940s and 1950s, including his pivotal role in exposing a major land grab plot orchestrated by powerful livestock interests and political figures like Senator Pat McCarran and Joseph McCarthy. Nate also discusses the enduring partnership between Bernard and his wife, Avis, highlighting her critical role in his work and her later collaboration with Julia Child. Nate underscores the ongoing relevance of the DeVoto’s fight for public lands in today’s political climate, drawing parallels between past and present challenges.

The DeVoto Dry Martini

3.7 parts gin

1 part dry vermouth

Mix in pitcher of ice or cocktail shakes

Twist of lemon only (no olives! Bernard hated olives…)

01:29 Discussion on Bernard and Avis Devoto

04:05 Nate’s Background and Connection to the West

06:04 Early Memories and Love for Public Lands

10:52 Bernard Devoto’s Early Years and Activism

13:29 The 1946 Road Trip and Discovery of the Land Grab Plot

21:35 The Role of Livestock Industry and Pat McCarran

31:00 Modern Parallels and Ongoing Public Lands Issues

34:10 Public Lands and Privatization

34:55 Political Shifts in Public Lands

38:19 Bernard Devoto’s Activism

38:51 The Land Grab Plot Evolution

40:18 Devoto’s Fight Against Dams

43:41 Devoto’s Later Years and Legacy

54:15 The Devoto-Child Connection

01:02:53 Reflections on Public Lands

In this episode, I share a presentation by avian ecologist Lindsay Adrian of the American Bird Conservancy from the 2025 Bird Alliance of Oregon Marbled Murrelet Survey event. Lindsay discusses the unique biology and conservation challenges of the marbled murrelet, a federally listed seabird that nests in old-growth forests along the Pacific Coast. The presentation highlights the impact of the Northwest Forest Plan on murrelet populations, ongoing threats to their habitat, and the effectiveness of survey methods. Lindsay also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and engagement, detailing the ‘Crumb Clean’ initiative designed to mitigate predator impacts on murrelet nests.

Stay tuned for the 2026 Survey!

00:57 Presentation Overview: Marbled Murrelet

04:54 Life History and Habitat of Marbled Murrelet

14:37 Challenges and Conservation Efforts

35:06 Field Survey and Identification Tips.

In this episode, I interview Scott Silver, about the transformation of outdoor recreation and its impact on wilderness preservation and “little w” wilderness values. The discussion explores the formation and mission of Wild Wilderness, an organization committed to protecting undeveloped recreation on public lands. We cover insights into the development of the 'Fee Demo' program, commercialization and privatization of public lands, the American Recreation Coalition, and corporate influence on recreational policies. Scott discusses transcendence through primitive recreation and highlights the threats posed by modern recreation trends and technologies. The impact of libertarian economics, the co-opting of environmental movements, and the decline of genuine conservation efforts are also examined. Our conversation concludes with reflections on the evolving role of wilderness in society and the broader implications for environmental conservation.

A must read and one of my favorite books! Battle for the Wilderness by Michael Frome

03:09 The Rise of Motorized Recreation

07:43 Formation and Mission of Wild Wilderness

12:04 The Fee Demo Program and Its Implications

16:58 The Influence of the American Recreation Coalition

26:47 Battles Over Motorized Recreation

36:06 The Role of Wilderness Values in Recreation

45:39 Handmade Outdoor Gear

46:21 The Value of Primitive Recreation

46:48 Personal Connection to Nature

48:29 Transcendence Through Wilderness

52:17 The Impact of Fees on Outdoor Recreation

01:01:28 The Future of Wilderness Access?

01:16:20 The War on Climate Change

In this episode, I interview Jimmy Tobias and Mark Olalde about their investigative series on public lands grazing featured in High Country News and ProPublica. They discuss their research methods, findings on political influence, economic implications, subsidies, and environmental impacts of grazing. Our conversation also covers billionaire and other high-profile ranchers such as large mining companies, as well as federal initiatives to boost the federal grazing program on public lands.

04:23 Guest Introductions

06:33 The Genesis of the Grazing Investigation

08:13 Economic and Political Influence in Public Lands Grazing

11:31 High-Profile Ranchers and Mining Companies

18:30 Federal Employees and Permit Violations

20:25 USDA’s Plan and the Reality of Public Lands Grazing

24:34 Food Security and Federal Public Lands Ranching

25:31 Land Health Assessments and Environmental Reviews

26:36 Perspectives on Grazing Permits and Flexibility

29:48 Economic and Political Influences on Public Lands Ranching

35:57 Field Observations and Ecological Impacts

Mark’s ProPublica Author Page

https://www.propublica.org/article/grazing-environment-public-lands-oversight

https://www.propublica.org/article/grazing-environment-public-lands-oversight

https://www.propublica.org/article/grazing-ranchers-public-lands-trump

In this episode, I speak with Josh Schlossberg of the Eco Integrity Alliance about what he calls the largest logging project in Colorado’s history—roughly half a million acres of planned industrial logging. The proposal is divided into four contiguous projects along the Front Range, with the newest, the Pikes Peak Vegetation Management Project, covering 200,000 acres on its own.

The plan includes about 14,000 acres of logging inside four protected roadless areas and nearly a quarter-million acres of herbicide applications across the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Taken together, these four projects would subject nearly the entire north–south stretch of the Front Range to extensive “vegetation management” ie logging.

Large-scale “wildfire emergency” logging was first authorized under President Biden and later expanded under Trump to most areas of our national forests outside wilderness, parks, and a few other exceptions.

02:06 The State of Land Management and Political Dynamics

08:06 The Role of Substack in Environmental Advocacy

11:34 Colorado’s Logging Projects and Their Implications

12:45 The Broader Impact of Logging on Public Lands

13:40 The Controversy and Consequences of Current Practices

46:04 Media’s Role in Wildfire Reporting

46:50 Zooming Out: The Bigger Picture of Wildfires

48:37 Colorado Smoke Screen: Exposing Coverup

49:48 The Clear Cut Cult

01:09:22 Grassroots Advocacy and Media Accountability

01:17:29 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

https://eco-integrityalliance.org/

Contact Josh: [email protected]

In this episode, I speak with Thomas Welch, retired pediatrician, Adirondack guide and amateur historian about early Adirondack history.

Thomas discusses key historical events like the 1837 ascent of Mount Marcy led by meteorologist William Redfield and notable figures such as Verplanck Colvin, who mapped and surveyed the Adirondacks in the late 1800s, and Bob Marshall, a pioneer in wilderness preservation. The conversation highlights conservation efforts, and the significance of the Adirondacks to early American history. Thomas reflects on his personal connection to the region and the sense of solitude and beauty it provides, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these wilderness areas for the residents of New York State and all of its visitors.

02:11 Adirondack History and Preservation

03:54 Early Exploration and Scientific Expeditions

16:26 Verplanck Colvin’s Comprehensive Survey

26:29 Bob Marshall and Wilderness Appreciation

31:20 Teddy Roosevelt’s Historic Visit

34:07 Modern Reflections and Personal Stories

40:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts