In this episode, I interview Katie Bilodeau and Kevin Proescholdt from Wilderness Watch. We discuss their organization's mission to preserve the integrity of the wilderness Act, legal enforcement, and challenges to wilderness across the political spectrums. Our conversation delves into the historical context and continuing relevance of wilderness protection, including specific legislative threats and proposals that undermine the integrity of the Wilderness Act itself. Kevin and Katie address misconceptions about wilderness and Native American history, the influence of industry on recreational activities within wilderness, and the environmental importance of preserving these lands. 

www.wildernesswatch.org

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

00:25 Backgrounds of Katie and Kevin

02:13 Wilderness Watch: Mission and Activities

06:08 The Importance of Wilderness

08:30 Native American Presence in Wilderness Areas

13:55 Challenges and Threats to Wilderness

18:30 Controversial Wilderness Bills and Provisions

21:16 Mountain Biking and Climbing in Wilderness

30:07 Sequoia Litigation and Wilderness Management

37:31 Current Legislative Efforts and Advocacy

52:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, I interview Andy Kerr, a main stay of conservation politics and public lands advocacy.  Andy discusses his journey into forest conservation, reflecting on key moments in his career, such as the Save French Pete demonstration in 1970, and significant legislative milestones like the Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978. Andy also highlights the impactful yet controversial Northwest Forest Plan, the role of the Forest Service, and the evolving nature of conservation efforts. He delves into the importance of wilderness, legislative advocacy, and the pressing need for a shift in how conservation movements must engage politically. Our conversation touches on various challenges, including the bureaucratic inertia of the Forest Service, the influence of the timber industry, and the ongoing fight for ecological integrity and public land conservation in the face of climate change and habitat destruction.

www.andykerr.net

00:00 Introduction

01:04 The Fight for French Pete

02:32 Wilderness Legislation and Political Battles

04:27 Challenges in Wilderness Designation

06:02 Evolution of Conservation Efforts

07:26 The Impact of the Timber Wars

10:09 Current Conservation Landscape

12:52 The Role of Wilderness Study Areas

29:26 The Northwest Forest Plan

33:40 The Benefits of Forest Conservation

33:45 Congressional Responsibility and Forest Service Actions

34:27 Forest Service's Logging Justifications

35:01 National Old Growth Amendment

36:07 Forest Service's Logging Practices and Incentives

37:37 Misrepresentation and Deception in Forest Management

40:34 Political Realities vs. Ecological Realities

41:06 Challenges in Forest Conservation

45:14 Congressional Influence and Rural Representation

49:22 Conservation Movement and Political Engagement

58:04 Advisory Committees and Forest Plan Amendments

01:02:01 Conclusion

In this episode, I interview Paul Englemeyer with the Bird Alliance of Oregon (formally the Audubon Society). Paul and I have an in-depth discussion on the conservation efforts and environmental challenges faced on Oregon's Central Coast. We cover topics such as the Clean Water Act, salmon recovery, the ecological importance of beavers, the impact of hatcheries to wild fish populations, forest management, and the significant role of public lands in conservation efforts. Our conversation also touches on the unique life histories of species such as the marbled murrelet and coho salmon. 

A Celebration of Partnerships for Conservation and Restoration on Oregon's Central Coast. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5626fb1ee4b07be93cf930c1/t/61254e0fd8da687a2862aeef/1629834775981/Celebration%2BDoc_08.24.21.pdf

Salmon Without Rivers
by Jim Lichatowich
https://islandpress.org/books/salmon-without-rivers#desc

https://drakemag.com/jim-lichatowich/

00:00 Costal Fog

01:00 Logging and Forest Management Concerns

01:35 Oregon's Water Quality Crisis

01:57 Salmon Recovery and Water Quality

03:13 The Importance of Monitoring Programs

04:31 Salmonid Life History Patterns

07:35 Impact of Hatcheries on Genetic Diversity

08:02 Challenges in Adaptive Management

10:13 Marbled Murrelet Conservation

13:00 Restoration Efforts and Watershed Health

17:22 The Role of Wilderness Areas

23:06 Protecting Important Bird Areas

26:36 Land and Sea Conservation Strategies

29:54 Adaptive Management in Road and Land Use

32:25 Aquatic Organism Passage Analysis

32:37 Understanding Lamprey: Ancient Creatures of the River

33:21 Lamprey's Life Cycle and Challenges

35:40 Investment in Oregon's Watersheds

36:45 The California Current: A Marine Serengeti

42:12 Oregon's Statewide Planning Goals

49:15 The Role of Beaver in Ecosystem Management

57:56 Challenges and Opportunities in Fish Conservation

59:39 Public Lands and Personal Reflections

In this episode I interview Laura Welp, Ecosystems Specialist with the Western Watersheds Project. We discuss the significance of our public lands, and the democratic principles that should underpin their management. Our discussion addresses the conflicts between livestock grazing and ecological health, including challenges from invasive species (like cheatgrass) and livestock impacts on native ecosystems. Various land management strategies and restoration efforts are examined alongside political and ideological tensions. Laura sheds light on the struggles within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), emphasizing the importance of science-based management and the success of wildlife refuges like Hart Mountain and Sheldon where domestic livestock have been removed from the landscape. 

www.westernwatersheds.org

In this detailed conversation, I interview Dr. Joseph Scalia III to discuss our journey with the Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance (GYWA) based in Bozeman, Montana and the broader challenges facing wilderness preservation. We reflect on our past and present experiences, including efforts to advocate for wilderness designations on public lands in the Gallatin Range and northern Yellowstone ecosystem. We delve into the complexities of environmental advocacy, the influence of big green groups, and the negative impacts of increased recreation on these lands. We also highlight the importance of species like grizzly bear and elk and discuss legislative efforts and The Gallatin Forests Partnership, a conservation collaborative, that poses a huge risk to the wild Gallatins. This conversation spans the transformational changes needed in both public perception and policy to genuinely protect the the Gallatin Range, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and beyond. www.gallatinyellowstonewilderness.org 

In this episode of 'Our Public Lands', I interview journalist and environmental investigator Paul Koberstein. Our conversation delves into the importance of protecting old growth forests, and their immense ecological and value. Paul shares his extensive experience in environmental journalism, highlighting landmark investigations by his outfit Cascadia Times, including exposing poaching in the Hawaiian Islands and air pollution issues in Oregon. Paul discusses the importance of preserving temperate rainforests for wildlife and carbon sequestration, the role of native species like salmon and beavers in ecosystem health, and the challenges posed by current forestry practices and wildfire management narratives. Paul talks about his new book 'Canopy of Titans,' co-authored with Jessica Applegate, which underscores the global importance of America's temperate rainforests. 

Times.org

In the inaugural episode of 'Our Public Lands,' host Adam Bronstein speaks with Sharon Selvaggio from the Xerces Society about the federal USDA APHIS grasshopper and Mormon cricket spraying program. They explore the extensive use of pesticides on public and private lands to control these native species and its widespread ecological impacts. Sharon provides insight into her background, the mission of Xerces, and the critical importance of invertebrate conservation. The discussion highlights the negative effects of these sprays on biodiversity, the need for more sustainable land management practices, and the current legislative and public engagement efforts to reform the program. 

http://www.xerces.org

00:00 Introduction to Our Public Lands Podcast

00:57 Launching the New Project

03:31 Sharon's Background and Journey

05:22 Importance of Public Lands

07:11 Overview of Xerces Society

13:04 Focus on Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets

13:18 History and Impact of Grasshopper Spraying

25:53 Understanding Grasshopper Outbreaks

31:00 Monitoring and Thresholds for Spraying

32:55 Influence of Human Activities on Outbreaks

33:24 Grasshopper Development and Overgrazing

34:36 Impact of Vegetation on Grasshopper Density

35:52 Managing Public Lands for Biodiversity

38:06 Concerns Over Insecticide Spraying

39:46 Sustainable Solutions for Grasshopper Management

42:05 Case Studies of Insecticide Spraying

52:19 Call for Transparency and Reform

01:05:34 How to Get Involved and Take Action

01:07:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts