Rangers of the Lost Park – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Liz & Mikayla welcome President of the NFFE Executive Board Warner (Andy) Vanderheuel and NFFE General Counsel and Labor Lawyer Yvette Piacsek to a special episode highlighting federal worker legality issues, concerns, and current events. Also discussed is how current federal workers (including rangers within public land federal agencies) can safely and effectively use their voices to highlight their personal perspectives and information they wish to share publicly.

The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) union has a long history of supporting working-class federal employees and their families. They have been integral for current federal workers experiencing hardship instilled by the current administration.

For insight and guidance regarding how rangers and federal employees can carefully elevate their voices, skip ahead to 31:00.

To learn more about NFFE, visit their website at www.nffe.org.
Follow NFFE on Instagram @nffe_union.

To learn more about the Forest Service Council, visit their website at www.nffe-fsc.org.
Follow NFFE-FSC on Instagram @nffe_fsc.

Other Resources Mentioned:
Rise up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network
AFL-CIO
Office of Government Ethics
Workforce Reshaping Operations Handbook

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For episode suggestions and feedback, please email Liz at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

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In this second episode of Rangers of the Lost Park Podcast, hosts Liz and Mikayla discuss the turbulent experiences of federal public land employees post-January 2020. They highlight the chaos and emotional toll of illegal terminations, probationary firings, and reduced staffing in agencies like the National Park Service and the US Forest Service. The episode features testimonies from affected employees, revealing critical staffing shortages, unsafe working conditions, and the mental health impacts on public servants. Liz and Mikayla share their personal journeys into federal service, the challenges they faced, and their continued advocacy efforts. The episode aims to raise awareness about the struggles these workers endure and emphasizes the importance of supporting public lands and their protectors.

Thank you so much for being here.

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Got a cool Ranger Tea story? Want Liz to share your interesting outdoors story on the podcast? Fill out the Listener Story Form!

Have a question for Liz? Want her to answer it on an episode? Fill out the Listener Question Form!

Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the podcast (yourself included)? Fill out the Podcast Guest Request Form!

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email Liz at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

Please download, subscribe, and leave a review! Thank you for listening!

From Oregon to Colorado, two young Rangers have teamed up to advocate for all things public lands and the outdoors. As former National Park Service and US Forest Service field workers themselves, Liz and Mikayla invite you to join them on their new journey to speak up for those who may not be in a position to themselves and shine a guiding light into the raw and real truths behind the agencies and organizations who protect our natural spaces. 

This episode consists of introductions and brief dives into the lives of Liz and Mikayla, as well as the acknowledgement of indigenous peoples and stolen land, and a brief explanation of America's Best Idea. How can you help voice your concerns and perspectives regarding public lands? This is explained toward the end of the episode for those who wish to learn more.

We are just getting started and excited to have you here!

Follow ROTLP on Instagram: @rangersofthelostpark.
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Join Patreon! Become a Ranger Friend for bonus content and to join an incredible community.

Got a cool Ranger Tea story? Want Liz to share your interesting outdoors story on the podcast? Fill out the Listener Story Form!

Have a question for Liz? Want her to answer it on an episode? Fill out the Listener Question Form!

Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the podcast (yourself included)? Fill out the Podcast Guest Request Form!

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email Liz at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

Please download, subscribe, and leave a review! Thank you for listening!

Joining Liz and Mikayla is Wildlife Biologist Ben Vizzachero, who discuss their crazy experiences at the State of the Union (Joint Address) in Washington DC on March 4, 2025, which they attended in-person as the honored guests of specific members of Congress.

Ben (or Benji) shares his passion and love for his work as a biologist for the US Forest Service, including how he got into his field of work and how he continues to fight for his job. He also provides some really fun and interesting facts about several wildlife species, including birds and crabs.

Like Mikayla and Liz, Ben was illegally fired by the Trump administration in February, and has stood up for not only himself but all federal workers who do important deeds to protect our public lands. He even stood up directly to Elon Musk, in person, and to find out what all was said, you'll have to tune in and listen to this special episode!

All views expressed in this episode are our own individual opinions, and do not reflect the views or perspectives of the US Forest Service or any other federal agency workers.

Check out Ben's Instagram: @territory_ranger
Indivisible SYV: @indivisiblesyv

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Join Patreon! Become a Ranger Friend for bonus content and to join an incredible community.

Got a cool Ranger Tea story? Want Liz to share your interesting outdoors story on the podcast? Fill out the Listener Story Form!

Have a question for Liz? Want her to answer it on an episode? Fill out the Listener Question Form!

Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the podcast (yourself included)? Fill out the Podcast Guest Request Form!

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email Liz at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

Please download, subscribe, and leave a review! Thank you for listening!

SJ Joslin (they/them), a bat biologist from Yosemite National Park, was unjustly fired from their dream job by the federal government for flying the trans flag in the park. They were off-duty, left no trace (aka zero damage) and did this purely with good intentions. This was not a demonstration, despite what the Department of Interior stated, but an act of inclusion depicting that trans people belong outdoors, too.

We speak with SJ about what happened on May 20 when they flew the flag and what happened in August when they were consequentially fired for it. SJ also shares about their passions, education, and belief in the Constitution and the right to express Freedom of Speech. We also have some fun and share some silly stories together because, at the end of the day, we want to be joyful despite the adversity thrown our way.

Follow SJ on Instagram: @shannonekj
-DM them for emails of the superintendents and NPS in charge of their firings to tell them to reinstate SJ immediately.

Donate to SJ's GoFundMe to help with legal fees: GoFundMe

Follow ROTLP on Instagram: @rangersofthelostpark.
Follow ROTLP on TikTok: @rangersofthelostpark.

Join Patreon! Become a Ranger Friend for bonus content and to join an incredible community.

Got a cool Ranger Tea story? Want Liz to share your interesting outdoors story on the podcast? Fill out the Listener Story Form!

Have a question for Liz? Want her to answer it on an episode? Fill out the Listener Question Form!

Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the podcast (yourself included)? Fill out the Podcast Guest Request Form!

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email Liz at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

Please download, subscribe, and leave a review! Thank you for listening!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to support 640 million acres of public lands across the United States? In this episode, Gaby Rojas from Public Lands Alliance explains how nonprofits support our nation's treasures for the future.

Find Public Lands Alliance at publiclandsalliance.org.

Follow ROTLP on Instagram: @rangersofthelostpark.
Follow ROTLP on TikTok: @rangersofthelostpark.

Join Patreon! Become a Ranger Friend for bonus content and to join an incredible community.

Got a cool Ranger Tea story? Want Liz to share your interesting outdoors story on the podcast? Fill out the Listener Story Form!

Have a question for Liz? Want her to answer it on an episode? Fill out the Listener Question Form!

Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the podcast (yourself included)? Fill out the Podcast Guest Request Form!

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email Liz at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

Please download, subscribe, and leave a review! Thank you for listening!

Joining us for this episode is Park Ranger Alex Wild! A ranger of 15 years and going, Alex dedicates his life and purpose to protecting the parks, the people, and the landscape.

Learn about what it means to be a ranger, why you should care about National Parks and public lands, and hear some hilarious first-hand ranger stories. Lounging marmots, bears with critical thinking skills, celebrity run-ins, and more!

Follow Alex Wild on Instagram: @ranger_wild.

Follow ROTLP on Instagram: @rangersofthelostpark.
Follow ROTLP on TikTok: @rangersofthelostpark.

Join Patreon! Become a Ranger Friend for bonus content and to join an incredible community.

Got a cool Ranger Tea story? Want Liz to share your interesting outdoors story on the podcast? Fill out the Listener Story Form!

Have a question for Liz? Want her to answer it on an episode? Fill out the Listener Question Form!

Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the podcast (yourself included)? Fill out the Podcast Guest Request Form!

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email Liz at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

Please download, subscribe, and leave a review! Thank you for listening!

What is the Roadless Rule? Why is it important? What does it really mean for the American people and the US Forest Service?

Liz takes a deep dive into the Roadless Rule and its controversial history while Mikayla hangs out and eats a cookie.

In short, the 2001 Roadless Rule has quite the reputation within the United States federal government, US states, Indigenous Tribes, and the every day Forest visitor. 58.5 million acres of Inventoried Roadless Areas are established throughout the United States on National Forest Systems Land and, recently, US Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the desire and motivation to rescind the Roadless Rule. What does this entail? Why should you care? Let's talk about it.

All resources for this episode are listed below in the order stated in this episode:

1. USFS Roadless Information
2. USDA Press Release
3. US Federal Register
4. Regulations.gov
5. USFS 2001 Roadless Rule
6. Congress.gov Roadless Rule Definition
7. EarthJustice Roadless Rule Timeline
8. USFS Alaska Roadless Rule Public Comments
9. National Institutes of Health 2024 Scientific Study

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Join Patreon! Become a Ranger Friend for bonus content and to join an incredible community.

Got a cool Ranger Tea story? Want Liz to share your interesting outdoors story on the podcast? Fill out the Listener Story Form!

Have a question for Liz? Want her to answer it on an episode? Fill out the Listener Question Form!

Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the podcast (yourself included)? Fill out the Podcast Guest Request Form!

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email Liz at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

Please download, subscribe, and leave a review! Thank you for listening!

Join us this week for reviews from National Parks, Monuments, Forests, and more! Liz explains the difference between each type and then dives into the reviews. We hope this silly episode can bring joy to a chaotic week! Thank you to our friends at National Park After Dark for the episode idea.

Follow ROTLP on Instagram: @rangersofthelostpark.
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Join Patreon! Become a Ranger Friend for bonus content and to join an incredible community.

Got a cool Ranger Tea story? Want Liz to share your interesting outdoors story on the podcast? Fill out the Listener Story Form!

Have a question for Liz? Want her to answer it on an episode? Fill out the Listener Question Form!

Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the podcast (yourself included)? Fill out the Podcast Guest Request Form!

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email Liz at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

Please download, subscribe, and leave a review! Thank you for listening!

The Department of Interior proposed to rescind the Public Lands Rule, also known as the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, on September 10, 2025. This rule codifies conservation as a "legitimate use" of public lands, and in this week's episode Mikayla and Liz explore different uses and their impacts on conservation. Do you think conservation, or "no use", is a legitimate use of our public lands?

Sources Cited in this episode:
1. Conservation and Landscape Health Rule
2. Federal Register
3. Overview of Public Lands Rule
4. Proposed Rescission
5. Resistance Rangers Instagram Post: Instagram vs. Reality
6. BLM About Livestock Grazing
7. BLM Livestock Grazing Overview
8. 7 Ways Oil and Gas Drilling are Bad for the Environment
9. Renewable Energy Article
10. National Recreation and Park Association

Follow ROTLP on Instagram: @rangersofthelostpark.
Follow ROTLP on TikTok: @rangersofthelostpark.

Join Patreon! Become a Ranger Friend for bonus content and to join an incredible community.

Got a cool Ranger Tea story? Want Liz to share your interesting outdoors story on the podcast? Fill out the Listener Story Form!

Have a question for Liz? Want her to answer it on an episode? Fill out the Listener Question Form!

Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the podcast (yourself included)? Fill out the Podcast Guest Request Form!

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email Liz at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

Please download, subscribe, and leave a review! Thank you for listening!