Our Public Lands – Details, episodes & analysis

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Our Public Lands

Adam Bronstein

Sports

Frequency: 1 episode/13d. Total Eps: 26

A podcast about our beloved and treasured public lands where I interview subject matter experts and activists from across the country who are working to protect and advocate for our public lands and their wildlife, wilderness, and cultural values.

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Data updated on 04/07/2026

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https://johnmuirproject.org/
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https://www.outsideonline.com/byline/wes-siler/
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Score global : 48%

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#26 - The Worst Public Lands Bill in History? w/ Wes Siler

Episode 26

Friday, May 9, 2025 • Duration 42:21

In this episode, I welcome Wes Siler back to the program to discuss the ongoing legislative challenges surrounding public lands in Washington D.C. We discuss the implications of potential land sell-offs which could total more than 1/2 million acres in Utah and Nevada, the motives behind political actions by figures like Ryan Zinke, and the efficiency of public land management agencies. We highlight and critique key components of the House Natural Resources reconciliation bill text, touching on issues from oil and gas development to timber harvesting, Alaska, and weakening of the National Environmental Policy Act.

https://wessiler.substack.com/

https://www.outsideonline.com/byline/wes-siler/

00:16 Public Lands Sell-Off Concerns

00:37 Ryan Zinke and the 'Public Lands in Public Hands Act'

02:05 Economic Impact of Public Lands

04:46 Legislative Processes and Reconciliation

07:37 Environmental and Economic Implications

15:26 Boundary Waters

16:43 Alaska Extraction Issues

19:22 The Challenges of Arctic Oil Drilling

19:41 Impact on Wildlife and Environment

20:18 Renewable Energy and Public Lands

21:09 Timber Harvest and Forest Management

28:56 Legislative Actions and Budget Implications

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#25 - Open Season on Public Lands w/ More Than Just Parks

Episode 25

Saturday, May 3, 2025 • Duration 01:18:43

In this episode, I interview the Pattiz brothers—founders of More Than Just Parks—to cover a range of pressing issues related to public lands. Will and Jim discuss their personal journey from creating films about national parks and public lands to taking an active role in advocating for the protection of public lands from acute threats under the current political climate. Our conversation is wide-ranging and covers a variety of issues across the federal government from corporate wishlists, to leaked strategic plans, budget reconciliation, attacks on our nation monuments, foregoing judicial review of government decisions, dismantling environmental laws, and transferring away our public lands.

https://morethanjustparks.substack.com/

https://morethanjustparks.com

https://www.youtube.com/c/morethanjustparks

Jimmy Carter's Crisis of Confidence Speech

00:46 Journey into Filmmaking and Public Lands

01:59 Passion for Public Lands

02:42 Discovering the West

03:20 Founding More Than Just Parks

03:57 Challenges and Shifts in Focus

04:37 Backgrounds and Inspirations

06:26 The Importance of Passion

07:56 Early Influences and Family Trips

08:39 The Magic of National Parks

12:00 Public Lands Under Threat

12:51 The Fight to Protect Public Lands

18:13 The Role of Government and Public Good

20:30 Historical Context and Current Threats

29:03 Flooding the Zone and Legislative Tactics

37:55 Legal Strategies to Protect Public Lands

39:26 The Antiquities Act and Supreme Court Challenges

#24 - The Great Big Giant Sequoia Scam w/ Dr. Chad Hanson

Friday, May 2, 2025 • Duration 54:42

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Chad Hanson of the John Muir Project to discuss the unique ecological role of giant sequoias and the critical importance of high-intensity fires for their reproduction. Chad outlines the widespread misunderstanding among policymakers and the public about these majestic trees and forests, emphasizing that low-intensity fires do not provide the conditions needed for giant sequoia regeneration. He criticizes the Save Our Sequoias Act, describing it as misleading and sure to cause irreparable harm to these unique forests facilitating industrial logging under the guise of conservation. Our conversation also covers the Park Service's controversial logging and planting activities in wilderness areas post-fires (yes, you read that right), which Chad argues further endangers these ecosystems. Chad calls for informed public activism and legislative changes to protect these vital groves from destructive policies.

https://johnmuirproject.org/

00:05 Exploring Sequoia Groves

02:08 The Misunderstood Giant Sequoias

03:28 Fire Adaptation and Dependency

05:22 Policy and Misconceptions

08:12 The 2020-2021 Fires

09:43 National Park Service's Response

12:27 Regeneration and Misleading Data

16:47 Logging and Its Impact

19:52 Emotional Impact and Ecological Importance

24:40 Logging Operations and Findings

28:29 Destruction of Giant Sequoia Forests

29:23 Legal Battles and Public Awareness

29:47 National Parks and Logging Controversies

30:27 Misguided Notions and Financial Motives

36:05 Trump Administration's Impact on Logging

37:58 Legislative Loopholes and Needed Reforms

#23 - Unveiling the Timber Industry's Grip on Public Lands w/ Ryan Talbott

Episode 23

Sunday, April 20, 2025 • Duration 39:27

In this episode, I speak with Ryan Talbott the Pacific Northwest Conservation Advocate for WildEarth Guardians, about their work monitoring the Forest Service and BLM timber sale programs in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Ryan discusses the origins and achievements of the Legacy Roads and Trails program, the impact of recent legislative and administrative changes on forest management, and the pressure faced by the Forest Service to meet timber targets. We also discuss internal Forest Service discussions revealed through FOIA documents, highlighting the ongoing conflicts between conservation efforts and industry demands. Ryan emphasizes the importance of public forest land and the need for continued advocacy to protect these vital ecosystems from increased logging pressures.

https://wildearthguardians.org/

00:25 Forest Service and Timber Sale Programs

01:00 Legacy Roads and Trails Program

04:12 Timber Targets and Forest Management

07:31 Northwest Forest Plan

10:34 Industry Influence and FOIA Findings

18:31 Challenges and Future Outlook

33:09 Personal Reflections on Public Lands

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#22 - The Legacy of Public Lands w/ Char Miller

Episode 22

Sunday, April 13, 2025 • Duration 01:05:24

In this episode, I interview Char Miller, a historian and professor with a focus on public lands, agencies, and land management. Char discusses the complexities of Gifford Pinchot's philosophy, contrasting it with that of John Muir, particularly around the conservation versus preservation debate. He offers insights into the historical development of public lands in the United States, the interconnection between local and federal influences, and the challenges posed by the current political climate under the Trump administration. The episode concludes with a reflective discussion on the significance of public lands for American identity and the need for collective efforts to protect and manage these cherished landscapes.

https://osupress.oregonstate.edu/author/char-miller

00:08 Discovering a Passion for History

01:19 Gifford Pinchot's Influence

02:37 Writing and Researching Pinchot

03:51 Pinchot's Post-Forest Service Career

06:58 Pinchot vs. Muir: A Complex Relationship

10:49 The Conservation vs. Preservation Debate

14:26 Personal Correspondence and Relationship Dynamics

18:19 Modern Implications and Reflections

24:19 Public Lands and Local vs. National Interests

28:59 Environmental Issues in Politics

33:04 Origins of American Public Lands

34:08 Roosevelt's Impact on Public Lands

36:27 Eastern vs. Western Public Lands

37:33 The National Parks System

39:45 The Wilderness Act and Environmentalism

44:45 Current Threats to Public Lands

46:21 Logging and Economic Realities

59:39 The Importance of Local Engagement

#21 - America’s Public Lands Under Attack w/ Wes Siler

Episode 21

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 • Duration 01:14:42

In this episode, I interview Wes Siler. Wes delves into the pressing issues surrounding America's public lands, discussing how privatization efforts threaten public access and ownership. Key examples include the Yellowstone Club, the Crazy Mountains land heist, corner crossing, state efforts to wrest control over public lands, and federal public land sales under the guise of "affordable housing." Wes also addresses broader political failures and the adverse effects of defunding federal land management agencies, such as the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. We discuss the necessity of updating multiple use laws and the role of public lands in supporting a healthy democracy and sustainable ecosystems. Our conversation underscores the significance of protecting public lands from corporate and political elites to maintain their ecological and societal value.

00:35 Moving to Montana:

01:27 Comparing Europe and America: Nature and Wildlife

06:36 Public Lands and Privatization Concerns

08:02 The Yellowstone Club and Land Access Issues

10:23 Corner Crossing and Public Access

23:08 Political and Social Commentary

35:13 Public Lands and Equal Access

35:30 Balancing Interests: Profit and Preservation

37:35 Challenges with Current Laws and Corporate Influence

40:59 The Misconception of Affordable Housing on Public Lands

48:27 State vs. Federal Management of Public Lands

53:43 Economic Benefits of Federal Land Management

56:29 Impact of Defunding Federal Land Agencies

01:05:58 Personal Reflections and Concerns

https://wessiler.substack.com/

https://www.outsideonline.com/byline/wes-siler/

#20 - Fighting for Endemic Species in the Great Basin w/ Patrick Donnelly

Friday, April 4, 2025 • Duration 52:23

In this episode, I interview Patrick Donnelly with the Center for Biological Diversity along the banks of the Amargosa River in California near Death Valley National Park. Patrick discusses the historical and ongoing impact of human activity, such as mining, and the modern-day pressures of the lithium boom in Nevada. He discusses how the Center is fighting to protect endemic species and the water resources that sustain life in the face of increasing industrial interests. We discuss specific legal battles against lithium mines and the impact of geothermal energy projects on biodiversity. Patrick also covers the checkered history of land and wilderness protection in Nevada, and the California Desert Protection Act of 1994.

https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

02:32 Exploring the Amargosa Basin: Biodiversity and Ecosystem

03:49 Unique Species and their Adaptations

11:52 Historical and Cultural Significance of the Amargosa River Watershed

16:20 The Center for Biological Diversity: Mission and Activities

18:49 Lithium Boom and Mining Challenges in Nevada

26:03 The Impact of Lithium Mining on Tiehm's buckwheat

27:57 Water Usage in Lithium Mining

29:50 Direct Lithium Extraction at the Salton Sea

32:36 Geothermal Energy and Its Environmental Impact

35:26 The Fight Against Geothermal Projects

39:13 Nevada Lands Bills

46:23 Greenlink North: A Threat to Nevada's Sagebrush Country

49:27 Personal Reflections on Public Lands

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#19 - Public Domain: A Conversation w/ Investigative Journalist Jimmy Tobias

Episode 19

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 • Duration 42:18

In this episode, I speak with Jimmy Tobias, a seasoned investigative journalist. Jimmy delves into his journey from working summertimes in wilderness in Montana to his current focus on public lands journalism. He discusses his deep passion for public lands issues, the influence of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in uncovering unethical behavior and corruption within governmental agencies, and the critical role of investigative journalism in holding power to account. We discuss the backgrounds of new political appointees at Interior and DOGE tinkering. Jimmy introduces his new project, Public Domain Media, which aims to provide robust investigative coverage on public lands and wildlife issues. Our discussion also highlights the political and environmental challenges facing public lands, including privatization efforts and budget cuts, and emphasizes the importance of public engagement and legal transparency.

https://www.publicdomain.media/

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:08 Tobias's Background and Passion for Public Lands

01:17 Jimmy's Experience with Western Public Lands

03:40 The Importance of Investigative Journalism

07:13 FOIA and Its Impact

13:13 Public Domain Media Project

18:24 Challenges Facing Public Lands

27:43 The Privatization Threat

35:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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#18 - America's Red Rock Wilderness Act

Sunday, March 30, 2025 • Duration 44:05

In this episode, I interview Terri Martin with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA). The podcast highlights the reintroduction of the America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act, which seeks to protect over 8 million acres of public lands in Southern Utah from exploitation. The discussion includes the significance of the act within the broader '30 by 30' initiative aimed at conserving 30% of land and ocean areas by 2030. Topics covered include the role of local control versus federal oversight, the involvement and support of Native American tribes in wilderness designations, the concept of landscape connectivity for wildlife movement, and the climate benefits of protecting these lands. Terri emphasizes the critical role of citizen activism in driving conservation efforts. The episode reiterates the importance of these lands for future generations and the need for ongoing advocacy and legislative support.

https://suwa.org/ask-your-members-of-congress-to-cosponsor-americas-red-rock-wilderness-act-2/

https://suwa.org/

00:56 Breaking News: America's Red Rock Wilderness Act

03:43 The History and Success of SUWA

05:35 Challenges and Strategies in Wilderness Advocacy

08:14 Local Control vs. National Interest

11:45 30 by 30 Campaign and Wilderness

17:43 Native American Tribes and Wilderness Designation

24:07 America's Red Rock Wilderness Act

31:42 Climate Change and Wilderness Protection

40:14 Conclusion and Call to Action

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#17 - Biden’s Public Lands Scorecard and Legacy

Sunday, March 16, 2025 • Duration 01:09:54

In this episode, I welcome back Andy Kerr to discuss Biden’s public lands record and legacy. We also discuss the contrasting environmental policies and actions early in the Trump 2.0 years. Andy delves into Biden's legacy on public lands, examining specific actions like the reinstatement of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante national monument boundaries and the broader issue of whether a president can undo national monument proclamations. The discussion draws attention to the procedural and legal challenges involved in reversing conservation regulations. There is also a critical examination of Biden's adherence to the 30 by 30 conservation initiative and the effectiveness of mineral withdrawals. Andy discusses a controversial land exchange in Alaska and the overall performance of the Biden administration in protecting public lands, comparing it to Trump's administration. He concludes with insights into the political landscape's impact on conservation efforts and the need for stronger advocacy and politically strategic actions from conservationists.

https://www.andykerr.net/

00:57 Biden's Public Lands Record and Legacy

02:53 Trump's Environmental Policies and Actions

06:17 Legal and Procedural Challenges in Conservation

15:05 Biden's 30 by 30 Conservation Initiative

29:08 Conservation Leases and Bureaucratic Challenges

35:37 Conservation Efforts and Political Challenges

36:27 Mineral Withdrawals and Federal Land Policies

40:13 Biden Administration's Conservation Actions

41:45 Alaska Land Exchange Controversy

47:37 Public Lands and Renewable Energy Development

01:00:52 Northwest Forest Plan and Conservation Issues

01:07:37 Final Thoughts on Conservation and Politics

Our Public Lands – Details, episodes & analysis

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Our Public Lands – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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