S4E39: Ideology vs. Wildlife Science: A Conversation with Mandy Culbertson

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke takes listeners into the complex worlds of wildlife policy and desert preservation.

The episode features Mandy Culbertson, Communications Director at Wildlife for All, discussing the implications of state and federal-level wildlife governance on biodiversity and the environment, particularly within the Southwest's desert landscapes. She explains how Wildlife for All is working to reform state wildlife governance by including more democratic processes and scientific approaches to benefit ecosystems and wildlife populations. Mandy provides an insightful analysis of the current state of wildlife management in the Southwest and beyond, highlighting the disparity in effectiveness among different states.

With a critical eye on states like Arizona and Montana, Chris and Mandy discuss pressing issues such as the militarization of the US-Mexico border and its detrimental effects on wildlife. Mandy elaborates on how public pressure can influence policy decisions, citing recent victories and ongoing struggles in wildlife advocacy.

The conversation also highlights the crippling impact of the recent federal government shutdown on wildlife protection efforts, especially for endangered species like the Mexican gray wolf. 

Key Takeaways:

Wildlife for All's Mission: The organization focuses on transforming state wildlife governance to protect biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems with an ethical and democratic approach.

Southwestern Biodiversity: The American Southwest is a biodiversity hotspot facing unique challenges such as habitat fragmentation, climate change, and urban development pressures.

State Wildlife Management: States like Arizona exhibit problematic wildlife management practices, often putting political ideology and special interests over scientific and ethical considerations.

Impact of Border Militarization: Increased infrastructure and enforcement along the US-Mexico border significantly disrupt wildlife corridors, affecting numerous species.

Federal and State Dynamics: The federal government shutdown exacerbates challenges in managing and protecting wildlife.

Notable Quotes:

"Most folks don't realize that state agencies, state wildlife agencies, are responsible for the vast majority of wildlife management in this country." — Mandy Culbertson

"Protecting biodiversity and restoring healthy ecosystems requires a more ethical and democratic and just approach to wildlife policy." — Mandy Culbertson

 "The war on wildlife isn't separate from the crisis of democracy that we're seeing right now. It's a symptom of the same disease." — Mandy Culbertson

"Public pressure matters. These state wildlife commission meetings are a great place to get involved." — Mandy Culbertson

Resources:

Wildlife for All Website: https://wildlifeforall.us

Wildlife For All's Wildlife Advocacy Toolkit: https://wildlifeforall.us/take-action/advocacy-toolkit/

Wildlife For All also compiles a regular list of state wildlife commission meetings: https://wildlifeforall.us/october-wildlife-commission-meetings/

No Kings Movement: https://nokings.org

Permission to Pollute Act (bill text): https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3898/text

Public Lands Rule Public Comment (ends November 10): Engage in the ongoing public comment to help keep non-consumptive use of public lands (like hiking, camping, wildlife watching) on an equal policy footing with mining and logging. For more info: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-proposes-rescind-public-lands-rule-restoring-balanced-multiple-use

 

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