90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

In this episode, host Chris Clarke engages in an enlightening conversation with Laiken Jordahl from the Center for Biological Diversity. Focusing on the contentious issue of border wall construction, Jordahl sheds light on the potential threats posed by the Department of Homeland Security's proposed developments near Big Bend National Park in Texas. This discussion is not just a critique of environmental degradation but also highlights the unique coalition of local residents opposing these plans, emphasizing the union of diverse communities in protecting the Rio Grande's ecological integrity. Jordahl articulates the environmental and social impact of the wall, touching on topics like endangered species, cultural connections, and community resilience. With references to biodiversity in the region, the conversation also delves into the critical role local communities play in safeguarding public lands. From agave blooms to wildlife threats and the interruption of the natural landscape, the dialogue underscores an urgent call to action. Through poignant anecdotes and insightful commentary, this episode captures the essence of grassroots activism and cross-border unity in the face of federal infrastructure challenges. Note for AI skeptics: the episode artwork was created with Photoshop and a human brain. Key Takeaways: Local communities in Big Bend are uniting against proposed border wall construction, citing environmental, cultural, and economic concerns. The coalition opposing the wall includes diverse stakeholders, from conservative ranchers to progressive environmentalists, all valuing the region's unique ecological and cultural landscape. Proposed border wall construction risks significant ecological damage, including threats to endangered species and water access within the Rio Grande. The episode explores the cross-border cultural and environmental exchanges that define the Big Bend region’s identity, threatened by potential development. Activist efforts and community resilience offer a hopeful prospect for halting destructive infrastructure projects along the U.S.-Mexico border. Notable Quotes: "They don't want to see their mountains dynamited and their native plants bulldozed and destroyed." - Laiken Jordahl "All of the local sheriffs, including a number of very conservative Republicans who run and campaign on border security issues, oppose this wall." - Laiken Jordahl "The Rio Grande, it's really a river in recovery. And we have an opportunity to restore this river and allow for the recovery of so many native species." - Laiken Jordahl "Once you see the grandeur, the remoteness, the rugged beauty of this region, there's no way you're not going to fight like hell to protect it." - Laiken Jordahl "These are not professional organizers. These are not paid NGO actors. These are people fighting for their livelihoods." - Laiken Jordahl Resources: No Big Bend Wall on Instagram Follow Laiken Jordahl on social media for updates on border issues: Twitter, Instagram. Center For Biological Doiversity press release: Congress Urged to Block Border Wall Construction Through Texas’ Big Bend Parks Listen to the full episode of "90 Miles from Needles" for an in-depth discussion on the environmental and social dimensions of border wall construction, and stay tuned for more insightful conversations on desert protection and advocacy.Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke invites Caroline Tracey, author of "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History," to discuss her newest work and its publication on March 17th. The conversation navigates from Caroline's initial inspiration at the Salton Sea in 2014 to the array of topics covered in her book, including the ecology of salt lakes, their historical significance, and the weaving in of queer theory as a lens for understanding these unique ecosystems. The episode dives deep into Caroline's exploration of salt lakes around the world, illustrating unexpected commonalities in their ecological functions and human impacts. By employing queer theory, she highlights non-normative reproductive structures and challenges traditional perceptions of barren desert landscapes. Chris and Caroline further discuss the personal evolution that paralleled the book’s creation, providing listeners with an enriched understanding of the world’s salt lakes' environmental and cultural intricacies. This episode serves as a compelling invitation to rethink the narratives around desert ecosystems, encouraging proactive preservation through enriched storytelling. Key Takeaways: Caroline Tracey began her journey to writing "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History" after visiting the Salton Sea in 2014, inspired by the interplay of natural history, policy, and personal narrative. The book highlights the global patterns of ecological degradation in salt lakes due to factors like water diversion for agriculture, drawing parallels between lakes in North America, Central Asia, and Mexico. Caroline incorporates queer theory to explore ecological dynamics, introducing a fresh perspective on the biodiversity and resilience of salt lakes. Deserts and their salt lakes are misunderstood landscapes, often labeled as wastelands, yet they are biologically and culturally rich. The interview sheds light on various ecosystems, advocating for conservation efforts by demonstrating how altered perceptions can foster environmental appreciation and advocacy. Notable Quotes: "I think for some people just the idea of what a salt lake is, it helps to ground them in terms of not just the utility but the beauty." "Queer theory played a role in that because I really wanted to think about those conceptual issues of 'how do you feel at home in a place that's changing very fast?'" "Salt lakes are...like a canary in a coal mine...because they are at the end of the water system." "If I can convince other people that these landscapes are beautiful and fertile and worth protecting, that has a ripple effect upwards." Resources: Caroline Tracey's book tour for Salt Lakes Buy "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History" The Border Chronicle read Sunaura Taylor's "Disabled Ecologies: Lessons from a Wounded Desert" Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A candid reckoning with recently surfaced allegations against a major labor leader and what they mean for movements built around charismatic figures. Personal reflections on how hero worship can harm collective causes. A discussion of racial dynamics in coverage and the ways predation undermines organizations and morale. A call to rethink leadership and center accountable, community-based activism.

Urgent: Find your member of Congress and tell them to vote no on the Lee-Malloy resolution Episode Summary: In this timely and engaging episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, we look into the ongoing legislative challenges faced by Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. In conversation with Dr. Jackie Grant, Executive Director of Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, the discussion unravels the intricacies of environmental policy, community engagement, and the unforeseen impacts of political maneuvers on public lands. This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about conservation and environmental justice. The episode sheds light on the latest efforts by Utah politicians, including Senator Mike Lee, to overturn the monument's management plan using the Congressional Review Act. Dr. Grant elaborates on the implications of such actions, emphasizing how it could cause chaos across all public lands with management plans. The discussion also highlights the socioeconomic benefits derived from the monument's existence, opposing the idea that these lands are barren and underutilized. Through a meticulous examination of the issue, the conversation underscores the vital importance of community voices and scientific reasoning in land management decisions. Key Takeaways: Congressional Review Act Impact: The recent moves by Utah legislators pose a threat not only to Grand Staircase Escalante's management plan but also to the concept of public land management nationwide. Diverse Stakeholder Engagement: The formation of the monument's current management plan involved extensive input from varied community representatives, highlighting the need for balanced perspectives in environmental policy. Economic and Ecological Significance: The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument supports local economies through tourism and recreation while preserving diverse ecosystems and night skies. Urgency of Advocacy: Listeners are encouraged to speak out to their elected representatives to protect public land management plans from being undermined. Wider Conservation Context: This episode contextualizes Grand Staircase Escalante as a crucial link in the larger preservation corridor stretching from Moab to Mojave. Notable Quotes: "The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is almost 2 million acres in size… We don't really know how big a monument needs to be to protect 660 species of native bees." – Dr. Jackie Grant "If we err on the side of the bigger is more protective, then we know for sure we have protected those bees." – Dr. Jackie Grant "It seems unlikely, but in this administration, nothing's unlikely anymore." – Dr. Jackie Grant Resources: Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headwaters Economics Report on National Monuments Grand Canyon Trust – Information on Grand Staircase Escalante BLM Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Page Trinational Sonoran Desert Symposium Explore the urgent and profound issues featured in this informative episode of 90 Miles from Needles; The Desert Protection Podcast. Stay tuned for more remarkable insights and stories addressing the protection of these precious desert landscapes.  Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this update, Chris discusses an unexpected pause in regular programming due to a recent house fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but smoke has damaged his family's belongings, including his extensive and cherished library collection, which includes numerous rare and out-of-print books. Amid these challenges, Chris previews an upcoming episode featuring Dr. Jackie Grant, Executive Director of the Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, who will discuss efforts to protect the national monument. Tune in next week for insightful discussions on conservation, or support the podcast through their website. Episode image is a stock photo and does not show Chris' house, thankfully. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode, we welcome back Tim Shields, a dedicated desert tortoise biologist whose half-century-long career has been devoted to unwavering efforts in conservation. As we explore abandoned terrains once frequented by old Hollywood, Tim shares his innovative methods combatting raven predation and invasive plant species threatening tortoise habitats. In this captivating episode, Tim Shields explores how the invasive grass Schismus has transformed once vibrant, diverse desert landscapes into monotonous expanses, diminishing essential food sources and shelter for the desert tortoise. Chris and Tim engage in a panoramic conversation covering technological advances in ecosystem management, the ecological consequences of invasive species, and the ways technology can help mitigate human impact on wildlife. Through innovative tools and perseverance, Tim aims to hand over a toolkit to future generations for the restoration of these precious ecosystems. Key Takeaways: Raven Management: Tim has pioneered non-lethal methods to deter ravens, such as innovative lasers that make the birds uneasy without physical harm, significantly reducing raven presence in key habitats. Invasive Species Impact: Schismus grass represents a major threat to desert ecosystems, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to restore native plant diversity. Ecological Vibrancy: Creating a sound-based ecological index could help measure the health and diversity of the desert ecosystems, showing the vibrancy and biodiversity of an environment through acoustics. Future of Conservation: Tim emphasizes the importance of preparing future generations with the tools and knowledge to continue ecological restoration and avoid repeating past mistakes. Hope Through Innovation: Despite challenges, Tim remains optimistic about technologies and methods paving the way for ecological recovery in the desert. Notable Quotes: "Ravens are good students. We are talking to them in bird." "If you have an environment that can support tortoises, it supports the whole crew." "The Schismus remains invisible to most; they don't notice it, but we see the ecological damage." "It’s about putting our hands on the ecological levers; otherwise, protected lands will become irrelevant." "This is a beloved landscape, and it is in dire trouble." Resources: Tim Shields & Ornilogic: Discover more about Tim Shields' ongoing efforts and projects in desert conservation here. Chris’ 2015 article on raven deterrence: read it at pbssocal.org 90 Miles from Needles Podcast: For more information and additional episodes, visit our website. Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Explore extensive bird call collections referenced by Tim in the episode here. Join us in this insightful conversation to uncover how persistence and innovative thinking can foster change in conservation. Engage with how desert ecosystems can be protected and invite yourself to imagine sustainable futures for these wild terrains. Don’t miss tuning into the full episode for an enriching experience, and stay connected for more compelling discussions on the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast.  Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke discusses the pressing environmental issues faced by the American Southwest with guest Zak Podmore. The discussion centers around the potential for San Juan County, Utah, to become a storage site for nuclear waste. The conversation explores the environmental and social justice implications of such initiatives, pointing out the burden placed on historically underserved communities that have already borne a disproportionate share of impacts from the nuclear industry. The episode also explores the possibilities for the future of the Colorado River and the diminishing Lake Powell. Zak Podmore provides insights into what lower reservoir levels mean for the region's ecosystems and water management strategies. Encouraging discussions about restoring Glen Canyon and possibly decommissioning Glen Canyon Dam, the conversation transcends mere environmental discourse, hinting at a broader narrative of resilience and adaptation. Key Takeaways: Nuclear Waste Storage Concerns: The proposal to store nuclear waste in Southeast Utah raises significant environmental and social justice issues. Glen Canyon Restoration: Lower water levels in Lake Powell reveal the adaptive potential of natural ecosystems, opening doors for restoration opportunities like decommissioning the Glen Canyon Dam. Climate Change Impacts: The episode reflects the looming threat of climate change-induced drought in the Colorado River Basin and its implications for water management in the Southwest. Community Resistance: Zak Podmore emphasizes the importance of community awareness and resistance against potentially harmful environmental policies. Historic Environmental Advocacy: Insights into past environmental battles, including the roles of figures like David Brower, remind listeners of the enduring fight for ecological preservation. Notable Quotes: "These meetings were held, the nonprofits involved said they were just listening sessions. They said, we're not trying to actually bring radioactive waste to your area. We're just here to listen and provide information." — Zak Podmore "I don't think that's a very valid argument. But even if you really believe that, they still leave out the impacts from all the rest of the nuclear fuel cycle." — Zak Podmore "The ecosystems are incredibly resilient and they're recovering faster than anyone expected." — Zak Podmore "It's a dire situation for 40 million people who get water from the Colorado River throughout the Southwest." — Zak Podmore "If you give Glen Canyon, this famous place that was lost to the Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s, a chance to recover, it will come back." — Zak Podmore Resources: Zak Podmore's Website Zak’s Substack "Life After Deadpool: Lake Powell’s Last Days and the Rebirth of the Colorado River" Listen to the full episode to engage deeply with these issues and explore further enlightening insights from "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." Stay tuned for more episodes that continue to unveil the stories and voices of the desert.  Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Gholson, Timbisha Shoshone council member focused on housing and economic plans. Mandy Campbell, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer protecting culture and land stewardship. Jimmy John Thompson, former chairman defending tribal rights and clarity in park interpretation. They celebrate 25 years of the Homeland Act, describe a march and ceremony, and confront tensions over censorship and ongoing co-management goals.

In this enlightening episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke explores the intricate world of bees with Mary O' Brien from Project 1100. The conversation delves into the potentially deleterious effects of honeybee apiaries on public lands, a topic that's both counterintuitive and crucial for the public to understand. Honeybees, although often seen as critical to agriculture and ecosystems, can pose significant threats to native solitary bees that have co-evolved with local flowering plants. Mary O' Brien sheds light on how these industrious honeybees outcompete their native cousins, impacting pollination dynamics that are vital for the desert's diverse flora. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of preserving native bee species, the complexities of their ecological roles, and the nuanced implications of honeybee proliferation. O'Brien also shares practical strategies for those interested in conservation, emphasizing the importance of habitat protection and mindful consumerism when it comes to honey and pollinator support. Key Takeaways: Honeybees, although widely supported and utilized in agriculture, can have adverse effects on native bee populations, outcompeting them for resources and spreading diseases. The high reproductive rate of honeybees poses a threat to native plants relying on solitary native bees for pollination, potentially destabilizing ecosystems. Public lands serve as critical refuges for native bee species, which are often overlooked in conventional conservation discussions. Consumers can contribute to bee conservation efforts by choosing their honey responsibly and fostering habitats for native pollinators. Regulatory frameworks around public land usage play a significant role in the sustainability of native bee populations, calling for increased transparency and stakeholder engagement. Notable Quotes: "Trying to save bees by saving the honeybee is like trying to save birds by saving the chicken." "Native bees evolved in tandem with flowers, and honeybees are not very good pollinators of many species of plants." "Once you know native solitary bees are in your world, you really can delight in seeing such diversity." "Public lands are the wildflower repositories for the Western U.S.; especially in the desert." "It's often quite attractive to think that you're buying wildflower honey; however, you're almost certainly buying honey that was produced on public land." Resources: Project 1100 Website Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation The Forgotten Pollinators by Stephen Buchmann and Gary Nabhan Common Bees of Western North America laminated guide Center for Biological Diversity resources on pollinators: Bees Pollinators Pollinators in Peril report Discover the intricate dynamics between honeybees and native pollinators and why preserving the biodiversity of our desert ecosystems is more crucial than ever. Listen to the full episode to deepen your understanding of this vital subject and stay tuned to 90 Miles from Needles for more insightful discussions on desert conservation.   Podcast episode artwork: Mojave poppy bee (Perdita meconis). Photo courtesy Zach Portman / University of Minnesota Department of Entomology via the Nevada Independent.Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, host Chris Clarke engages in a thought-provoking discussion with guest Rick LoBello about ambitious conservation strategies along the U.S.-Mexico border. Rick shares insights into his life-long campaign to establish a transboundary protected area encompassing Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and several protected regions in Mexico. Despite the current political climate, Rick’s vision emphasizes the possibility of international cooperation in conservation efforts as a means to foster better cross-border relationships and protect vital ecosystems. Throughout the episode, the conversation traverses a wide range of fascinating topics such as the historical context of the international park proposal and natural wonders of the Big Bend region. The dialogue also highlights the challenges and opportunities in bridging conservation efforts across borders, particularly considering the complex socio-political dynamics. Rick stresses the importance of collaborative frameworks, engaging with local communities, and leveraging relationships to advance conservation initiatives. He draws on past examples of successful cross-border collaborations and provides a roadmap for future actions. Key Takeaways: Transboundary Conservation Vision: Rick LoBello shares his initiative to promote a transboundary protected area involving U.S. and Mexican protected lands, aiming for improved environmental preservation and cultural cooperation. The Role of Local Communities: Local Mexican communities like those in Boquillas del Carmen play a crucial role in conservation efforts, showcasing the importance of community engagement in international environmental initiatives. Unique Biodiversity: The Big Bend region boasts a rich diversity of wildlife which includes black bears, desert bighorn sheep, and a wide range of plant life, underscoring its value as a conservation priority. Successful Cross-Border Collaboration: Historical precedents suggest that meaningful, structured collaboration between countries can address mutual conservation challenges effectively, despite political headwinds. Educational Outreach: Rick’s efforts to increase awareness of Chihuahuan Desert biodiversity through initiatives like the El Paso Wildlife Conservation Society and educational events highlight the critical need for public knowledge in conservation success. Notable Quotes: "I've made it a mission in my life to do all I can to help make [a transboundary protected area] a reality." "People need to know each other and people need to trust each other if we're going to make progress." "The black bear told us that the environment can heal, and there's hope for other species too." "My main concern when it comes to development is that it be done in a way that's ecologically sensitive." "If they know it and they love it, then they're going to want to protect it." Resources: Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition El Paso Wildlife Conservation Society Chihuahuan Desert Conference: Visit Chihuahua Desert Conference for details on upcoming events. Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode to explore more about Rick LoBello's inspiring proposals for cross-border conservation, and to stay updated with upcoming episodes of "90 Miles from Needles" for more engaging contBecome a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.