Afleveringen
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Aaron talks with Tracy Stone-Manning, president of The Wilderness Society, former director of the Bureau of Land Management, and three-time guest on The Landscape, about how to rebuild federal land agencies after years of political disruption and why the current moment may be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink public lands law from the ground up. They discuss the Forest Service reorganization, the lessons Tracy learned rebuilding BLM after the first Trump administration’s failed relocation, the new Ground Shift initiative, and why aging laws like the 1872 Mining Act are long overdue for an overhaul.
In the news: Aaron covers the ongoing fiasco at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where a rushed, no-bid repainting job has devolved into peeling paint, algae, and an administration blaming phantom vandals. He also covers the tragic deaths of three federal wildland firefighters along the Colorado-Utah border and the questions it raises about whether staffing cuts are putting our fire crews in danger.
NewsA bumpy beginning for the Great American State Fair — Washington PostThe blue paint is peeling off the Reflecting Pool. Trump says vandals targeted it. — Washington Post3 firefighters killed in Western wildfire were trying to shield themselves from flames — Associated PressFederal wildland firefighters report increased burnout, low morale — Federal News NetworkResourcesGround ShiftThe Wilderness SocietyWatch this episode on YouTubeProduced by Aaron Weiss, Lauren Bogard, Kate Groetzinger, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: King Range National Conservation Area. BLM InstagramThe post Tracy Stone-Manning on the future of public lands appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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Kate and Aaron talk to Jayson O’Neill, a longtime public lands watchdog and Montanan who previously led the Western Values Project and now heads up a campaign called Save Our Parks. Jayson explains how the Trump administration is using the National Park Service to funnel money into Trump’s vanity projects in DC, as well as how President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum subverted America250, an organization chartered by Congress to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday.
NewsNational Park Entrance Fees Are Funding Trump’s D.C. Projects – New York TimesAmericans’ national parks passes will pay for Trump’s July 4 plans, documents show – Washington PostMike Lee’s fast-track attempt to scrap this national monument’s management plan has failed – Salt Lake TribuneJudge orders Trump administration to restore signs changed at national parks – CNNResourcesSave Our Parks websiteAnalysis: Reporting signs that “disparage” American history – CWPWatch this episode on YouTubeProduced by Aaron Weiss, Lauren Bogard, Kate Groetzinger, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: Photo of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool filled with algae; Source: Ali Khan/WikimediaThe post How Trump and Burgum hijacked the Park Service and America’s birthday party appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Kate and Aaron are joined by Dr. Steve Feldgus, an independent consultant who served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management at the Interior Department under President Biden. Dr. Feldgus talks about how to improve mine permitting in the US, a topic he worked on while at Interior.
NewsFalling behind: Forest Service fuel treatment gap puts communities at risk – Center for Western PrioritiesAmericans’ national parks passes will pay for Trump’s July 4 plans, documents show – Washington PostWyoming’s ‘Path of the Pronghorn’ is a signature away from protections fought over for a quarter century – WyoFileResourcesRed Tape is a Red Herring: Deregulation Will Not Speed Critical Mineral DevelopmentWatch this episode on YouTubeProduced by Aaron Weiss, Lauren Bogard, Kate Groetzinger, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: Construction equipment at a bentonite mine on BLM land near Greybull, Wyoming; Source: Photo by Gretchen Hurley, Geologist, BLM Cody Field OfficeThe post A former Interior department official explains what’s wrong with mining on public land appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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Floodlight News reporter Evan Simon joins Aaron and Kate to break down a controversial Forest Service land swap in Montana’s Crazy Mountains that quietly gave Yellowstone Club — a private club for billionaires — near-exclusive access to what should be public land, and how Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s involvement in the club raises serious questions.
In the news this week: House Natural Resources Committee members put Doug Burgum through a brutal hearing, calling him out on everything from his anti-renewables talking points to Trump’s DC vanity projects and gutted public lands budget.
NewsInterior Secretary Doug Burgum grilled over proposed $1 billion national park budget cut — SFGATEHuffman: Burgum misled Congress on triumphal arch — E&E NewsInterior Secretary Claims Ignorance of Trump’s July 4 “Vanity Projects” — Mother JonesResourcesTrump officials, billionaires and the quiet reshaping of America’s public lands — Floodlight NewsWe Went in Search of a Hidden Billionaire’s Club Reshaping Public Lands — Floodlight News Follow our new Instagram account @burgumblundersWatch this episode on YouTubeProduced by Aaron Weiss, Lauren Bogard, Kate Groetzinger, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: Loco Mountain in Crazy Mountains, Mike ClineThe post How a private billionaires’ club took over the Crazy Mountains appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In this special episode of The Landscape, the entire Center for Western Priorities team joins us for an interview with Jennifer Rokala, CWP’s outgoing executive director, to celebrate her 11 years leading the organization. Jen reflects on key victories throughout her tenure at CWP, the organization’s evolution as a communications-driven conservation hub, and her advice for Aaron as he steps into the role of executive director.
Plus, the team talks about the best food in the West. Here are the restaurants mentioned during this episode:
Hot Tomato Pizza – Fruita, ColoradoBin 707 – Grand Junction, ColoradoEegee’s – Tucson, ArizonaTaco Party – Grand Junction, ColoradoRome Station – Rome, OregonBirdHouse – Page, ArizonaNewsEmails Show How Interior Dept Delivered New Drilling Permits for Burgum’s Billionaire Ally — Public DomainShared ground: Coalition forms to promote affordable housing on public lands — Deseret NewsSolar ranch aims to prove grazing cattle under the panels is a farmland win-win — Los Angeles TimesResourcesHousing and conservation experts agree: Public lands can’t solve the housing crisis. Here’s what can — Center for Western Priorities via SubstackWatch this episode on YouTubeProduced by Aaron Weiss, Lauren Bogard, Kate Groetzinger, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: Center for Western Priorities teamThe post Jennifer Rokala on 11 years fighting for public lands at CWP appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In the second part of our series on the borderlands, Aaron and Lilly are joined by Bob Krumenaker, former superintendent of Big Bend National Park and current chair of Keep Big Bend Wild. They discuss the proposal for a border wall through one of America’s national treasures, the bipartisan coalition rallying to stop it, and what’s at stake for the park, communities, and local economy. Plus, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum struggles to defend a 38% cut to the National Park Service maintenance budget while making a $10 billion request for D.C.-based projects.
NewsFact Check: Burgum claims $10 billion Trump slush fund request is for NPS deferred maintenance only — Center for Western PrioritiesSenate ENR committee tussles with Burgum over permitting — E&E NewsTrump used Park Service to funnel millions to ballroom construction firm — New York TimesPresident’s Budget Proposal Slashes National Park Service Funding Amid Ongoing Attacks on National Parks — National Parks Conservation AssociationBorder wall map disappears from government website — Big Bend SentinelLand acquisition expands popular Jeffco park adjacent to Red Rocks — Denver PostResourcesBorderlands part 1: The threats to public lands at the borderKeep Big Bend WildMission Creep: How Trump is using the border to militarize our public lands — Westwise blogWatch this episode on YouTubeProduced by Aaron Weiss, Lauren Bogard, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: U.S.-Mexico border within Big Bend National Park, NPS photoThe post Borderlands part 2: The fight against a border wall at Big Bend appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In the first installment of a two-part series on the borderlands, Aaron and Lilly are joined by Laiken Jordahl, National Public Lands Advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity, to discuss his work protecting public lands along the U.S.-Mexico border. Laiken shares a boots-on-the-ground perspective on what makes these places special and how border wall construction is actively impacting our public lands.Plus, Kate returns to the pod! She and Aaron cover updates for BLM and National Park Service nominees, the withdrawal of the public lands rule, and more.NewsPearce on a list of candidates Senate hopes to confirm soon — E&E NewsTrump Just Withdrew Scott Socha to Lead the National Park Service — SFGateWhite House completes review of BLM public lands rule — E&E NewsTrump used Park Service to funnel millions to ballroom construction firm — New York TimesPresident’s Budget Proposal Slashes National Park Service Funding Amid Ongoing Attacks on National Parks — National Parks Conservation AssociationBorder wall map disappears from government website — Big Bend SentinelResourcesFind Laiken Jordahl on X, Bluesky, Threads, TikTok, and InstagramCenter for Biological DiversityNo Big Bend WallMission Creep: How Trump is using the border to militarize our public lands — Westwise blogWatch this episode on YouTube
Produced by Aaron Weiss, Kate Groetzinger, Lauren Bogard, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: San Rafael Valley border wall construction. Russ McSpadden, Center for Biological DiversityThe post Borderlands part 1: The threats to public lands at the border appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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Producers Lauren Bogard and Lilly Bock-Brownstein are joined by Timothy Ingalsbee of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology (FUSEE). Timothy explains why the Trump administration’s rushed reorganization of federal firefighting is so risky, what it means for the firefighters already heading into a dangerous season short-staffed, and why he sees the whole effort as less like reform and more like sabotage.
In the news this week, the Senate voted to open the Boundary Waters to copper mining, and emails show Secretary Doug Burgum secretly helped craft talking points for Senator Mike Lee’s land sell-off bill. Plus, some big news from Aaron and the CWP team!
NewsSenate Votes to Allow Mining Near Minnesota Wilderness — New York TimesTrump’s Interior Dept. Crafted Talking Points For Mike Lee’s Public Land Sell-Off Scheme — Public DomainLeadership shuffle at Western conservation group — E&E NewsResourcesTimothy Ingalsbee: Fire Consolidation as Creative Destruction? Trump’s Proposed U.S. Wildland Fire ServiceWatch this episode on YouTubeProduced by Aaron Weiss, Lauren Bogard, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: Steve Segin, USFWSThe post The dangerous rush to consolidate America’s wildfire response appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In this week’s episode, Aaron is joined by guest co-host Lauren Bogard for a conversation with Jonathon Klein, editor-in-chief of RideApart, an online news source for the motorized vehicle community. Jonathon makes the case that the OHV and powersports community has more at stake in the public lands fight than many of its members realize. He argues that the current moment is a rare opportunity for outdoor recreation communities to unite.
Also this week: The Trump administration moves to relocate the Forest Service to Salt Lake City and the “God squad” votes to strip Endangered Species Act protections to prioritize Gulf of Mexico oil drilling. Plus, good news?!
NewsUS Forest Service to move headquarters from Washington DC to Salt Lake City — The GuardianIn Sweeping ESA Rollback, Doug Burgum and Pete Hegseth Play God — Public DomainBLM: About 3,000 acres immediately open to public after Dominguez-Escalante add-on — Grand Junction Daily SentinelThis ‘fairyland’ bog is a beacon for winter birders – and a sponge for the climate — WBURHistoric Front Range ranch near Continental Divide to be preserved as state wildlife habitat — Denver PostResourcesJonathon Klein: The Mojave’s Off-Road Trail Closure Isn’t What The Blue Ribbon Coalition Wants You to Believe It IsWatch this episode on YouTubeProduced by Aaron Weiss, Lauren Bogard, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: Nick Taylor, FlickrThe post What the off-road community stands to lose on public lands appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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Aaron is joined by Alan Spears from the National Parks Conservation Association to discuss his recent testimony before Congress about the Trump administration’s efforts to erase difficult histories from national parks and historic sites. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Alan makes the case that telling the full story of our past is patriotic. He warns about the consequences of sanitizing history and explains why telling complex stories strengthens our democracy.
Plus, new documents reveal Interior official Karen Budd-Falen may be violating ethics agreements by working on grazing policy despite her family’s extensive ranching operations on public lands.
NewsThis Top Interior Official Is Working On Grazing Policy — An Issue She Was Disqualified From — Public DomainNational parks employees say SFGATE has been blacklisted by the Interior Department — SFGATEHistoric Front Range ranch near Continental Divide to be preserved as state wildlife habitat — Denver PostResourcesWatch this episode on YouTubeProduced by Aaron Weiss, Lauren Bogard, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: President’s House Site at Independence National Historic Site in Philadelphia, National Park ServiceThe post America’s 250th anniversary and why history matters in our parks appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In this episode, Aaron and Kate are joined by Jesse Chakrin, Executive Director of the Fund for People in Parks. They discuss how his organization supports smaller, overlooked national park sites across the West through philanthropy and partnerships. From multilingual signage to junior ranger programs in American Samoa, Jesse shares how they’re making parks more accessible and welcoming while navigating an increasingly challenging political environment.
Plus, oil prices top $100 a barrel as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum becomes the “Where’s Waldo” of the Trump administration.
NewsTrump’s energy ‘tiger team’ struggles to find its roar with Iran – PoliticoTrump official rips Americans who care about public land: ‘Financially illiterate’ – Raw Story‘Sell-off Steve’ Pearce BLM nomination advances – Center for Western PrioritiesResourcesThe Fund for People in ParksWatch this episode on YouTubeProduced by Aaron Weiss, Kate Groetzinger, Lauren Bogard, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: Honouliuli National Historic Site, National Park ServiceThe post Why America’s lesser known national parks matter now more than ever appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In this episode of The Landscape, Aaron and Kate speak with Jim Pattiz of the More Than Just Parks newsletter about public lands news after the first year of the second Trump administration, including Jim and his brother Will’s list of 70 major public-lands setbacks in 2025 and CWP’s assessment of Project 2025.
Aaron also covers Steve Pearce’s confirmation hearing to lead the Bureau of Land Management and lawmakers’ concerns about National Park Service censorship and Freedom 250, including a judge’s order to restore Philadelphia displays about enslaved members of George Washington’s household and a leaked database of NPS materials flagged for review. Pattiz discusses short- versus long-term harms such as civil service attacks, logging mandates, land giveaways, and fast-tracked mining, and the group closes with hopes for coalition-building and rebuilding public lands governance.
NewsBLM nominee Steve Pearce waffles on public land sell-offCorruption, censorship take center stage at Freedom 250 hearingConfidential database reveals which items NPS thinks may ‘disparage’ AmericaProduced by Aaron Weiss, Kate Groetzinger, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: [email protected]
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: Interpretive sign at Grand Canyon National Park, Wikimedia CommonsThe post 2025 was awful for public lands. Is there hope? appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In this episode of The Landscape, Aaron welcomes pollsters Lori Weigel from New Bridge Strategy and Miranda Everitt from FM3 to discuss the 16th annual Colorado College Conservation in the West Poll. The bipartisan polling team breaks down voter attitudes across eight Western states on public lands, conservation priorities, and the Trump administration’s funding cuts and policy rollbacks. The poll reveals consensus across party lines—including among MAGA voters—on protecting public lands, opposing sell-offs, and prioritizing renewable energy over fossil fuel extraction.
NewsGroups sue over Trump effort to ‘erase’ history, science in national parks – Washington PostConcessionaire Nominated To Run National Park Service – National Parks TravelerWater worries are top of mind for Arizonans, poll shows – Axios PhoenixOpinion: Senators, reject the Steve Pearce nomination – Santa Fe New MexicanResources2026 Conservation in the West Poll – Colorado CollegeWatch this episode on YouTube CreditsProduced and hosted by Aaron Weiss with production support from Lauren Bogard, edited by Lilly Bock-BrownsteinFeedback: [email protected]: Purple PlanetFeatured image: David Korzillus, BLMThe post Unpacking the 2026 Conservation in the West Poll appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In this episode, Kate and Aaron are joined by Professor John Ruple, a public lands law expert at the University of Utah and former attorney at the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), to discuss the Trump administration’s dismantling of the CEQ’s authority over NEPA regulations. He breaks down what the Trump administration means when it claims to have ended NEPA’s “regulatory reign of terror” and why removing uniform environmental review standards creates chaos for public lands.
NewsFor $1 Million, Donors to U.S.A. Birthday Group Offered Access to Trump – New York TimesPotential conflicts over celebrating America’s 250th anniversary spill out in congressional hearing – Associated PressConcessionaire Nominated To Run National Park Service – National Parks TravelerResourcesWatch this episode on YouTubeCreditsProduced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger, edited by Lilly Bock-BrownsteinFeedback: [email protected]: Purple PlanetFeatured image: David Korzillus, BLMThe post What gutting the Council on Environmental Quality means for public lands appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In this episode, Kate and Aaron discuss how Congress is using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn public land management plans, creating chaos and uncertainty for federal lands. Steve Bloch from the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance explains that the CRA, originally designed to review agency rules, is now being weaponized to repeal resource management plans and even national monument plans like the one in place for Grand Staircase-Escalante, despite these never being treated as “rules” before.
NewsTrump admin’s approval of Northern Corridor sparks new lawsuit – Salt Lake TribuneNPS removes slavery exhibit in Trump admin crackdown on ‘negative’ history – E&E NewsTri-State says no thanks to federal orders to keep Craig coal power plant open – Colorado SunResourcesWatch this episode on YouTubeCreditsProduced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate GroetzingerFeedback: [email protected]: Purple PlanetFeatured image: Grand Staircase-Escalante, John FowlerThe post Weaponizing the Congressional Review Act against America’s public lands appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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Aaron and Kate speak with Zachary Fort, president of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, about his opposition to Steve Pearce’s nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management. Fort, a former Republican and gun rights advocate, explains why hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts are concerned about Pearce’s track record on public lands. He discusses Pearce’s history of sponsoring legislation to sell off national public lands, his prioritization of oil and gas interests over public access, and his divisive leadership of the New Mexico Republican Party. Fort argues that Pearce’s support for transferring public lands to private ownership threatens hunting and shooting opportunities that generations of New Mexicans have relied on.
NewsHouse Public Lands Caucus Fails Test With Boundary Waters Vote – Public DomainHouse Dems Demand Probe Into Top Interior Official, Citing Public Domain’s Reporting – Public DomainCongress passes environmental funding without Trump’s deep cuts – High Country NewsResourcesWatch this episode on YouTubeCreditsProduced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate GroetzingerFeedback: [email protected]: Purple PlanetFeatured image: Congressman Steve Pearce of New Mexico speaking at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland; Source: Flickr/Gage SkidmoreThe post Why a New Mexico gun rights leader opposes Trump’s pick to lead the BLM appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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Kate and Aaron talk to Kelly Mitchell, executive director of oil industry watchdog FieldNotes, about what Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro’s capture by the US means for oil and gas producers here in the West. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has also been making the rounds on Fox cheering on Trump’s actions in Venezuela and calling on US companies to start drilling there, which we also touch on.
NewsThe Trump Administration Approved a Big Lithium Mine. A Top Official’s Husband Profited. – New York TimesTakeaways from Congress’ latest spending package – E&E NewsResourcesWatch this episode on YouTubeCreditsProduced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate GroetzingerFeedback: [email protected]: Purple PlanetFeatured image: Natural gas drilling equipment on the Pinedale Anticline, WY. Source: Richard Waite, World Resources InstituteThe post Will Maduro’s capture lead to an American oil rift? appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In this episode of The Landscape, Aaron and Lauren ask veteran wildland firefighter Bobbie Scopa about the state of America’s wildfire response. Bobbie, who is a retired firefighter with the organization Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, shares insights from her five-decade career, exploring how recent federal layoffs and policy changes are impacting fire mitigation, hazardous fuels reduction, and the morale of those on the front lines. This episode delves into the complexities of forest management, the challenges of interagency coordination, and the dedication of those who protect our public lands.
NewsMike Lee reverses course on controversial national park proposal, but conservation groups say concerns still remain – Salt Lake TribuneUSDA lost more than 20,000 employees this year, internal watchdog finds – E&E NewsMexican wolves are rebounding, but are they ready for delisting? – High Country NewsResourcesWatch this episode on YouTubeCreditsProduced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate GroetzingerFeedback: [email protected]: Purple PlanetFeatured image: NPS photo by Brady RichardsThe post Burnout and bravery: Fighting fire on America’s public lands appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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In this episode of The Landscape, Aaron and Sterling talk to Cody Perry, a filmmaker and founder of Rig to Flip, and Professor Mark Squillace, an expert in public lands and environmental law at the University of Colorado, about the ongoing battle to change Colorado’s restrictive stream access laws. The conversation centers around Perry’s documentary “Common Waters,” which follows Prof. Squillace’s efforts to change the law by attempting to get himself arrested.
NewsPublic Land Advocates Warn Senate Amendment Could Greenlight Sale of National Parks – Flathead BeaconResourcesWatch “Common Waters” previewSalida screening Jan 29Colorado Stream Access Coalition websiteVideo episode on YouTubeCreditsProduced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate GroetzingerFeedback: [email protected]: Purple PlanetFeatured image: Screenshot from Common Waters preview; Source: Rig to FlipThe post Common waters: Inside the fight for stream access in Colorado appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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On this episode of the Landscape, Kate and Aaron are joined by filmmaker Annie Ersinghaus, rancher Don Schreiber, and Gail Evans, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, to talk about the impact poorly regulated oil and gas extraction has on New Mexico’s environment. Gail and Don appear in Annie’s new film, The Land of Sacrifice: The Burden of New Mexico’s Oil and Gas Extraction.
NewsHundreds of Joshua trees were scorched during the shutdown – Los Angeles TimesWealthy Ranchers Profit from Public Lands. Taxpayers Pick up the Tab – High Country News/PropublicaSheep Creek mine public meeting draws comments, concerns in Hamilton – KPAX NewsResourcesWatch The Land of Sacrifice: The Burden of New Mexico’s Oil and Gas ExtractionCreditsProduced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate GroetzingerFeedback: [email protected]: Purple PlanetFeatured image: Permian Basin oil and gas development; SkyTruth/FickrThe post The dirty truth about oil and gas drilling in New Mexico appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
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