In this enlightening episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke takes listeners to the heart of the desert Southwest for a special commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act. The episode celebrates the journey of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in reclaiming their ancestral lands in Death Valley National Park. Tribe members, including Jimmy John Thompson, Mandy Campbell, and George Gholson share their stories and highlight ongoing collaborations with the National Park Service.

Rich in history and advocacy, this episode explores both the triumphs and challenges faced by the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in the years since the landmark legislation was enacted. Jimmy John Thompson and Mandy Campbell express their frustrations over recent censorship concerning the tribe's narrative in the park's visitor center materials. The episode conveys the tribe's resilience and determination to protect and celebrate their culture while addressing contemporary environmental and social challenges. The discussion doesn't shy away from revealing the systemic issues still at play, urging listeners to reflect on the broader implications on cultural preservation and environmental justice.

Key Takeaways:

• The Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act was a significant event for the Tribe, granting them 7,800 acres of ancestral land within Death Valley National Park, a singular achievement for a Native American tribe.

• The collaboration between the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe and the National Park Service highlights a critical step in building partnerships for the preservation and recognition of indigenous lands and culture.

• Current tribal council members, including Jimmy John Thompson, stress the ongoing need to address issues like censorship and the importance of reflecting true tribal narratives in public spaces.

• The Timbisha Shoshone people continue to fight for their rights and cultural survival, underscoring the importance of indigenous advocacy and environmental justice in modern society.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I see partners, I see friends, I see family. These relationships would not work if we do not respect each other and trust each other." – Jimmy John Thompson

2. "We're here to honor those that came before us who got this accomplished." – Jimmy John Thompson

3. "We were pushed from land to land around here, from home to home. It kind of felt like when I figured it out, it felt like we were nobody then, but now we are somebody, and we are still here." – Mandy Campbell

4. "Imagine for a second, if you did not know if your home was going to be there when you went home." – George Gholson

Resources:

• Timbisha Shoshone Tribe Website: timbisha.com

• Desert Advocacy Media Network: Desert Advocacy Media Network

• Raising funds for Desert Journalism Fellowship:

  • Website: 90milesfromneedles.com/fellowship

The compelling narratives and insights from this episode provide a deep understanding of the Timbasha Shoshone Tribe's heritage, challenges, and collaborations. Tune into the full episode for more profound stories and stay connected with "90 Miles from Need

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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:

1. "Trying to save bees by saving the honeybee is like trying to save birds by saving the chicken."

2. "Native bees evolved in tandem with flowers, and honeybees are not very good pollinators of many species of plants."

3. "Once you know native solitary bees are in your world, you really can delight in seeing such diversity."

4. "Public lands are the wildflower repositories for the Western U.S.; especially in the desert."

5. "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.

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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 cont

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