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/

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

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke provides valuable insights into the impact of government shutdowns on national parks, especially those within desert regions. The episode opens with a beautiful recording of a hermit thrush by nature sound artist Fred Bell, setting a serene and reflective tone for discussing the challenges facing these national treasures during shutdowns. Clarke advises listeners to reconsider visiting national parks until they are fully operational again due to the strain on park staff and resources, leading to potential environmental degradation and safety risks.

Chris shares insights from retired park rangers and discusses the alarming consequences of a strained park system, such as vandalism, inadequate maintenance of amenities, and risks posed by decreased ranger presence. Clarke also emphasizes the economic implications for local communities reliant on park tourism, highlighting examples of local businesses adapting by offering alternative tours outside national parks. Additionally, he encourages listeners to explore other natural and historical sites managed by different entities, thus somewhat preserving the economic stability of local regions while respecting and protecting national parks during these challenging times.

Key Takeaways:

• National parks face significant challenges during government shutdowns, leading to environmental and safety risks.
• Vandalism, lack of maintenance, and potential visitor accidents are heightened without adequate park staffing.
• Retired park rangers advocate for closing parks entirely during shutdowns to protect resources.
• Local businesses and tour operators offer alternative experiences outside national parks to mitigate economic impacts.
• Visitors can explore nearby state parks, county parks, and BLM lands as responsible alternatives.

Notable Quotes:

1. "As someone who lives a five minute drive from an extremely popular national park, it's disturbing to me that the Secretary of the Interior has basically ordered parks to stay as open as possible during the shutdown." - Chris Clarke
2. "These landscapes, these cultural resources, these historical resources are all vulnerable. And right now they don't have enough guardians watching over them." - Chris Clarke
3. "During the last long shutdown, there was vandalism in Joshua Tree. There's spray painting on rocks, damage and theft of artifacts and cultural items." - Chris Clarke
4. "We can use it as an excuse to give those animals another break. It's been five years since they had one. Maybe we think about this as a good moment to give the land and the beings that live there another chance to breathe." - Chris Clarke
5. "The landscapes around the parks are amazing in their own right, and your spending there will still support the local economy without adding pressure to the national parks." - Chris Clarke

Resources:

• 90 Miles from Needles Podcast: [90milesfromneedles.com](https://90milesfromneedles.com)
• Desert Protection Podcast Social Media: Facebook https://facebook.com/ninetymilesfromneedles
  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/90mifromneedles/
  BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/90milesfromneedles.com
  Threads https://www.threads.com/@90mifromneedles

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Chris Clarke takes listeners along on a recent journey to El Paso for the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta. The trip was made possible by supporters who contributed to the Chihuahuan Desert Travel Fund. Clarke shares insights and experiences from traveling over 1600 miles across the deserts of the Southwest. This episode provides a heartfelt thank you to supporters and explores the challenges facing desert conservation. As Clarke reflects on the journey, he explores common ecological threats facing desert regions, ranging from industrial development to climate change and invasive species. The episode features stories and experiences gathered from Tucson to El Paso, highlighting the bond people form with these arid landscapes and the innovative ways communities are working to protect them. Clarke concludes by discussing the potential for a cross-desert conservation movement, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication.

Key Takeaways:

• The Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta provided a platform for connecting with desert conservationists and highlighted the biodiversity and challenges unique to desert ecosystems.
• The trip was a success thanks to generous donations, enabling Clarke to engage with local communities and build relationships that transcend geographic boundaries.
• Ecological threats, such as invasive species and climate change, affect all desert regions, necessitating collaborative conservation efforts.
• Personal connections and face-to-face interactions can be pivotal in galvanizing support and fostering shared passion for desert protection.
• The idea of a continent-wide desert conservation movement underscores the need for innovative communication channels between diverse communities.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The ecosystems are fragile in the sense that they are slow to heal from disturbance. They can take centuries to recover."
2. "There is a diverse group of people working on protecting the deserts... that care about the desert and want to protect it."
3. "I think the thing that I was most impressed by from mile one of this trip is the degree of passion that these places raise in their defenders."
4. "It would be great for people in Las Vegas to be familiar with what people in El Paso are facing and vice versa."

Resources:

90 Miles from Needles https://90milesfromneedles.com

The Mojave Project: https://mojaveproject.org/

Adriana Bachmann - https://www.instagram.com/myclimateclarity

Eli Heller - https://www.instagram.com/desertnaturalist

Henry Brean at AZ Daily Star: https://tucson.com/users/profile/henry%20brean/

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.