Show Notes
As everyone knows, Sen. Lee's public land sales provision was pulled from the Reconciliation bill at the last moment, giving public lands champions a big win. However, this wasn't the first, nor will it be the last attempt to sell public lands. What led to this effort, and what can we do to quash it in the future? In a two part series, Dave and Nephi dive into those questions, and more. Part 1 focuses on the history of public lands, including the acquisition of lands, disposal of lands, conditions for admission of states to the Union, reserving lands for various purposes, ending homesteading, why we have so much public land in the west, and what sorts of events led to a desire to sell public lands. In Part II, the guys will discuss the future of public lands, and possible solutions to turn down the temperature.
More from Your Mountain
Recently, the Secretary of Agriculture released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement that proposes to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule. This has some people celebrating, and others sounding alarm bells. The guys talk a bit about both sides of the debate, and explain how you can get involved. They also highlight the US Fish and Wildlife Service's new hunt/fish rule that opens more opportunities for hunting and fishing on National Wildlife Refuges.
The Federal government just proposed turning grizzly bear management over to Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho--without delisting. How is this possible? The guys discuss the proposed rule, and some of the history of the past 15 years that led to the proposal (Dave takes WAY too much credit!). Next, they discuss the recent Executive Order that shrinks the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in southern Utah. They explain a little of the history, the pendulum swings, and why it's time to start thinking about durability, not dogma. Finally, they give a quick update on a rule that changes the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. Lots of meat in this episode.
The guys recorded this episode about 12 hours before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was set to consider an amendment to a potentially bipartisan bill from Sen. Mike Lee that would invalidate the 2001 Roadless Rule. Dave and Nephi discuss the implications (spoiler: the sky isn't falling, but it's not a great look). They also chat about a proposal to repeal the blanket 4(d) Rule (a wonky discussion that nearly put Nephi to sleep). They also share some stories from the trenches from their days working for former Wyoming Governor, Matt Mead.
An effort to end hunting and fishing in Oregon is one step closer to making the ballot--the guys discuss. They also talk about the new Executive Order regarding travel management on public lands, proposed grazing regulation revisions on BLM lands, and the new Hunt/Fish Rule opening up more hunting opportunities on refuge lands across the country. And, they share the best new way to get ahold of them via their new email address: [email protected]
In a bleary eyed, late night recording, the guys talk about recent changes to what firearms can be used when turkey hunting in Wyoming that go into effect next spring. They also talk about conservation provisions in a Farm Bill that recently passed the US House. Other topics include: odds of the Farm Bill passing the Senate, risks of appropriating money without personnel to deliver it to projects on the ground, the recent withdrawal of controversial wildlife commission nominees in Colorado, and more. We also have a new email address. Be the first to send us an email at: [email protected]