Staffing Cuts at the National Park Service and Forest Service and an Uptick in Gas Lease Sales - Public Lands News (May 19 - 23)
This week, we’re breaking down a sweeping federal budget package passed by the House on May 22 and what it means for America’s public lands, waters, and environmental protections.In this episode:The public lands sell-offs we stopped — and how grassroots action made it happen.How deep staffing cuts at the National Park Service and Forest Service are hollowing out essential public lands operations just ahead of peak season.The quiet but relentless expansion of fossil fuel development on public lands, with new oil and gas lease sales announced in North Dakota, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and New Mexico.Changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and old-growth forest protections that fast-track extraction projects and sideline public oversight.A dangerous new directive threatening free, honest historical interpretation within the National Park Service.Plus:A small but important win at Mount Rainier National Park with the rollout of a limited timed-entry system.Alarming impacts of agency consolidation in Alaska, where the National Park Service regional office has lost a third of its workforce.Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)Episode Resources:https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/5/22/land-sell-offs-removed-from-spending-bill-but-its-still-bad https://www.npca.org/articles/8891-house-advances-budget-bill-reducing-national-park-service-staff-amid-peak https://www.sierraclub.org/washington/2025-end-of-session-report https://grist.org/politics/house-republican-tax-bill-inflation-reduction-act-repeal-clean-energy-tax-credits/https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2025/5-21-2025-Removal-of-Public-Lands-Transfer-Testament-to-Public-Input https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2025/5-22-2025-Reconciliation-Package https://www.wilderness.org/articles/press-release/house-passes-big-giveaway-budget-bill-drilling-and-mining-interests-reap-huge-rewardshttps://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/5/19/bigger-cuts-to-staff-at-public-land-agencies-will-affect-outdoor-recreation https://www.blm.gov/press-release https://www.doi.gov/news https://www.npca.org/articles/8759-mount-rainier-rolls-out-limited-seasonal-reservation-system https://www.npca.org/articles/8825-national-park-service-alaska-regional-office-decimated-by-staff-cuts-and https://www.npca.org/articles/8858-new-order-threatens-park-service-s-efforts-to-protect-and-explore-american https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/nonprofits-sue-trump-administration-over-illegal-freeze-billions-electric-vehicle https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/judge-deals-significant-blow-unconstitutional-reorganization-federal-government https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/house-passes-new-attack-clean-air-protections
23 Touko 9min
182. Fostering Sustainabe Outdoor Habits as We Age with Linden Loren
In episode 182 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we have a conversation about something that every outdoor lover eventually has to reckon with: how do we keep doing the activities we love for as long as possible? To do that, I’m joined by Linden Loren.Linden is a conservation advocate, co-founder of Camo & Wind, and author of Your Hunting Healthspan: 73 Ways Hunters Can Age Better & Prevent Disease. He is the Marketing Director for Kudupoint Broadheads, a board member of the American Bear Foundation, and a member of the Northwest Outdoor Writers Association. Linden enjoys hunting in the Pacific Northwest, where he can spend time outdoors and provide his family with food.We talk about the fear of aging out of your favorite activities, why simple, consistent habits matter more than extreme trends, and how reshaping your mental framework can open the door to years of adventure ahead. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976---------------Linden LorenYour Hunting Healthspan: https://camoandwind.com/your-hunting-healthspan/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linden_loren/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linden-loren-b694b2196/Camo & Wild: https://camoandwind.com/about/
19 Touko 27min
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and What it Means for Public Lands - Public Lands News (May 12 - 16)
This week, we break down the whirlwind of public lands policy battles happening in Congress and at the Department of the Interior. But it’s not all grim. We also share a couple glimmers of good news, including a federal court decision slowing mass staff layoffs in national parks and a creative billboard campaign calling out those responsible for the growing park service crisis.What's covered:The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what it means for public lands, clean energy, and climate policyTheir plan to sell 500,000 acres of public lands in Utah and NevadaFast-tracking oil, gas, and uranium projects under the guise of a “national energy emergency” Rollbacks on solar and wind development rules on BLM-managed landsA federal court’s pause on agency staff layoffsStates sue Trump administration for "illegal" energy emergencyA billboard campaign exposing the consequences of public lands funding cutsHave tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)Episode sources:Full One Big Beautiful Bill Act Text (https://budget.house.gov/imo/media/doc/one_big_beautiful_bill_act_-_full_bill_text.pdf)Outdoor Alliance: Midnight Land Sales in Reconciliation Megabill (https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/5/12/midnight-land-sales-in-reconciliation-megabill)BLM New Mexico Oil & Gas Lease Sale Public Comment - comments open through June 11, 2025 (https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-seeks-initial-input-january-2026-sale-oil-and-gas-lease-new-mexico-and-oklahoma) More Perfect Union Billboard Campaign Locations (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJmjI1dRniQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)NY Times Coverage of Federal Layoffs Court Ruling (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/us/politics/federal-layoffs-trump-ruling.html)
16 Touko 12min
181. Tips to Naturalize Your Yard from a 'Bad Naturalist' with Paula Whyman
What does it really mean to restore the land, and where do you even begin when faced with the complexity of ecological repair?In episode 181 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I’m joined by Paula Whyman, author of Bad Naturalist, to explore what happens when one person takes on the challenge of rewilding a landscape and the lessons learned along the way. She is also the author of the award-winning short story collection You May See a Stranger. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The American Scholar, and more. In her new book and this conversation, Paula shares the real-world realities of restoring damaged ecosystems — complete with unexpected surprises, setbacks, and personal growth.But this isn’t just a story about managing hundreds of acres. It’s about recognizing that anyone can reconnect with nature and make a difference, no matter where they live. Whether it’s a backyard garden, a city balcony, or a patch of lawn, restoration and rewilding can begin wherever you are.And I think this conversation lands at just the right time. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded by bad news, it’s easy to feel powerless, when my anxiety spikes, my therapist likes to remind me to focus on what I can control. Paula’s story is a reminder of that, too — of the simple, tangible things we can tend to our own lives and communities. It’s a hopeful, inspiring conversation to carry with you into spring and summer as we all look for ways to reconnect with the natural world and spark a little joy close to home.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976---------------Paula WhymanBad Naturalist: https://paulawhyman.com/bad-naturalist/Website: https://paulawhyman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulawhymanauthor/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-whyman-62a9956/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/paulawhyman.bsky.social
12 Touko 31min
Federal Staff Cuts Continue and Land Sale Provision Announced for Nevada and Utah - Public Lands News (May 5 - 9)
In this week’s episode, we cover the details of the budget reconciliation package, the agencies and communities affected, and what you can do to help stop these devastating moves before Memorial Day.📢 Outdoor Alliance Action Alert: https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/5/6/public-lands-and-waters-deserve-better-than-reconciliation-packageHave tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)What's Covered: National Park Service Staff Consolidation: Over 1,600 NPS employees moved under Department of the Interior (DOI) control, stripping the Park Service of independent communications, ranger training, and operations oversight.Midnight Amendment for Public Land Sales: The House Natural Resources Committee fast-tracked an amendment authorizing the sale of hundreds of thousands of acres in Nevada and Utah for tax breaks with no public comment or media notice.Extractive Industries’ Wish List: How the reconciliation bill mandates offshore drilling, mining near the Boundary Waters, timber contracts, and NEPA loopholes to bypass environmental reviews.Park Grants Targeted for Elimination: New York Times report details how the administration plans to cut $26 million in climate, Indigenous cultural, and DEI-focused public land programs.Department of the Interior’s Budget Cuts: A proposed $5.1 billion (30.5%) cut and reorganization granting sweeping powers to DOGE allies.Who Signed Off on the Sale?Bruce Westerman — Arkansas, 4th District (Chairman)Rob Wittman — Virginia, 1st District (Vice Chairman)Tom McClintock — California, 5th DistrictPaul Gosar — Arizona, 9th DistrictAmata Coleman Radewagen — American Samoa, At-largeDoug LaMalfa — California, 1st DistrictDaniel Webster — Florida, 11th DistrictRuss Fulcher — Idaho, 1st DistrictPete Stauber — Minnesota, 8th DistrictTom Tiffany — Wisconsin, 7th DistrictLauren Boebert — Colorado, 4th DistrictCliff Bentz — Oregon, 2nd DistrictJen Kiggans — Virginia, 2nd DistrictWesley Hunt — Texas, 38th DistrictMike Collins — Georgia, 10th DistrictHarriet Hageman — Wyoming, At-largeMark Amodei — Nevada, 2nd DistrictTim Walberg — Michigan, 5th DistrictMike Ezell — Mississippi, 4th DistrictCeleste Maloy — Utah, 2nd DistrictAddison McDowell — North Carolina, 6th DistrictJeff Crank — Colorado, 5th DistrictNick Begich — Alaska, At-largeMike Kennedy — Utah, 3rd DistrictAdam Gray — California, 13th DistrictEpisode Sources: Resistance Rangers Press Release - https://www.resistancerangers.org/press/hundreds-of-rangers-consolidated-to-doi-nps-communications-now-under-doge-oversightNew York Times: NPS Grant Cuts Report - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/07/climate/trump-park-service-grants-cuts.htmlBLM Public Comment Portal for September Lease Sale - https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2036690/510Full Amendment Text and Bill Docs - https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/amodei-amendment-NVUT-Land-Sales.pdf
9 Touko 11min
180. Tariffs Threaten Sustainable Brands, Even if They Manufacture in the U.S.
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how sweeping new tariffs are already hitting the outdoor industry and reshaping the landscape for small, sustainable brands, including those that manufacture right here in the U.S.Small outdoor businesses are being forced to make difficult choices: raise prices, delay product launches, or compromise on the sustainability promises they were founded on.I spoke with four small business owners about how these behind-the-scenes policy changes are impacting their work, and what they wish conscious consumers like you better understood about the true cost of ethical, sustainable gear.Featured Voices:Gilad Nachmani — CNOC Outdoors / Minimal GearRudy Glocker — Burgeon OutdoorDeanne Buck — BRANWYN InnerwearNicole Wilson - Hudson HoundstoothKey Takeaways:The outdoor industry generates $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supports 5 million U.S. jobs84% of outdoor brands surveyed by the Outdoor Industry Association report being directly impacted by new tariffsSome brands are seeing up to 40% increases in costs on essential materials and componentsThe expiration of the de minimis exemption means higher taxes on small international shipments under $800INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistGOFUNDME: https://gofund.me/77aac225LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976---------------Links & ResourcesCNOC / Minimal Gear: https://minimalgear.com/Burgeon Outdoor: https://www.burgeonoutdoor.com/BRANWYN Innerwear: https://branwyn.com/Hudson Houndstooth: https://hudsonhoundstooth.com/Outdoor Industry Association press release on tariffs (https://outdoorindustry.org/press-release/outdoor-industry-warns-new-tariffs-will-hurt-jobs-raise-costs-and-put-businesses-at-risk/)
5 Touko 14min
Major Environmental and Public Lands Actions from the Trump Administration’s First 100 Days - Public Lands News (April 28 - May 2)
We’ve officially passed the 100-day mark of Trump’s second administration. In this episode, I break down the sweeping environmental and public lands-related moves made so far, including threats to protections, deregulation, and extractive industry prioritization.I also recap a leaked Department of Interior draft plan, recent BLM energy project approvals, and a new bipartisan effort in the Senate aimed at extending critical maintenance funding for national parks.What is Covered:1. A timeline of major environmental and public lands actions from the Trump administration’s first 100 days2. The Department of the Interior’s leaked draft plan and what it means for public lands and extractive industries3. BLM’s recent approvals for oil, gas, solar, and pipeline projects and the backlash from conservation group.4. A promising bipartisan Senate bill to extend the Legacy Restoration Fund and invest in national parks infrastructureWhat's not mentioned: NPS internal communications say that up to 1500 people will be fired in the next two weeks.Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)Sources:BLM Nevada Announces June 2025 Oil & Gas Lease Sale (https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-announces-june-2025-sale-oil-and-gas-leases-nevada)BLM Approves Elisabeth Solar Project, Arizona (https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-approves-elisabeth-solar-project-yuma-county)BLM Approves Park Mountain Pipeline, Utah (http://blm.gov/press-release/blm-approves-park-mountain-pipeline)Outdoor Alliance: America the Beautiful Act Reintroduced (https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/4/30/lawmakers-in-the-senate-reintroduce-the-america-the-beautiful-act)NPCA: Bipartisan Bill Extends National Park Maintenance Funding (https://www.npca.org/articles/8297-bipartisan-bill-aims-to-extend-critical-national-park-maintenance-funding)Leaked Draft of DOI Strategic Plan (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4165462-Leaked-Draft-DOI-Strategic-Plan/)
2 Touko 13min
179. Recreate Responsibly by Following the Leave No Trace 7 Principles with Shannon Rochelle [repost]
As attacks on public lands continue, we are likely still wanting to visit wild spaces and get outside. But now more than ever, we need to be mindful of how we recreate and be sure we are following Leave No Trace no matter how far we roam. In this repost episode, I am joined by Shannon Rochelle, the NOLS InterimExpedition and Leadership Education Director and a Leave No Trace Master Educator, as she shares the 7 Leave No Trace principles and why they are so important for preserving the beauty of our national parks and other wild spaces.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/bookGOFUNDME: https://gofund.me/77aac225LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976---------------Leave No Trace7 Principles: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/How to Remember LNT Principles: https://lnt.org/remember-the-7-principles-with-this-trick/NOLSWebsite: https://nols.edu/en/Shannon Rochelle: https://www.nols.edu/en/employee_directory/profile/shannon-rochelle/#
28 Huhti 16min
