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 Mai 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 Mai 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 Mai 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 Apr 16min
51% of MAGA Voters Side with Conservation Over Expanded Energy Development - Public Lands News (April 21 - 25)
This week, we cover moves inside the Department of the Interior (DOI) alongside new polling that shows the public isn’t on board with these drastic changes. Colorado College’s 2025 Conservation in the West Poll reveals overwhelming bipartisan support for clean water, wildlife, and public lands protections, including 51% of MAGA voters siding with conservation over expanded energy development.Yet while public support rises, the Trump administration is accelerating environmental rollbacks. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum handed sweeping authority over all DOI operations to DOGE operative Tyler Hassen, consolidating decision-making for 500 million acres of public lands under a single corporate-aligned figure.Meanwhile:Protections for the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument revoked, opening endangered marine habitats to commercial fishing.New offshore oil and gas leasing program launched, targeting protected coastal waters.Fast-tracked mining projects and slashed permit timelines under a fabricated “National Energy Emergency.”Yosemite National Park closed backpacker campgrounds due to severe staffing shortages.Minnesota’s BWCAW halted permit issuance at ranger stations amid federal hiring freezes.It’s a coordinated, high-speed dismantling of decades of conservation protections with direct consequences for ecosystems, communities, and the climate.Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)Sources:Colorado College's Poll - https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2025-poll-data/CC%20Poll%202025%20-%20National%20Press%20Release.pdf The Hill - https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5259589-interior-secretary-doug-burgum/ White House EO - https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/unleashing-american-commercial-fishing-in-the-pacific/ https://usa.oceana.org/press-releases/trump-administration-moves-to-undo-science-based-ocean-management-and-protections/ Oceana - https://usa.oceana.org/press-releases/trump-administration-moves-to-undo-science-based-ocean-management-and-protections/ Department of Interior - https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-announces-eleventh-national-outer-continental-shelf-oil-and-gas-leasing https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/trump-administration-adds-key-mining-projects-fast-41 https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-implements-emergency-permitting-procedures-strengthen-domestic https://www.wilderness.org/articles/press-release/trump-administration-sidelines-public-expand-drilling-and-mining-public-lands https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-boosts-offshore-oil-production-new-commingling-policy Backpacker - https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/yosemite-closing-backpackers-campgrounds/Public Domain - http://publicdomain.media/p/interior-trump-draft-strategic-plan
25 Apr 17min
178 . Earth Day Special: Our Power, Our Planet
In this special Earth Day episode of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss the 2025 theme: Our Power, Our Planet. While this year's campaign focuses on accelerating renewable energy, it also shines a light on the power of people.Because the transition to a cleaner, more just world depends on all of us.From grassroots organizing to transformative climate policy, we explore how individuals and communities are stepping up to meet the moment. Change doesn’t just come from institutions. It’s sparked by collective action.In this episode, you’ll hear from:Jonathan Cedar, CEO and Co-founder of BioLiteAidan Charron, Emily Walker, and Michael Karapetian from EARTHDAY.ORGDavid Gahl from the Solar and Storage Industries InstituteJason Walker from the Southwest Regional Development CommissionWhether you're an advocate, an educator, or someone looking for ways to make a difference, this episode offers powerful insights on how to take action in 2025 and beyond.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE:https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalistLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976This episode was written, produced, and hosted by Meg Carney with audio editing and mixing by Alex Carney
21 Apr 52min
Transfer of 109,000 Acres of Protected Federal Land in New Mexico to the U.S. Army and Leaked DOI Plans for Future Layoffs - Public Lands News (April 14 - 18)
In this episode, we outline the timeline for action as Congress prepares to finalize its budget, one that could include the largest public land sell-off in recent history. With Congress currently in recess (April 14–27), now is the time to raise your voice and make it heard.You’ll also hear about:A new national survey showing overwhelming bipartisan opposition to selling or closing public lands.A landmark bill introduced to permanently ban copper-nickel mining near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters.The transfer of over 109,000 acres of protected federal land in New Mexico to the U.S. Army, sparking concerns about conservation and border militarization.Leaked information outlining additional layoffs coming for park service workers The outdoor industry's push to stop Congress from selling off public lands as a part of their budget planning Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)Key Dates to Remember:April 14–27: Congress in recess — ideal time to contact your representativesWeek of May 5: Land disposal bills expectedMay 9: Final committee budget submissionsMay 16: Budget may be finalized — including potential land salesWhat You Can Do:Call your reps (especially Republicans)Attend town hallsWrite letters and send postcardsEmail themShow up and demonstrate if you are ableResources & Links:Survey: 70%+ Oppose Selling Public Lands (https://www.tpl.org/resource/america-needs-more-public-lands-not-less)Boundary Waters Bill Coverage – MPR News (https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/04/09/sen-smith-introduces-bill-to-ban-copper-mining-near-the-boundary-waters)Interior Land Transfer – DOI Press Release (https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-interior-transfers-federal-lands-along-new-mexico-border-army-protect)Outdoor Alliance Letter to Congress (https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/approps-2025)
18 Apr 19min
177. Making Textiles from Post-Consumer Recycled Materials with Wylie Robinson
In episode 177 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss what it takes to design high-quality outdoor gear using post-consumer recycled materials—everything from how they differ from virgin fibers to the limitations and challenges of working with them in technical products. We’ll dig into how a commitment to sustainability shapes product development, where circularity fits into the broader picture, and whether today’s recycling systems are truly scalable for the textile industry.We also discuss how consumers can better evaluate sustainability claims and what’s next in eco-innovation from brands like Rumpl.Rumpl’s story began in the back of a van (literally) when its founders found themselves stranded in the cold during a ski and surf trip in California. Wrapped in sleeping bags and sipping whiskey, they realized the performance materials used in technical gear could be reimagined for everyday comfort. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE:https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalistORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/bookLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976--------------------RumplWebsite: https://www.rumpl.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rumplYouTube: @GorumplLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rumpl/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gorumpl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gorumpl/
14 Apr 21min
