![179. Recreate Responsibly by Following the Leave No Trace 7 Principles with Shannon Rochelle [repost]](https://cdn.podme.com/podcast-images/48812585035ECD72CA4BFE812D031561_small.jpg)
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
60 Outdoor Industry Companies Have Come Together Under a New Coalition, Brands for Public Lands - Public Lands News (April 7 - 11)
This week’s public lands update covers developments from April 3 through April 11, with a quick rewind to catch a few major stories we missed last week (because hey, I'm just a girl, and the news cycle waits for no one)Topics Covered This Week:On April 3rd, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins issued a memo that designates 112 million acres of National Forest lands as part of an “emergency” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum quietly issued Order No. 3426, requiring all national park closures or service changes to be approved by political leadership in D.C. (even those made for urgent safety reasons.)One day after the order, National Park Service employees received another “Fork in the Road” buyout offer, asking staff to resign by midnight on April 9.During the Senate’s budget reconciliation vote-a-rama on April 6, a proposed amendment to ban the sale of public lands failed, 48 to 51. On April 10, the House passed the reconciliation in a 216 - 214 vote.On April 8th, the Department of the Interior announced that the Colosseum Mine in California can resume mining operations under its existing Bureau of Land Management-approved plan. On April 8, 2025, the Interior Department also revealed a set of actions to revitalize the coal industry, emphasizing coal as a cornerstone of American energy dominance.The next day on April 9th, the Department of the Interior announced more than $13 million in grants aimed at revitalizing coal country by reclaiming abandoned mine lands in North Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas.On April 9th, over 60 outdoor industry companies have come together under a new coalition, Brands for Public Lands, to fight the increasing threats facing America’s wild landscapes. Two major announcements dropped on April 10th from the Department of the Interior that together mark a sharp acceleration in fossil fuel development.Phase 2 of the Agency Reorganization and Reduction Plan is due April 14, and more federal layoffs and budget cuts could follow. Vote in the REI Board Election: https://vote.escvote.com/REI/ Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)Links & Resources:https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-006.pdf https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/04/04/secretary-rollins-announces-sweeping-reforms-protect-national-forests-and-boost-domestic-timber https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/usdas-logging-emergency-cover-widespread-forest-destruction https://www.nrdc.org/media/executive-orders-direct-massive-expansion-logging-public-lands https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order/so-3426-ensuring-national-parks-are-open-and-accessible https://www.npca.org/articles/7868-parks-group-warns-secretary-burgum-s-order-will-endanger-park-visitors-and https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/4/8/public-land-sell-offs-back-on-the-table-in-budget-reconciliation https://www.npca.org/articles/7967-trump-administration-promotes-unauthorized-mining-in-mojave-national https://www.blm.gov/announcement/colosseum-mine-california-given-go-ahead-continue-mining-operation https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-moves-restore-coal-industry https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-disburses-over-13-million-revitalize-coal-communities https://conservationalliance.com/2025/04/businesses-unite-to-defend-public-lands/ https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/deepening-our-commitment-to-public-lands https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-announces-major-increase-gulf-america-oil-and-gas-reserves http://doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-will-no-longer-pursue-lengthy-analysis-oil-and-gas-leasing-decisions-seven https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/latest-memos/guidance-on-agency-rif-and-reorganization-plans-requested-by-implementing-the-president-s-department-of-government-efficiency-workforce-optimization-initiative.pdf
11 Apr 28min
176. One Simple Way to Protect Watersheds: Prevent Stormwater Runoff with Renee Fortner
When it comes to protecting our rivers and waterways, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of environmental challenges. But what if one of the most powerful solutions started in your backyard? In episode 176 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore one simple yet incredibly impactful way to protect local watersheds: preventing stormwater runoff.I’m joined by Renee Fortner, the Director of Programs for RiverLink, a nonprofit working to protect and restore the French Broad River in Western North Carolina. Growing up along the New River in North Carolina, she developed a deep love for the outdoors that led her to pursue a biology degree at UNC-Asheville and a master’s in biology from East Carolina University. With professional certifications in stormwater management and rain garden design, Renee has dedicated her career to protecting the rivers and waterways of Western North Carolina. Through our conversation today, Renee explains how unchecked runoff—from rooftops, parking lots, and roads—can pollute local waterways, worsen flooding, and harm both wildlife and recreation opportunities. You’ll hear how climate change intensifies these issues and get actionable steps individuals, homeowners, and businesses can take to make a difference in their communities.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--------------------RiverLinkWebsite: https://riverlink.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/river.link/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiOZfkWSbKgnrflpKe42EcQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverlink
7 Apr 33min
Public Land Sales Back on the Table? - Public Lands News (March 31 - April 4)
Welcome to the first edition of our weekly public lands update, where we break down the most important news and policy changes affecting public lands. Topics Covered This Week:Public Land Sales Back on the Table? – Some Republican lawmakers are considering selling off public lands to fund tax cuts and housing near national parks.DOI Moves on Executive Order: "Make DC Safe and Beautiful" – Trump’s order includes graffiti removal but raises concerns about criminalizing homelessness.BLM’s Proposed Emergency Coal Lease – 1,350 acres in North Dakota under review, with public comments open through May 2.Montana Rejects Utah’s Public Land Lawsuit – A win for public lands as Montana lawmakers vote against supporting state control over federal lands.New Congressional Bill & Conservation Funding – Potential changes to the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 could affect funding for youth and conservation corps projects.Links & Resources:The Wilderness Society: Public lands sale discussionDepartment of the Interior: Executive order on D.C. parksBLM Public Comment: Emergency coal lease proposalMontana Free Press: Montana lawmakers reject Utah’s land lawsuitCongress.gov: Proposed bill affecting conservation projectsHave tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)
4 Apr 9min
