FY26 Budget Cuts, Fossil Fuel Expansion, and Burgum's Visit to Alcatraz - Public Lands News (July 14 - 18)

FY26 Budget Cuts, Fossil Fuel Expansion, and Burgum's Visit to Alcatraz - Public Lands News (July 14 - 18)

From staffing crises in national parks to energy dominance expansion across millions of acres of public land, here’s what you need to know:

FY26 Budget Breakdown: The House released its draft Interior-EPA spending bill, proposing deep cuts to conservation, environmental protection, and public lands. Including:

  • $213M cut to the National Park Service, amid a 24% staffing loss

  • 23% EPA budget cut, gutting water, air, and environmental justice programs

Public Lands Open for Drilling: ConocoPhillips wants to expand its Willow Project with new test wells in the Western Arctic. Meanwhile, Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” opens over 200 million acres of federal land to oil and gas drilling.

  • 81% of BLM lands in the West now open to leasing

  • Quarterly lease sales mandated, even without industry interest

  • Drilling proposed in San Luis Obispo County, CA

DOE’s Dirty Grid Report: The Department of Energy is propping up coal plants under a new Trump executive order, claiming fossil fuels are needed for grid reliability.

Burgum's Alcatraz Visit Sparks Backlash: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum visited Alcatraz to assess reopening it as a prison for “dangerous criminals,” per Trump’s May directive. But the site draws over 1 million visitors annually and generates $60M/year.

Public Broadcasting Cuts Approved: The House approved a rescission package eliminating $1.1 billion in CPB funding, gutting local public media nationwide.

👉 Follow us on Instagram (@outdoor.minimalist.book) for quick news breakdowns and action alerts.

Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Listen to Last Monday's Interview with Land Tawney: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/189-trumps-big-ugly-bill-passed-without-land-sales/id1586174667?i=1000717199476

Episode Sources:

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

https://www.npca.org/articles/9650-parks-group-to-congress-our-national-parks-need-more-staff-and-funding-not

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf

https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-appropriations.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/fy26-interior%2C-environment%2C-and-related-agencies-bill-sumnmary-subcommittee.pdf

https://www.eenews.net/articles/house-releases-interior-epa-spending-bill-with-deep-cuts/

Staff Cuts Continue

https://www.resistancerangers.org/press/futher-cuts-will-irreparably-harm-parks

https://protectnps.org/2025/07/09/supreme-court-ruling-greenlights-mass-layoffs-parks-groups-warn-national-parks-and-thousands-of-park-staff-in-jeopardy/

Public Lands Open for Drilling

https://www.wilderness.org/articles/press-release/conocophillips-pursues-reckless-exploration-western-arctic#

https://www.wilderness.org/articles/press-release/map-reveals-200-million-acres-now-open-oil-and-gas-drilling

https://www.wilderness.org/sites/default/files/media/file/Open%20for%20Drilling_TWS%20Report_0.pdf

https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/environment/article310421755.html

Department of Energy

https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/doe-plans-prop-dirty-coal-plants

https://www.energy.gov/topics/reliability

Burgum Visit's Acatraz

https://www.npca.org/articles/9815-parks-group-rejects-transfer-proposal-for-alcatraz

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-interior-doug-burgum-and-attorney-general-pam-bondi-visit-alcatraz-island

Public Broadcasting Cuts

https://apnews.com/article/pbs-npr-budget-cuts-trump-republicans-b0044285659ab708e23eb2dc2f3eabfa

Banning Ranch Becomes Southern California’s Newest Nature Preserve

https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/orange-county-randall-preserve-20770791.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Michigan’s Mariners Preserve Opens for Public Access

https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/saginaw-basin-land-conservancy-open-mariners-20769361.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Episoder(257)

30. Outdoor Industry Involvement in Reforestation Projects with Mindy Crowell

30. Outdoor Industry Involvement in Reforestation Projects with Mindy Crowell

In episode 30 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we are talking about reforestation projects! This is a really interesting and important topic because how reforestation is done and how companies claim these types of projects are carried out can vary. To help explain the importance of reforestation and how more outdoor industry companies can get involved, I’d like to introduce Mindy Crowell. Mindy is the Reforestation Partnerships Director at the National Forest Foundation. Mindy holds a Master’s Certificate in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution from the University of Montana along with experience in developing and implementing public engagement campaigns, facilitation, and fund development. As a former co-host and producer on the Outlandish podcast, Mindy loves hearing about the stories and adventures people have on our public lands and she is passionate about positively impacting America’s favorite national real-estate. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ----------------------------- NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION WEBSITE: https://www.nationalforests.org/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/nationalforests/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NationalForestFoundation More About Mindy 30 Things You Should Know About Planting Trees Why Reforestation ----------------------------- EARTH MONTH GIVEAWAY DETAILS Mentally prepare to read the trashiest post you’ve ever seen for… our EARTH DAY GIVEAWAY! 🌎 @thegroundskeepers work isn't pretty. In fact, it's downright dirty work. We do it for our #1 (mama 🌎) and to encourage others to leave it better. We never place any sort of judgment on how trash came to be in our wild places or neighborhoods, we just take care of it (almost 30,000 pounds since 2017!). E N T E R: Pick up at least 3 pieces of trash Take a selfie or photo of your trash (vertical format) & DM it to @granitegear Follow all of our amazing Grounds Keeper sponsors and be entered to win @granitegear Crown2 60 @kulacloth (4 of them!) @foodforsole 8 Meals @astralfootwear Loyaks @sawyerproducts @hikersbrew 12-Pack Sampler @hibearco All-Day Adventure Flask @ucowear ECO 5-Piece Mess Kit & Camp Cup @lavalinens Two Woven Wonders Hand Towels @outdoor.minimalist.book “Waste Less Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking” (pre-order) S I D E N O T E S The giveaway ends at midnight PST on 4/21 Open to U.S. Residents only * Winners will only receive a DM from the official @granitegear account.

4 Apr 202234min

29. The Role of Environmental Regulation in the Outdoor Industry with Jeff Baierlein

29. The Role of Environmental Regulation in the Outdoor Industry with Jeff Baierlein

In episode 29 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we are talking about regulation in the outdoor industry and what that looks like. Now, this is a topic that has always interested me but I didn’t know a ton about. It could arguably be the 8th R of Outdoor Minimalism (and maybe I will add it one day), but because regulation plays such a big role in environmental policy and how we play outside, it was very fitting topic for the show. Since it is something I am far from an expert in, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff Bairlein. Jeff Baierlein is the Director of Viristar, an organization that provides training and consulting services to outdoor, travel, experiential, and adventure programs around the world. Viristar specializes in wilderness risk management and outdoor safety training and audits, nonprofit management consulting, wilderness medicine, and environmental education program and curriculum design. Jeff has a background in environmental advocacy, outdoor-focused lobbying at the state and federal level, and analysis of regulatory and management systems for effectiveness. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ----------------------------- Lava Linens Discount Code for 15% off your next purchase: OUTDOORMINIMALIST VIRISTAR WEBSITE: https://www.viristar.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ViristarConsulting/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/viristarHQ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viristar/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/viristarconsulting/ ----------------------------- EPISODE RESOURCES Earthjustice: https://earthjustice.org/ Outdoor Alliance: https://www.outdooralliance.org/ Association for Experiential Education: https://www.aee.org/ Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education: https://www.aore.org/ How to Save A Planet podcast episode “Is Your Carbon Footprint BS:”

28 Mar 202227min

28. How to Poop Outside with Monica Aguilar

28. How to Poop Outside with Monica Aguilar

In episode 28 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we talk about the all important topic of pooping in the woods. If you’re a backpacker, in particular, my guess is you’ve had countless discussions about poop, and to be honest, same. While poop stories are always entertaining, our main focus in this episode is about how to poop outside the right way, the environmental impacts of it, and various options for doing so. To help me do that, I’d like to introduce Monica Aguilar. Monica is an artist, adventurer, and now recent podcast host of the Shit We Do Outdoors Podcast. She has a passion for human powered long distance travel and has traveled over 6,000 miles on foot and bike. Her travels and love for the outdoors serve as an inspiration for her art which depict many of the places she has traveled to or wishes to go to. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ----------------------------- Lava Linens Discount Code for 15% off your next purchase: OUTDOORMINIMALIST SHIT WE DO OUTDOORS PODCAST PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/shit-we-do-outdoors-podcast/id1599311083 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shitoutdoorspod/ WEBSITE: https://shitoutdoorspod.com/ CHASTING TRAILS ART INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/chasingtrailsart/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/chasingtrailsart WEBSITE: https://chasingtrailsart.com/ ----------------------------- EPISODE RESOURCES LNT Guidelines I have to poop outside! What do I do? How to Dig a Cathole How to use a Wag Bag CuloClean Portable Bidet Kula Cloth Pee Rag

21 Mar 202232min

27. Why You Need a Pee Rag (if you squat when you pee) with Anastasia Allison

27. Why You Need a Pee Rag (if you squat when you pee) with Anastasia Allison

In episode 27 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore the idea of using pee rags in the backcountry in a bit more detail. If you are a person with a vulva, and you squat when you pee, a pee rag can be an excellent low waste option. If you want more information about pee rags, menstrual cups, and more, go back and check out episode 17 where we explore all things menses and peeing in the woods. In that episode, we briefly cover some pee rag options, one of them being the Kula Cloth. Because peeing outside is something many of us do, I was excited to sit down and chat with Anastasia Allison. Anastasia Allison is the founder of Kula Cloth, the first of its kind - an antimicrobial pee cloth for anybody who squats when they pee. Anastasia has been described as, 'mysteriously complex' - and when she isn't doing work for Kula or contemplating the vastness of the universe, she spends her time playing violin in the mountains, writing whimsical poetry or dancing. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ----------------------------- Lava Linens Discount Code for 15% off your next purchase: OUTDOORMINIMALIST KULA CLOTH WEBSITE: https://kulacloth.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kulacloth/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thekulacloth/ ----------------------------- EPISODE RESOURCES LNT Guidelines How to Use a Pee Cloth SheFly Apparel Pee Funnel Menstrual Cup

14 Mar 202246min

26. Parkscriptions: Your Prescription to Get Outside with Todd Elsworth

26. Parkscriptions: Your Prescription to Get Outside with Todd Elsworth

Have you ever wished you could get a doctor’s note to go take a hike? Well, in episode 26 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss parkscriptions– your prescription to get outside. It is no secret that we often feel better after just spending 20 minutes outside, whether we are sitting and forest bathing or on a walk in the park. The physical and mental benefits are astounding. There are several movements that focus on helping people get outside more often and many organizations like the National Park Service and Recreate Northwest that make opting outdoors easier. To help me discuss what parkscriptions are and how the idea can be added to your life, I’d like to introduce Todd Elsworth. Todd Elsworth likes to play outside, go on adventures with family and friends, and give back to his community. In 2013, Elsworth turned his passion into a profession, founding the Bellingham-based non-profit Recreation Northwest. The organization’s mission to “teach the health benefits of nature, promote outdoor recreation, and steward the places where we play” guides his work. Recreation Northwest provides opportunities for people to be introduced to beginner and intermediate experiences learning outdoor recreation skills, enjoying the health benefits of being mindful outdoors through immersive experiences in nature, and having a local guide to connect our parks and our people together through adventure and storytelling. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ----------------------------- Lava Linens Discount Code for 15% off your next purchase: OUTDOORMINIMALIST RECREATION NORTHWEST WEBSITE: https://www.recreationnorthwest.org/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/recreationnorthwest/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RecreationNorthwest YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9UxNriLeKfsbmcsL56kMsg ----------------------------- EPISODE RESOURCES Parkscriptions Summary Park RX America National Park RX Program

7 Mar 202227min

25. What is Lead Free Fishing? with John King

25. What is Lead Free Fishing? with John King

In episode 25 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are discussing lead-free fishing. I’ve done a few fishing-specific episodes, mostly fly fishing, and I was excited to host an epsiode that focuses on lead-free fishing. Since I am the furthest thing from an angler, I was glad when John King of Glasswater angling reached out to help guide the conversation. John King who with his wife Kathy founded Glasswater Angling Lead Free Fishing.  John is a tackle designer currently focussing on providing alternatives to lead fishing lures and weights.  John has a public persona known as “Crappie Hippie”, describing himself as “a tree hugging redneck from eastern Kansas”.  Crappie Hippie can be found with Tim “Tackle Box Bete” and Lucy The Lurematic Supercomputer on the Lure Love Podcast. Their YouTube channel is Glasswater Angling, Lure Love, Crappie Hippie where they post the pod and Crappie Hippie posts videos on lead free jig tying.  John is here today to help us understand more about the environmental impact of fishing and how we can strive toward “a better outdoors”™  John’s co-host Lucy will also join us with some supporting facts. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ----------------------------- Lava Linens Discount Code for 15% off your next purchase: OUTDOORMINIMALIST GLASSWATER ANGLING WEBSITE: https://glasswaterangling.com/ INSTAGRAM: @glasswaterangling YOUTUBE: https://glasswaterangling.com/links/youtube-videos/ LEAD FREE FISHING FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368180283853420/ JOHN KING (CRAPPIE HIPPIE) INSTAGRAM: @crappiehippie @fishingleadfree LURE LOVE PODCAST: https://www.lurelovepodcast.com/ ----------------------------- EPISODE RESOURCES  Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Fish Lead Free TRCP Sportsman Survey

28 Feb 202240min

24. Identifying Your Needs: Adventure, Gear, and Safety with Moose Mutlow

24. Identifying Your Needs: Adventure, Gear, and Safety with Moose Mutlow

In episode 24 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss needs. More specifically personal needs when it comes to adventures, outdoor gear, and safety. During COVID-19, we saw a dramatic influx of new outdoor enthusiasts. This is great for many reasons, but it also means there are a lot more people entering outdoor spaces sometimes with very little knowledge of how to interact with the landscape safely and responsibly. Even if you’re not completely new to outdoor recreation, maybe you’re like me and got into a new outdoor sport in the last couple of years. Anytime I start something new, I always go through a research and discovery process. This might look different for different people, but for me, I like to figure out what I might need, talk to people more experienced, and try things out a few times, adding gear gradually. Getting hyperfocused on gear has its pros and cons, but in my experience, I’ve found it to be more detrimental than not. I could likely rant and rave about gear, marketing, and the psychology of shopping for quite some time, but instead, I’ll let my friend Moose Mutlow take the lead. Moose Mutlow has been active in the outdoors for more than 30 years as an instructor and guide. Currently based in Yosemite National Park he is the senior project director for NatureBridge the largest provider of Environmental Education in the US National Park system. He has a long history of working in Search and Rescue and is a senior trainer for NPS. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ----------------------------- Lava Linens Discount Code for 15% off your next purchase: OUTDOORMINIMALIST MOOSE MUTLOW WEBSITE: https://www.moosemutlow.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/FLOresources INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/moosemutlow/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-mutlow-9537575/ HIS BOOKS: https://www.moosemutlow.com/book

21 Feb 202241min

23. What Does it Mean to be Climate Neutral? with Austin Whitman

23. What Does it Mean to be Climate Neutral? with Austin Whitman

In episode 23 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, I had the pleasure of learning the ins and outs of carbon and climate neutral certifications from the CEO of Climate Neutral Certified, Austin Whitman. Austin Whitman is the CEO and a co-founder of Climate Neutral, a nonprofit that provides a trusted certification for carbon neutrality. Since its launch three years ago, Climate Neutral has worked with over 400 companies. The Climate Neutral Certified label is used on thousands of products and has quickly become the leading consumer climate label. Austin's work in climate change began nearly 20 years ago and has spanned across roles in finance, policy, cleantech, consulting, energy, and nonprofits. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ----------------------------- Lava Linens Discount Code for 15% off your next purchase: OUTDOORMINIMALIST CLIMATE NEUTRAL CERTIFIED WEBSITE: https://www.climateneutral.org/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/beclimateneutral/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BeClimateNeutral LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climate-neutral/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/climateneutral

14 Feb 202238min

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