198. How Wildfires Are Shaping Public Lands in the West with Jason Levine
Wildfires are reshaping the landscapes of the American West—and with them, the way we think about public lands and climate resilience. Over the past few decades, fires have grown larger, more severe, and harder to predict. As climate change accelerates and management debates intensify, the stakes couldn’t be higher for our forests.Today, we’re digging into the science behind these trends and what they mean for the future of our public lands. Joining us is Jacob Levine, whose research explores the complex intersection of climate, land management, and wildfire behavior.Jacob Levine is a plant‐community ecologist and wildfire scientist whose work looks at how climate change, forest management, and extreme weather shape the way fires behave, and how managers, policymakers, and communities can fosters more resilient landscapes. He earned his PhD in 2024 from Princeton University, and is currently a Wilkes Postdoctoral Fellow in Climate Science and Policy at the University of Utah, and scholar in residence at Duke University.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/Website: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalistListener Survey: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976-----------------Jason LevineWebsite: http://levine-ecology.com/index.php/about/Recent Research: https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/industry-managed-forests-more-likely-to-fuel-megafires/
22 Sep 34min
Arizona Introduces Legislation to Remove National Monuments & RE:PUBLIC the Nonprofit Newsroom Launches ft. Chris Keyes - Public Lands News (Sept 15 - 19)
This week on Public Lands News (Sept 15–19, 2025):- Rep. Paul Gosar’s bill to abolish Ironwood Forest and Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monuments- USDA proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule (comment period closes Sept. 19)- Launch of RE:PUBLIC, a nonprofit newsroom focused on America’s public lands with Founder Chris Keyes (https://www.republic.land/ )- Interior Secretary Burgum appoints Scott H. Brecht as Chief of the U.S. Park Police- Controversy over the removal of slavery-related exhibits, including Scourged Back, from National Park sites- Court ruling allows litigation against Wilderness Crossing development near Wilderness Battlefield to proceed- National Public Lands Day (Sept. 27) volunteer opportunitiesSubscribe to our newsletter for in-depth coverage and extra stories we don’t have time for on the podcast: theoutdoorminimalist.comHave tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9).Sources referenced in this episode:https://www.wilderness.org/articles/press-release/arizona-congressman-proposes-abolishing-two-national-monumentshttps://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-interior-names-new-chief-us-park-police https://www.eenews.net/articles/burgum-names-new-park-police-chief/ https://www.npca.org/articles/10673-parks-group-demands-truth-history-of-slavery-cannot-be-erased-from-our https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/09/15/national-parks-slavery-information-removal/https://www.npca.org/articles/10706-victory-court-rules-lawsuit-to-protect-wilderness-battlefield-can-proceed
19 Sep 19min
197. Mountain Towns, like Estes Park, Face an Uncertain Economic Future
Estes Park, Colorado, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, has long relied on its outdoor recreation economy. In fact, just a few years ago, it was outpacing the rest of Colorado in tourism growth. But in 2025, federal policy changes, including mass firings at federal agencies like the National Park Service, are raising questions:Will communities like Estes Park be able to weather the storm?In this episode, we visit Estes Park to speak directly with business owners and guides whose livelihoods are intertwined with the health of public lands. Despite economic pressures and staffing cuts, visitation to Rocky Mountain National Park is up. But will that be enough to sustain local businesses? And what role do national policies really play in the day-to-day reality of a mountain town?Featured Guests:Melissa Strong – Climber and Owner of Bird & Jim Restaurant & Bird’s Nest CafeThomas Pemberton – Owner of Estes Park Tour GuidesReed Woodford – Owner of KMAC GuidesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/Website: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalistListener Survey: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976-----------------KMAC Guides: https://kmacguides.com/Estes Park Tour Guides: https://estesparktourguides.com/Bird & Jim: https://www.birdandjim.com/Visit Estes Park: https://www.visitestespark.com/Turner PR: https://www.turnerpr.com/-----------------Sources Used in Episode:https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/layoffs-rocky-mountain-national-park-impact-estes-park-business-colorado/ https://estesvalleyvoice.com/2025/08/17/state-of-estes-park-business-climate-mixed/ https://www.visitestespark.com/transparency/dashboard-report-executive-summary/ https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/03/05/rocky-mountain-national-park-colorado-layoffs-trump https://www.visitestespark.com/articles/post/new-data-shows-tourism-continues-to-positively-impact-economy-in-estes-park/ https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/estespark/Visit_Estes_Park_Annual_Report_2023_small_cfcacfba-3478-44b1-a422-d9938d7f17fa.pdf https://www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/20250217/ https://www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/20250217/ https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/Park%20Specific%20Reports/Monthly%20Public%20Use?Park=ROMO
15 Sep 14min
Why Burgum Intends to Repeal the Public Lands Rule ft. the Center for Western Priorities - Public Lands News (Sept 8 - 12)
There is just one week left to comment on the USDA’s intent to rescind the Roadless Rule. The comment period closes September 19th. As of this recording, more than 78,000 comments have already been submitted to the Federal Register, but we need to keep that momentum going. Link to Federal Register to Comment on the Roadless Rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16581/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation-national-forest-system-landsThis week's feature story: On Wednesday, September 10th, the Department of the Interior announced the intent to rescind the Public Lands Rule. To help us understand what this decision means for conservation and the future of public land management, we’re joined by Kate Groetzinger from the Center for Western Priorities.Subscribe to our newsletter for in-depth coverage and extra stories we don’t have time for on the podcast: theoutdoorminimalist.comHave tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9).Sources referenced in this episode:https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/08/27/secretary-rollins-opens-next-step-roadless-rule-rescissionhttps://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-proposes-rescind-public-lands-rule-restoring-balanced-multiple-usehttps://westernpriorities.org/2025/09/statement-interior-public-lands-rule/https://www.chron.com/life/wildlife/article/950-acres-texas-gulf-coast-protected-wildlife-21040993.php
12 Sep 13min
The Decades Long Fight to Save the Boundary Waters Continues | Ecocide Ep1
In the pilot episode of Ecocide, we look at two primary threats to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: mining and climate change.Spanning over 1.1 million acres of boreal forest, glacial lakes, and winding rivers, the Boundary Waters is the largest wilderness East of the Rockies (and North of the Everglades), and one of the most pristine freshwater ecosystems in the world. But sulfide-ore copper mining and a rapidly changing climate now put this place at risk.In this episode, we speak with Pete Marshall of Friends of the Boundary Waters about the region’s ecological importance and the long history of political battles over its protection that continue to this day.Ecocide is an independent, on-location video podcast series that exposes how extractive industries threaten environments and outdoor recreation economies. Because we avoid brand sponsorships, projects like this are entirely funded by listeners and viewers.Support future episodes: https://buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalistAND share this episode to help us grow the series.Thank you for caring about clean water and wild spaces as much as we do.Website: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist----------------Written and Produced by Meg CarneyVideography and Editing by Alex CarneyGuest Interview with Pete Marshall from Friends of the Boundary Waters Special Thanks to Caitlin Vander Wal Creative Support from Ethan Wiese
8 Sep 21min
Congress Moves to Strip Public Lands Protections in Alaska, Montana, and North Dakota Using the Congressional Review Act ft. Professor John Ruple - Public Lands News (September 1 - 5)
This week's Public Lands News episode is covering public lands protections, Congressional tools, and new funding announcements, including:USDA Proposal to Rescind the Roadless Rule: 45 million acres of national forest at risk, including Alaska’s Tongass; public comment period closes September 19Congressional Review Act Threats to BLM Resource Management Plans — with John Ruple, University of UtahDepartment of the Interior Secretarial Order 3442 & Record LWCF FundingLink to Federal Register to Comment on the Roadless Rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16581/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation-national-forest-system-landsSubscribe to our newsletter for in-depth coverage and extra stories we don’t have time for on the podcast: theoutdoorminimalist.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel (@theoutdoorminimalist) so you don’t miss the launch of our new Ecocide series on September 8.Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9).Sources referenced in this episode:USDA Secretary Rollins Opens Next Step in Roadless Rule Rescission: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/08/27/secretary-rollins-opens-next-step-roadless-rule-rescissionRoadless Rule Impact Map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7308297f88484984a5ee5bcf2d5ae6b4/Letter from John Ruple and colleagues encouraging Congress not to repeal BLM plans: https://www.law.utah.edu/news-articles/wallace-stegner-center-faculty-write-letter-to-congress-urging-lawmakers-not-to-repeal-blm-resource-management-plans/Field and Stream Article on CRA by Travis Hall: https://www.fieldandstream.com/stories/conservation/public-lands-and-waters/congress-to-strip-protections-from-public-lands-using-congressional-review-actSecretarial Order 3442 Document Library: https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order/so-3442-land-and-water-conservation-fund-implementation-usDOI Press Release on LWCF Investment: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/new-secretarys-order-strengthens-outdoor-access-and-recreationColorado Sun: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/04/colorado-collard-ranch-state-wildlife-area-former-tarryall-creek-ranch-property/
5 Sep 20min
195. Leaving Public Lands for Dead (The First 200 Days of Trump)
We've been tracking the attacks on public lands since January 20, 2025, and while this short episode only covers a few of the main events, hundreds of other things have happened specifically targeting our public lands and waters. This video only features events through August 12, 2025. The 200th day of Trump 2.0 occurred on August 7th. See the full timeline* document here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17DXrNFTQJRAHaU6hgO23ihpvtmSq3G-mo9_X8hzJwKY/edit?usp=sharing*This is a live document and is continuously being updated. If you see any errors or events we've missed, please reach out so we can keep the timeline as up to date and accurate as possible. Interviews and episodes featured in this video (in order of appearance): 1. Louis Geltman, Outdoor Alliance (https://youtu.be/pO_jOiVniIc?si=4e29Ad1xIQ5JFh0o)2. Justin Meuse, The Wilderness Society (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/public-lands-are-open-for-drilling-ft-the-wilderness/id1586174667?i=1000718946587)3. Jocelyn Torres, Conservation Lands Foundation (https://youtu.be/pO_jOiVniIc?si=4e29Ad1xIQ5JFh0o)4. Land Tawney, American Hunters and Anglers (https://youtu.be/T-qHkoWL6Rg?si=Xhv2q93xkLRoLOWJ)5. Ryan Fleetwood, Next Interior (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/usda-forest-service-reorganization-nepa-rollbacks-and/id1586174667?i=1000722046401)6. Jamie Ervin, Outdoor Alliance (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protecting-the-western-arctic-ft-alaska-wilderness/id1586174667?i=1000720180771)7. Ramona McGee, Southern Environmental Law Center (https://youtu.be/eroTtI-WhVk?si=UDvTck0_gV8Jdw_2)8. Andy Moderow, Alaska Wilderness League (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protecting-the-western-arctic-ft-alaska-wilderness/id1586174667?i=1000720180771)Subscribe to our newsletter for in-depth coverage and extra stories we don’t have time for on the podcast: theoutdoorminimalist.comWe release public lands news episodes every Friday on the Outdoor Minimalist podcast to help you stay up to date. Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)
1 Sep 29min
USDA Sets Roadless Rule Repeal in Motion ft. Trout Unlimited and National Park Staff Unionize - Public Lands News (August 25 - 29)
This week on Public Lands News, we’re covering staffing crises, forest protections, and union victories, including:National Park Service Staffing Crisis continues — closures, delayed responses, and what it means for visitorsUSDA Move to Rescind the Roadless Rule (21-day comment period) — with Corey Fisher, Trout UnlimitedYosemite & Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park Workers UnionizeCourt Orders Closure of “Alligator Alcatraz” ICE Detention Center in the EvergladesLink to Federal Register to Comment on the Roadless Rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16581/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation-national-forest-system-landsSubscribe to our newsletter for in-depth coverage and extra stories we don’t have time for on the podcast: theoutdoorminimalist.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel (@theoutdoorminimalist) so you don’t miss the launch of our new Ecocide series on September 8.Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9).Sources referenced in this episode:National Parks Conservation Association: https://www.npca.org/articles/10343-shuttered-visitor-centers-closed-campgrounds-slower-emergency-response USDA / Roadless Rule:USDA Secretary Rollins Opens Next Step in Roadless Rule Rescission: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/08/27/secretary-rollins-opens-next-step-roadless-rule-rescissionRoadless Rule Impact Map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7308297f88484984a5ee5bcf2d5ae6b4/NFFE / National Park Unionization: https://nffe.org/press-release/workers-at-yosemite-sequoia-kings-canyon-national-parks-organize-a-union-under-nffe/‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Must Close, But the Fight Isn’t Over: https://grist.org/indigenous/alligator-alcatraz-must-close-but-the-fight-isnt-over/
29 Aug 16min
