The Public Lands Policy Podcast

We cut fast and cut deep in this episode with “notorious anti-ESG lobbyist” Nephi Cole, who helps us dissect the recent wave of federal layoffs that’s hit public lands agencies in the last month. From the Forest Service to National Parks, thousands of public employees have been sent packing. Nephi explains how the unorthodox approach of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is affecting...

From outcome-based grazing to resurrecting Ice Age megafauna, this episode covers the full spectrum of modern conservation. Isaiah Menning, external affairs manager at the American Conservation Coalition, joins us to discuss his research on conservation leasing and the controversial Public Lands Rule. We dive into how giving ranchers more flexibility could lead to better ecological outcomes, why t...

David Willms from the Your Mountain podcast joins us for a rollicking ride through the potential public lands policy shifts after the 2024 election. From the fate of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante to the future of conservation leasing, oil drilling, and the controversial mountain lion hunting initiatives, we dive deep into the policy footballs that could reshape America's landscapes.  Th...

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02) calls in from the bustling metropolis of Scipio, Utah to discuss her latest work on natural resources issues in Congress. Rep. Maloy brings something rare to Capitol Hill: actual hands-on experience in public lands management. From her days as a soil conservationist to her current role crafting legislation like the FREE Act, Rep. Maloy breaks down how Washington...

Gabriella Hoffman, Director for the Center for Energy and Conservation at the Independent Women's Forum, joins me to discuss conservation in the presidential election, including Tim Walz’s conservation cosplay and speculation on why more outdoorsmen and -women don’t run for high office. We also talk about ways to educate the masses on hunting and fishing and hit on the potential impact of Colorado...

PERC Policy Director Hannah Downey joins us to explain why "fire season" has become as predictable as PSLs at Starbucks - but a lot less enjoyable. From the Ashley National Forest Aspen Project controversy to well-meaning environmental laws accidentally making forests more flammable, Hannah breaks down why forest management is getting trapped between bureaucratic red tape and lawsuit-happy environ...