A podcast raising awareness through conversation, information, and mindfulness regarding some of the most important environmental issues of our time. The goal of Outdoor Minimalist is to give outdoor enthusiasts and outdoor companies tools they can use to change their behavior when engaging in outdoor recreation to lower their overall environmental impact. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ Based on the book "Outdoor Minimalist: Waste Less Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking" by Meg Carney.
The Outdoor Minimalist podcast is a breath of fresh air in the world of sustainability and outdoor recreation. Hosted by Meg Carney, the podcast delves into various topics related to minimizing our impact on the environment while still enjoying the great outdoors. With each episode, Meg provides insightful information and practical tips that can be applied both in outdoor activities and everyday life.
What makes this podcast stand out is its ability to make complex topics accessible and easy to understand. Meg's research and insight into each episode are evident, as she presents information in a clear and concise manner. The topics covered are diverse, ranging from reducing single-use plastics to sustainable product creation. Each episode leaves listeners with actionable steps they can take to become more conscious consumers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Additionally, The Outdoor Minimalist features guest speakers who are experts in their respective fields. This adds depth and variety to the discussions, providing different perspectives and approaches to living sustainably. It is refreshing to hear from individuals who are actively working towards creating a more environmentally-friendly outdoor industry.
One possible downside of this podcast could be its focus specifically on minimalism. While minimalism is undoubtedly an important aspect of reducing our impact on the environment, it may not resonate with everyone. Some listeners may prefer a broader approach that encompasses other sustainable lifestyle choices beyond minimalism.
In conclusion, The Outdoor Minimalist podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable living and outdoor recreation. Meg Carney's passion for the topic shines through in each episode, making it an engaging and informative experience. Whether you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast or just starting your journey towards minimalism, this podcast offers valuable insights and inspiration for living a more intentional life.
AI has seemingly taken over our lives in so many ways. Personally, I've seen a huge shift in the writing and journalism field for both staff and freelance writers. But one thing we often don't see is the energy being funnelled to AI data centers from our already stressed electrical grid. And it's not just a little bit of energy either– The 2024 US Data Center Energy Usage Report found that after a period of stagnation from 2014-2016, center energy demand grew, in part, due to expanded efforts to digitize data across economic sectors. And according to the International Energy Agency, data center energy use increased roughly 4% between 2018 and 2023. And by 2030, U.S. data center consumption is projected to grow by 133%.This rapid growth begs the question: Are we ready for the AI energy surge?To help explain how and why AI uses so much energy and what communities can do to prepare for increased energy demand, I'm joined by Dr. Naeem Turner. Dr. Naeem Turner-Bandele is an engineer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Latimer Enterprises, an energy technology and services company focused on helping individuals, businesses, and communities take control of how they power their world through practical, affordable energy solutions. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from NYU Stern, and has spent the past decade developing tools, policies, and planning frameworks that support energy affordability, grid reliability, and resilient energy systems across the United States.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------------------Dr. Naeem TurnerLatimer Enterprises: https://www.latimerent.com/team/naeem-turner-bandeleLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/latimer-enterprises/Email: hello@latimerent.comSources:https://www.iea.org/commentaries/what-the-data-centre-and-ai-boom-could-mean-for-the-energy-sector https://www.belfercenter.org/research-analysis/ai-data-centers-us-electric-grid
During this week's public lands news briefing on the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we have three feature stories for you. And no, this is not all that's happened with public lands this week. So, as always, make sure you're subscribed to our weekly newsletter at theoutdoorminimalist.com for more in-depth public lands and outdoor industry sustainability news. What We Cover:1. Plans for a border wall through the Big Bend region of West Texas are moving forward with special guest Wes Siler2. Steve Pearce's confirmation hearing to become the director of the BLM before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee happened on Wednesday, February 25th with commentary from Aaron Weiss (Western Priorities) 3. Department of the Interior announced it is moving forward with Public Land Order No. 7966, reopening roughly 2.1 million acres of federal land in Alaska's Dalton Utility Corridor to mining claims and other developmentFederal Register: https://eplanning.blm.gov/Project-Home/?id=e34e2bf5-a7f2-f011-8407-001dd803d7d3&_gl=1*1rsn16j*_ga*Njg5MjAxOTc5LjE3NzEwMDkwMTQ.*_ga_GQKKTMMT8V*czE3NzE2MjQ5NDIkbzIkZzEkdDE3NzE2MjUwNDQkajYwJGwwJGgwInstagram: 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
Is zero-waste backpacking possible?Well, in a lot of ways, yes, and in some ways, not really. We saw this play out when a previous guest of ours, one of our earliest guests, actually in episode 37. In that episode, Ana Lucía (aka Eco) explains how in 2021 she set out to complete a zero-waste thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.Now, a few years later, in episode 212 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I am sitting down with Alisha McDarris to discuss her experimental zero-waste backpacking trip challenge. Alisha is the founder of Terradrift.com and the site's accompanying YouTube channel, where she and her husband Josh share gear reviews, outdoorsy how-tos, and guides, including a full video covering her zero-waste backcountry trip. She is also a freelance journalist, filmmaker, and photographer who specializes in writing about sustainable travel and outdoor adventure for publications like Popular Science, Backpacker, Outside, Roadtrippers, and more.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------------------TerradriftWebsite: https://terradrift.com/zero-waste-backpacking-tips/YouTube: https://youtu.be/4zirOxMnFk0?si=7n6nybE4ze06eHj0Episode 37: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outdoor-minimalist/id1586174667?i=1000563241947Listen to our first interview with Alisha on how to identify gear needs for backpacking: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outdoor-minimalist/id1586174667?i=1000619154104
I know I said that we would only be releasing Friday public lands news episodes every other week, but we have a special episode for you today covering two of the most pressing issues regarding public lands policy: the nomination of Steve Pearce to lead the BLM and the use of the CRA to roll back a 20-year mining ban in Northern MN. Why couldn't we cover them next Friday? Well, both of these topics are either being voted on or discussed in Congress next week. So, we wanted to give listeners a heads up before they happen, why they're important, and who we can contact about them. To help us explore these important public lands stories, I am joined by Wendy Schneider. Wendy has undertaken a number of professional endeavors over the course of her career, including working on campaigns and for elected officials on Capitol Hill, fundraising for a large national nonprofit, and practicing law at large international firms in Los Angeles. Thrilled to now be able to call herself a conservation professional, she has been leading Friends of the Inyo since 2017. Friends of the Inyo's mission is to protect and care for the land and water of the area we now call California's Eastern Sierra. They engage in both stewardship and advocacy work to protect healthy ecosystems and species in our working area. They always work in collaboration with many partners, including the Indigenous Community, as well as scientific, recreational, and many other local, regional, and national stakeholders. 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------------------Friends of the Inyo: https://friendsoftheinyo.org/Contact Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htmMore About Steve Pearce: https://www.wilderness.org/articles/blog/blm-nominee-steve-pearce-threat-public-landsSave the Boundary Waters: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/action-center
By now, we know that our society has a problem with plastics. They seem to have made their way into every aspect of our lives. They're inescapable, but this is a problem that doesn't need to last forever. It is a problem we can solve, or at least, that's what the new book The Problem with Plastic argues. We've been told for decades that recycling would solve the plastic crisis — but it hasn't. The truth is, we can't recycle our way out of this problem. Plastic recycling has never worked at scale, and the real solution is far more straightforward: we have to stop making so much plastic in the first place. That change won't happen without policy, and when everyday people use their voices to push policymakers at every level to cut plastic production and address this crisis before it's too late. In episode 211 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we hear from the author of THE PROBLEM WITH PLASTIC, Judith Enck.Judith is the founder and president of Beyond Plastics, whose goal is eliminating plastic pollution everywhere. She was appointed by President Obama to serve as regional administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2009 and served as deputy secretary for the environment in the New York Governor's Office. She is currently a professor at Bennington College and lives in upstate New York.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------------------The Problem with Plastics: https://www.beyondplastics.org/publications/problem-with-plastic-bookBeyond Plastics: https://www.beyondplastics.org/Judith Enck: https://judithenck.com/
We expected the Senate vote on H.J. Res. 140, which would overturn the 20-year mining ban protecting the BWCA, to occur this week, but it was postponed until after their upcoming recess. The vote could be as early as February 23rd. This gives us more time to contact Senators and ask them to vote no on this resolution. I've been posting plenty of resources and scripts to do this on our Instagram @outdoor.minimalist.book, but will also be including additional resources for this issue and others in our weekly newsletter at theoutdoorminimalist.com This week, we are focusing on developments in Alaska. About 60% of Alaska is public land. That's over 200 million acres. All of that land in Alaska faces immediate and intensified threats from expanded oil, gas, and mineral development and the dangers of climate change. So much is happening in that one state alone, we wanted to take the time to highlight two of the largest issues the state is facing today: the Ambler Road project and the Tongass National Forest under the Roadless Rule. To help explain the severity of these threats is lifelong Alaskan, Bjorn Dihle. Bjorn lives in Juneau with his family, where he works as a wildlife guide and freelance multimedia professional focused on conservation. 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------------------Salmon State: https://salmonstate.org/Alaska Wilderness League: https://alaskawild.org/No Ambler Road: https://noamblerroadaction.org/Hunters and Anglers for the Brooks Range: https://huntfishbrooksrange.com/
You know full well that I am a dog lover, and I know that many of you are dog lovers, or just pet lovers in general. They are our family, and much like humans, our domesticated pets have a pretty big impact on our planet and the environment around us. Think about walking into a store like PetSmart, or even your local pet store, there are aisles and shelves lined with single use toys, plastic bones, and items destined for one use just destined for the landfill. But that's not all, we've done several dog related episodes including one on the impact of our pet's waste and another on pet food and the reliance on high impact meats. I'll link both episodes in the description below. Episode 39: Benefits of Insect Proteins for Us, Our Pets, and Our Planet (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outdoor-minimalist/id1586174667?i=1000565326336)Episode 112: Does It Matter If I Pick Up My Dog's Poop or Not? (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outdoor-minimalist/id1586174667?i=1000634653124)So, today, we are looking at the industry as a whole. Why it is the way it is, and what some within the industry are working to change. Joining me to share his experience and expertise is Spencer Williams, the CEO and owner of WestPaw.A fifth-generation Montanan, Spencer grew up on a ranch near Columbus. His love for his home state and its pristine beauty, led Williams back to Montana after receiving a bachelor's degree in German from Middlebury College in Vermont. Since 1996, Williams has grown the Bozeman, Montana-based West Paw into a world-class manufacturer of eco-friendly pet toys and treats. West Paw's products are sold in over 7,500 U.S. retailers and in over 45 countries. From its start, the company has focused on environmentally friendly business methods and product materials, including recycled, recyclable, regenerative and organic materials. Spencer is a founding board member and past board chair of the Pet Sustainability Coalition. West Paw became the first pet product manufacturer to become a certified B Corp and in 2015 became Montana's first Benefit Corporation. 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------------------West PawWebsite: https://www.westpaw.com/YouTube: http://youtube.com/c/westpawInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/westpawUSCradle to Cradle Book: https://mcdonough.com/cradle-to-cradle/Pet Sustainabilty Coalition: https://petsustainability.org/
Where do we go from here?Where are the leaders?Why does it feel like no one is doing anything?In this solo episode of The Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we work to dismantle one of the most persistent myths about resistance: that it only looks one way — loud, visible, risky, and centered on a single kind of leader.Drawing on history, journalism, and movement research, this episode explores why successful resistance movements don't rely on heroes or front lines alone. They rely on ecosystems. Networks of people taking on different roles at different times, based on capacity, skill, and sustainability.Meg situates this conversation specifically within outdoor spaces and the outdoor industry, where leadership and power have historically been framed through a narrow, often white lens. By examining who has always been forced to resist, and who has often had the privilege not to, this episode challenges listeners to reconsider where leadership already exists, and what real allyship actually requires.Meg unpacks why neutrality can be dangerous, how “malignant normality” takes hold, and why resistance must include collective care if it's going to last.Finally, this episode offers a framework for understanding the many roles that show up in movements that actually work, including:- Frontlines- Organizers - Caregivers - Storytellers- Educators- Builders- SupportersAnd invites listeners to identify where they can contribute honestly and sustainably.Because resistance isn't a sprint.It's not even a marathon.It's a relay, and everyone has a role.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/Website: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalistListener Survey: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976Recommended Books on Resistance & Social Movements- Erica Chenoweth & Maria J. Stephan — Why Civil Resistance Works (2011)- Gene Sharp — The Politics of Nonviolent Action (1973)- Sarah Jaffe — Necessary Trouble (2016)- Judith Butler — Frames of War (2009)- Peter Kropotkin — Mutual Aid: A Factor in Evolution (1902)- Umberto Eco — How to Spot a Fascist (2020)- Timothy Snyder — On Tyranny (2017)- Saul D. Alinsky — Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals (1971)- bell hooks — Feminism Is for Everybody (2000)- Audre Lorde — Sister Outsider (1984)- If They Come in the Morning: Voices of Resistance, edited by Angela Y. Davis (1971)- Ellen Jones — Outrage (2025)- Leah Thomas — Intersectional Environmentalist (2022)- Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò — Elite Capture (2022)- Rebecca Solnit — Hope in the Dark (2004)- Rebecca Solnit — A Paradise Built in Hell (2009)- Sara Ahmed — The Feminist Killjoy Handbook (2023)- Omkari L. Williams — Micro Activism (2023)- adrienne maree brown — Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good (2019)- Arlie Russell Hochschild — Strangers in Their Own Land (2016)- Maria Ressa — How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future (2022)- Guy B. Johnson & James A. Dombrowski — The Highlander Folk School- Charles Tilly — Social Movements, 1768–2004Free Online ResourcesInternational Center on Nonviolent Conflict — Methods of Nonviolent Actionhttps://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/198-methods-of-nonviolent-action/ Stanford Mapping Militancy Project — Leadership & Movement Researchhttps://mappingmilitants.org/Kimberlé Crenshaw — Intersectionality essays & TED Talkhttps://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionalityIf you're new to this topic, Rebecca Solnit and Sarah Jaffe are great starting points.
A lot has been happening this year already, and while many Americans are focused on ICE terrorizing US citizens in places like Minneapolis, attacks on public lands have not slowed down, they're just getting less attention.With the limited time we have on the show, we have three interviews for you today. The first is discussing management changes with greater sage-grouse followed by updates on a proposed bill to open a toxic copper sulfide mine in the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota and finally, looking at the continued use of the Congressional Review Act to attempt to roll back protections for Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah. Featured Guests:- Sarah Stellberg, Advocates for the West- Ingrid Lyons, Save the Boundary Waters- Steve Bloch, Southern Utah Wilderness AllianceWe have a lot to cover in today's episode, and we can't cover it all here on the podcast. So, as a reminder, we release an email newsletter with more details and public lands and sustainability stories every Friday. Subscribe for weekly updates at theoutdoorminimalist.com 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------------------Advocates for the West: https://advocateswest.orgSave the Boundary Waters: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.orgSouthern Utah Wilderness Alliance: https://suwa.org
When we think about environmental impacts in the outdoors, we often focus on things we can see: litter left behind, eroded trails, overcrowded trailheads. But some of the most significant impacts are invisible, and they're showing up in places many of us consider pristine.In episode 208 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we're talking about microplastics in remote wilderness areas and what new research is revealing about how they get there. Joining me today is Dr. Tim Keyes.Prior to joining Welch College of Business & Technology in 2019, Dr. Keyes was employed by General Electric as a Senior Risk Analytics Manager for 22 years, and for seven years prior to that he worked as a Senior Systems Engineer at Measurex/Honeywell. He now consults with banks and nonprofits through his company, Evergreen Business Analytics, LLC.In addition to his professional work, Dr. Keyes leads adventure science expeditions with students to research air and water quality across the Northeast United States. He has summited all of the high peaks in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains in New York, the Green Mountains in Vermont, and half, to date, of the high peaks in New Hampshire's White Mountains.Professionally, Dr. Keyes has published more than ten professional papers and holds seventeen patents related to risk analytics. His most recent refereed research was published in 2023 in the peer-reviewed Elsevier journal Heliyon. In 2025, an adventure science expedition he led received global attention for its potential impact on environmental health and backcountry recreation.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------------------Learn MoreResearch: https://adkh2h.org/wp-content/uploads/Return-to-Lake-Tear-Expedition-Report-September-2025.pdfGuardian Article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/13/microplastics-hiking-shoes-outdoor-gear Rozalia Project: https://www.rozaliaproject.orgFootwear Collective: https://earthdna.org/home/the-footwear-collective/Guppy Friend: https://www.patagonia.com/product/guppyfriend-microplastic-washing-bag/4260750820839.html
Trail work is one of those things most of us benefit from, whether we realize it or not. The smooth singletrack we ride, the well-marked hiking routes we follow, the trails that stay open season after season despite heavier use and harsher conditions. But behind every trail is a group of people showing up with tools, time, and care for the places they love.In episode 207 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we're talking about how everyday outdoor users can get involved in trail work and stewardship, even if you've never joined a workday before. Joining me today is Chris Rizzo, who works in operations and partner coordination at Trailfunds. Trailfunds is a new platform designed to strengthen the relationship between trail users and the nonprofit organizations that support them. Through a centralized app, Trailfunds helps streamline donations, increase transparency around trail projects, and create new ways for people to connect with the organizations caring for the places they recreate.Their mission is to stabilize and diversify funding for trail stewardship projects while empowering local trail crews, rural communities, and land managers with consistent, sustainable financial support. 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------------------TrailfundsWebsite: https://www.trailfunds.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trailfunds/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailfunds
To kick off our public lands policy conversation this year, we wanted to take a look back at the year we had in 2025 and what we should expect moving into 2026. Joining me to lead this conversation is Rebecca Gillis.Rebecca is Vice President of Government Affairs & Advocacy at The Conservation Alliance, where she leads the organization's advocacy and government affairs strategy and helps shape its broader strategic direction. She works closely with member companies, grantee partners, and outdoor business executives to mobilize corporate advocacy for land and water conservation and to elevate conservation priorities in Washington, D.C. Previously, Rebecca led state and local government affairs for the Outdoor Industry Association and served in economic development roles under Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. 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------------------Conservation Alliance: https://conservationalliance.comWilderness Society: https://www.wilderness.orgConservation Lands Foundation: https://www.conservationlands.org
What if one of the most widely used pesticides in the world is something most people have never even heard of, despite likely encountering it daily?In episode 206 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast we are discussing neonicotinoids, often called “neonics.” They're the most commonly used insecticides in the United States, applied to crops, lawns, gardens, golf courses, and even found in flea and tick treatments for pets. They're designed to make plants themselves toxic to insects—but that efficiency comes at a cost to people and the planet.So how are chemicals with these kinds of impacts still allowed in our food, water, and everyday products? And why has federal regulation lagged so far behind the science? To help answer those questions and more, I'm joined by Daniel Raichel, an expert on pollinators and pesticides at the Natural Resources Defense Council. The NRDC is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than three million members and online activists. Since 1970, NRDC has used science, policy, law, and people power to protect public health and confront the climate crisis.Dan is an attorney by training and directs NRDC's work focused on protecting bees and other wildlife from toxic pesticides. Before joining NRDC's Nature Program, he co-directed the Community Fracking Defense Project and worked on industrial pollution cleanup in the New York region. 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------------------More InformationDan Raichel: https://www.nrdc.org/bio/daniel-raichelNeonics 101: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/neonicotinoids-101-effects-humans-and-beesThe Toxic Truth: https://www.nrdc.org/resources/neonics-toxic-truthNRDC sues EPA: https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/nrdc-sues-epa-unreasonable-delay-addressing-toxic-pesticides-food
Happy New Year, and welcome back to the Outdoor Minimalist podcast. After a much-needed hiatus, I've had time to reflect on where this show is headed—and how I can better manage the energy and care that go into producing it.With that in mind, I want to share a few updates you can expect as we move through 2026.First, our Monday episodes aren't changing. We'll continue releasing weekly expert interviews on a wide range of topics, many of which come directly from listener requests. If there's a topic or guest you'd love to hear on the show, I'd genuinely love to know. You can reach out to me on social media or through theoutdoorminimalist.com.Our Friday episodes are where you'll see a small shift. We'll continue covering public lands policy, but in a more focused way. There are incredible organizations—like Western Priorities and the newly founded Re:Public—doing dedicated, in-depth public lands reporting, and we want to help support and uplift that work. Producing two episodes every week, with one being a news-focused show, isn't sustainable long-term, so moving forward, Friday episodes will be released every other week.The good news is that public lands coverage isn't going away—it'll just be less frequent on the podcast. For more regular updates, you can follow us on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter. And when those Friday episodes do drop, I hope you'll continue tuning in.So, to recap: Monday episodes will continue weekly, just as they have for the past three years, and Friday episodes will now be released every other Friday.Now, onto the show.In episode 205 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are talking about wildfire—but not in the way it's usually framed.So much of the public conversation around fire focuses on catastrophe: dramatic footage, scorched landscapes, and endless debates about forest thinning or suppression. But what often gets lost is the science—and more importantly, the solutions that actually determine whether homes and communities survive when fire inevitably arrives.My guest today has spent years working at the intersection of wildfire science, film, and public understanding, pushing back against misinformation and tragedy-only narratives in favor of something more constructive: community resilience.Connor Nelson is a Los Angeles–based cinematographer and documentary filmmaker whose work centers on wildfire, mental health, and addiction. Connor recently shot Inside the L.A. Firestorm, a NASA-supported documentary examining the Palisades and Eaton fires, and he's currently working on an eight-part documentary series focused on wildfire, solutions-based storytelling, and what actually protects communities. Across his work, he challenges the media's tendency to chase tragedy and misinformation, asking a harder—but far more useful—question: What would it look like if we told stories that changed outcomes instead of just documenting loss?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------------------Connor NelsonWebsite: https://www.connornelsondp.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/connornelson.dop/Inside the LA Firestorm: https://www.pbs.org/video/weathered-inside-the-la-firestorm-l31r0b/
For over three years, the Outdoor Minimalist platform has been a big part of my existence and growth as a creative and journalist. I've put a lot into the show, especially this year when we added a Friday episode about public lands. But I need a break. With the recent passing of my dog, Ash, I need time to process and grieve the loss of my best friend and biggest inspiration. Ash is the reason I was able to write my book, create two podcasts, and chase my dreams. He walked beside me, quite literally, every single day for the last eight years. That said, we aren't ending the show, but for now, we're on pause. Ash's strength and propensity for motion until the very end will continue to inspire me. He loved our public lands and wild spaces more than anyone else I know. So, in the meantime, I'm going outside to grieve and recharge so I can live to fight another day to protect the spaces we so cherished in our life together. If you've enjoyed the show up until this point and want to show us some love, consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts. Stay tuned for more to come.
The Outdoor Media Summit is an annual conference for media, marketers, PR, and brands to come together to collaborate and network. Although I've only attended the last two years, it has quickly become among my favorite industry events because of the intimate settings and ever evolving format. In this episode, Tarin O'Donnell, from the Tarin it Up Podcast, and I recap our experience at the 2025 Outdoor Media Summit. It is raw. It is real. And it is out of my usual format. So, if you've ever considered going to OMS or just want to learn more about the behind the scenes of outdoor media, this is a fun conversation to tune into. 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------------------Outdoor Media Summit: https://outdoormediasummit.com/Tarin It Up: https://www.tarinitup.com/
In the Outdoor Minimalist public lands news briefing for the week of November 3 - 7, we cover:- Public Lands Rule comment period ending on November 10thComment Here: https://www.regulations.gov/document/BLM-2025-0001-0001- The Fight for the Roadless Rule Continues with Josh Hicks from the Wilderness Society - Chaco Canyon in New Mexico is facing rollbacks to protections around the park with Sally Paez from the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance - Steve Pearce nominated to be the new director of the Bureau of Land ManagementSubscribe 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).Support Our Work at Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalist
For decades, the outdoor industry has celebrated innovation through synthetics—lighter, stronger, and more technical fabrics made from petroleum-based materials. But as we grapple with the environmental costs of producing many synthetic products, is a shift underway? Wool, waxed cotton, hemp, and other natural materials might be making a comeback —not as a nostalgic throwback, but as brands and individuals innovate with them, proving they can be high-performing, sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers. One of the people leading that charge is Patrick Clark, founder of Lucky Sheep and author of the book A Rewilder's Guide to Outdoor Adventure. Patrick has developed a full backpacking kit made almost entirely from natural fibers—with a base weight of just 20 pounds. From lightweight wool sleeping bags to waxed canvas backpacks, his designs challenge the idea that performance has to come at the cost of sustainability.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------------------Lucky SheepWebsite: https://www.woolsleepingbag.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckysheepgear/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LuckySheepOutdoorGearFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuckySheepSleepingBags
Here's what happened during the week of October 27 - 31 with our Public Lands:- Mike Lee's three new proposals that threaten public lands with Neal Clark from the Southwest Utah Wilderness Alliance- National Parks remain understaffed, but open during the ongoing shutdown- Over 500 new oil and gas permits were approved during the shutdown period- Trump administration will open the entire 1.56 million acres of the Coastal Plain within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas leasingThe Center for Western Priorities Oil & Gas Tracker: https://westernpriorities.org/2025/10/oil-gas-government-shutdown-tracker/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).Support Our Work at Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalist
Depending on where you live, if you've ever driven a snowy mountain road or parked your car after a winter storm, you've probably seen that familiar crust of salt left behind. It's easy to think of road salt as just another part of winter, and a simple fix for icy conditions. But that same salt, once it washes off our roads, has a far-reaching impact on the water we drink and the lakes or streams that we love.Across the Northeast and beyond, road salt has become a threat to freshwater ecosystems. It seeps into wells and disrupts aquatic life. In New York State, scientists are warning that the overuse of salt could be creating “thousands of mini-Flints,” a public health crisis unfolding one winter at a time.Today, we're joined by Dr. Brendan Wiltse, Executive Director of the Lake George Association, the nation's first lake conservation organization, founded in 1885. The LGA has been leading efforts to protect Lake George, known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” through science and community collaboration. Dr. Wiltse's decades of research in aquatic ecology and his leadership at the LGA shed light on how salt pollution, climate change, and infrastructure are interconnected, and what we can all do to protect our clean water.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------------------Lake George Association Website: https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakegeorgeassociation/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeGeorgeAssociationYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakeGeorgeAssoc
After a week off from our public lands news round-up, we are back with more updates as attacks on public lands continue despite the government shutdown. The government shutdown has many impacts on our public lands, ranging from our National Parks and Forest Service to the Bureau of Land Management. While we spend a lot of time talking about our parks, BLM lands don't often get as much attention. In this episode, we focus on how BLM lands are changing in the short- and long-term amid the ongoing government shutdown. Featured Guests:- Jocelyn Torres, Chief Conservation Officer, Conservation Lands Foundation- Melanie Stansbury, U.S. representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district - Todd Tucci, Senior Attorney, Advocates For The West- David Feinman, VP of Government Affairs, Conservation Lands Foundation- Tim Davis, Executive Director, Friends of the OwyheeThe Center for Western Priorities Oil & Gas Tracker: https://westernpriorities.org/2025/10/oil-gas-government-shutdown-tracker/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).Support Our Work at Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalist
In this episode, we visit Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Sequoia–Kings Canyon to understand how the 2025 government shutdown is affecting park staff, local economies, and conservation efforts across the National Park System.While some parks, like Joshua Tree, appear to be operating almost normally, others are showing the strain. Visitor centers are shuttered, maintenance is delayed, and some rangers are working without pay or support. Behind the scenes, nearly two-thirds of National Park Service employees — around 9,300 people — are furloughed or working without pay, and local communities are losing millions in visitor spending each day.We talked with local business owners and visitors about how the shutdown is shaping their experiences — including Seth Zaharias, co-owner of Cliffhanger Guides in Joshua Tree, and Juan, a visitor from Ecuador whose U.S. park tour now looks very different under these conditions.Featured Guests:Emily Douce, Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association (https://www.npca.org/people/emily-douce)Seth Zaharias, co-owner of Cliffhanger Guides, Joshua Tree (https://cliffhangerguides.com/)Juan Morales, visitor from Ecuador and founder of Biomas Adventures (https://www.biomasadventures.com/)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-----------------Episode Sourceshttps://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6382796929112https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdfhttps://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/park-status-during-2025-lapse.htmhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/16/yosemite-government-shutdown-national-parkshttps://www.npca.org/articles/11003-parks-group-warns-shutdown-leaves-national-parks-open-and-unprotected-whilehttps://www.npr.org/2025/10/04/nx-s1-5562507/national-parks-government-shutdownhttps://www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/yosemite-national-park-shutdown-illegal-activities-21093093.php
This week on our public lands news round up for October 6 - 10, we cover:- Government shutdown enters it's 10th day with no end in sight- Mission Ridge ski expansion outside of Wenatchee, WA faces local oppostion ft. Steven Gnam from Friends of Mission Ridge (https://www.friendsofmissionridge.org/ )- Land management plan repeals in Montana and North Dakota pass in the Senate using the Congressional Review Act ft. John Ruple, Law Professor at the University of Utah- Trump approves 211-mile Ambler Mining Road in Alaska ft. Aaron Weiss from the Center of Western Priorities- Good New: Kentucky wildlife management area expands to protect more habitat 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).-----------------Sourceshttps://protectnps.org/2025/09/25/former-nps-superintendents-urge-secretary-burgum-to-close-national-parks-if-government-shuts-down/ https://www.keepparkspublic.org/ https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/10/unions-sue-block-threatened-shutdown-rifs/408578/ https://www.afge.org/globalassets/documents/generalreports/2025/shutdown-complaint-093025.pdf https://www.friendsofmissionridge.org/ https://westernpriorities.org/2025/10/congress-uses-cra-to-repeal-blm-resource-management-plans-inviting-chaos-on-public-lands/https://www.npca.org/articles/11004-trump-administration-announces-atrocious-plan-to-destroy-america-s-largest https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/10/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-approves-ambler-road-project-to-unlock-alaskas-mineral-potential/ https://trilogymetals.com/news-and-media/news/trilogy-metals-applauds-president-trumps-decision-to-grant-permits-for-the-ambler-access-project-to-enable-the-development-of/ https://fw.ky.gov/News/Pages/Veterans-Memorial-Wildlife-Management-Area-expands-by-500-acres.aspx
What if the same determination it takes to climb some of the world's highest peaks was also the key to tackling some of the world's biggest chemical threats?That's the story of today's guest, Arlene Blum. A pioneering mountaineer who co-led the first women's ascent of Denali and led the first American ascent of Annapurna I, Arlene later turned her focus toward another steep climb: protecting public health from harmful chemicals. As the founder of the Green Science Policy Institute, she has helped phase out toxic flame retardants and raised global awareness of PFAS—also known as “forever chemicals.” You may remember her from our Forever Chemicals podcast series last year.Now, Arlene is sounding the alarm on what could be the next PFAS: antimicrobials. As we celebrate 200 episodes of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore the parallels between adventure and advocacy and how we can carry the lessons learned from the wilderness to creating change in our own communities. 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-----------------More Resources Green Science Policy Institute: https://greensciencepolicy.org/Arlene Blum: https://www.arleneblum.com/Six Classes: https://www.sixclasses.org/Breaking Trail Book: https://www.arleneblum.com/product/breaking-trail-a-climbing-life/Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org/
In this episode (Sept 29 – Oct 3, 2025):Coal Expansion on Federal Lands – The Department of the Interior announced a plan to open 13.1 million acres to coal leasingGovernment Shutdown Impacts – Congress's failure to pass a spending deal triggered a shutdown on October 1. Includes an interview with Brittany Leffel of the Winter Wildlands Alliance.Continental Divide Trail Access Rules – Hikers finishing the CDT now face a new Army permit requirement at the southern terminus in New Mexico.Everglades Detention Center Funding – Florida secured $608 million in FEMA funds for immigration detention facilities in Big Cypress National Preserve.California's Low-Impact Camping Law – Governor Newsom signed AB 518.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:Coal leasing announcement: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-unleashes-american-coal-power-bold-move-advance-trump-administrationAlabama coal lease sale: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-coal-lease-sale-alabama-generates-over-46-million-supports-us-steelEarthjustice: https://earthjustice.org/press/2025/earthjustice-responds-to-trump-administration-coal-industry-giveawaysOutdoor Alliance: https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/10/1/what-does-a-government-shutdown-mean-for-outdoor-recreationSurfrider Foundation: https://www.surfrider.org/news/looming-federal-shutdown-what-it-could-mean-for-our-coasts-oceanThe Trek: https://thetrek.co/continental-divide-trail/cdt-hikers-us-citizenship-army-permit-now-required-to-access-southern-terminus/Everglades detention funding: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/florida-gets-us-funds-for-everglades-detention-center-hit-by-lawsuit-2025-10-02/WPLG Local 10 News (Miami): [Reporting on FEMA funds and contracts] (10/2/25)California Legislature: AB 518 (Low-Impact Camping Bill)
When most people think about recreational vehicles– you know, RVs, campers, they picture freedom — the open road, family vacations, maybe even a way of life. What probably doesn't come to mind is deforestation in Borneo. Yet half of all tropical plywood harvested globally ends up in RVs.In episode 199 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we dig into how the RV industry in the United States has become a major driver of rainforest destruction, threatening orangutan habitat, draining peatlands, and displacing Indigenous Dayak communities. Our guest, Amanda Hurowitz, Senior Director at Mighty Earth, walks us through her team's investigation into how one specific type of plywood from Indonesia makes its way into American RVs and why it has been an industry secret for so long.Amanda Hurowitz leads Mighty Earth's Forest Commodities team, overseeing campaigns to protect forests and communities across Asia and Africa. She's helped drive transformative shifts in industries from cocoa to palm oil, and today she's working to bring the same pressure and solutions to the RV industry.Mighty Earth is a global advocacy organization working to defend a living planet and secure a climate where life can flourish. You can learn more about their work at mightyearth.orgInstagram: 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-----------------Mighty Earth InvestigationWebsite: https://stories.mightyearth.org/mayawana-persada/New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/19/world/asia/indonesia-borneo-deforestation-rv.html Amanda Email: amanda@mightyearth.org
What we cover in this episode of the public lands news for the week of September 22 - 26:-Looming government shutdown and the risk of mass layoffs at the Interior Department and National Park Service-Congressional attacks on Western Arctic protections and what's at stake for the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska with guest Andy Moderow, Senior Director of Policy for the Alaska Wilderness League-The rise of censorship in outdoor and conservation media, with insights from journalist Wes Siler on how editorial pressure shapes which stories get told (Read Wes's Substack here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-174127980)-Public response to the Trump administration's plan to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule—with over 99% of comments in opposition-National Public Lands Day is on September 27 with volunteer opportunities across the countrySubscribe 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 & Further Reading:https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/09/interior-department-taking-steps-implement-layoffs/https://www.npca.org/articles/10839-ongoing-staffing-crisis-and-looming-government-shutdown-create-more-riskshttps://medium.com/westwise/if-the-government-shuts-down-will-the-trump-administration-repeat-a-dark-chapter-in-park-history-967d893b1b3dhttps://www.govexec.com/management/2025/09/agencies-should-prep-mass-layoffs-if-shutdown-occurs-white-house-says/408364/?oref=ge-home-top-storyhttps://alaskawild.org/blog/alaska-wilderness-league-opposes-congressional-attack-on-common-sense-protections-for-western-arctic/https://www.wilderness.org/articles/press-release/new-cra-attacks-western-arctic-plans-rejects-public-inputhttps://karenattiah.substack.com/p/the-washington-post-fired-me-buthttps://oregonwild.org/americans-push-back-on-trumps-plan-to-repeal-roadless-rule/https://westernpriorities.org/2025/09/comment-analysis-finds-over-99-opposition-to-repealing-2001-roadless-rule/
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/
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
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
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
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
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/
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)
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 EvergladesSubscribe 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/
While everyone starts their morning a little differently, one thing many people have in common is pouring a cup of coffee. But what if I told you that your daily ritual of coffee is more than likely funding mass deforestation, biodiversity loss, and slavery? One thing you know is that on this podcast, we vote with our dollar, and what we buy every single day, where we buy it, and who we buy it from, all make a difference in the impact we have not only on the environment, but on workers across the globe. That's why in episode 194 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I sit down to chat with Etelle Higonnet.Etelle is the Founder & Director of Coffee Watch. A graduate of Yale Law School, she's an attorney and environmental and human rights activist. She previously worked at Mighty Earth, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, as well as two war crimes courts. She was knighted in her home country of France for her pioneering efforts to curb deforestation in high-risk commodities with an emphasis on cocoa, rubber, palm oil, cattle, and soy industries. She has worked in over 30 countries, is widely published, speaks 9 languages, and is now dedicated to ending deforestation and slavery in the global coffee industry.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-----------------Coffee WatchWebsite: https://coffeewatch.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffeewatch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeewatchorg/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeewatchorgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeWatchOrg
This week on Public Lands News, we're tracking urgent comment deadlines and court victories, including:- Forest Service Reorganization (comment period closes August 26)- Artificial Intelligence & Environmental Permitting — with Barbra Calantas, Environmental Science Associates- Oak Flat Legal Battle — with Dr. Erik Murdock, Access Fund- Offshore Oil & Gas Leasing ScheduleSubscribe 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 Ecocide pilot episode release this SeptemberHave tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)USDA reorganization info & public comment: Email: reorganization@usda.govSources referenced in this episode:1. Environmental Science Associates:President Trump Targets Accelerating Artificial Intelligence Deployment (https://esassoc.com/news-and-ideas/2025/08/president-trump-targets-accelerating-artificial-intelligence-deployment-in-recent-executive-actions/)WOTUS, POTUS, and SCOTUS (https://esassoc.com/news-and-ideas/2025/04/wotus-potus-and-scotus-where-waters-of-the-u-s-stands-under-the-new-administration/)ESA Federal Policy Tracker (https://policytracker.esassoc.com/)2. Access Fund: Latest News on Oak Flat (https://www.accessfund.org/latest-news/tag/Oak+Flat)3. U.S. Department of the Interior:Interior Department Sets Offshore Energy Leasing Schedule Under One Big Beautiful Bill Act (https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-sets-offshore-energy-leasing-schedule-under-one-big-beautiful)
Coral reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea.” They provide habitat for an incredible diversity of marine life, protect shorelines from storms, and support the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. But reefs are also among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and coastal development all play a role in their decline—and now, research shows that something as ordinary as the sunscreen we put on at the beach could be part of the problem.Certain chemical ingredients found commonly in sunscreens have been linked to coral bleaching, genetic damage in marine species, and even harm to the tiny phytoplankton that form the base of the ocean's food chain. Some places, including Hawai‘i, have already banned these types of sunscreens in an effort to protect fragile reef ecosystems. But with labels like “reef-safe” popping up everywhere, it's not always clear what's marketing spin and what's truly safe for our oceans.To help us untangle the science and policy behind sunscreen and reef health, we're joined by Katie Day, Surfrider Foundation's Senior Manager of Science and Policy. Katie grew up on a small island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where her love for the ocean first began. With a Master's Degree in Environmental Science and Management, she brings expertise in climate policy, water quality, and habitat management. At Surfrider, she helps guide national campaigns with the latest science, leads federal advocacy efforts, and heads up the organization's annual Coastal Recreation Hill Day in Washington, D.C. 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-----------------Surfrider FoundationWebsite: https://www.surfrider.org/Reef-Safe Sunscreen Guide: https://www.surfrider.org/news/surfrider-foundations-2025-reef-friendly-sunscreen-guideInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/SurfriderFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/surfrider/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/surfrider-foundation/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SurfriderFoundation
We're back after a short break with an urgent update on threats to U.S. public lands, major environmental policy rollbacks, and ongoing oil and gas fights in New Mexico.Main Topics Covered:USDA's plan to reorganize and consolidate Forest Service operations.The SPEED Act and its potential to roll back NEPA protections.Oil and gas accountability battles in New Mexico: abandoned wells and fracking wastewater.Sneak peek of the Ecocide pilot episode on the Boundary Waters mining threat.Subscribe 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 Ecocide pilot episode release this SeptemberHave tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)Resources & Links:USDA reorganization info & public comment: Email reorganization@usda.govOutdoor Alliance Action Alert: https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/8/7/the-forest-service-wants-to-hear-from-you-about-its-staffing-and-reorganization-plan NEPA Rollbacks & the SPEED Act: https://westernlaw.org/nepa-rollback-bill-speed-act-would-threaten-environment-communities-provide-legal-immunity-to-polluters/Abandoned wells in New Mexico: https://westernlaw.org/coalition-of-environmental-groups-tribal-leaders-experts-public-health-and-environmental-safety-public-funds-protection-central-to-preventing-abandoned-wells-in-nm/Fracking wastewater ban challenge: https://westernlaw.org/the-fix-is-in-clean-water-advocates-file-objection-in-big-oil-bid-to-reverse-state-ban-on-fracking-wastewater-discharge/Save the Boundary Waters update: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/did-twin-metals-just-get-leases-mine-watershed-boundary-waters-nope
We're taking a short break from regular episodes while we film our new YouTube series: Ecocide.Ecocide: the destruction of large areas of the natural environment as a consequence of human activityEcocide is going to be an ongoing investigative video project that explores how extractive industries, like mining, impact wild spaces, clean water access, and outdoor recreation economies.Our first episode, launching early September, takes you into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where we're partnering with Friends of the Boundary Waters to examine the growing threats of copper-nickel mining and climate change.This series will be exclusively available on YouTube, and this episode is a pilot — a test run to gauge interest and support. If it resonates, we'll grow it into a recurring reporting series.To stay independent, we rarely accept brand sponsorships. That means we rely on support from listeners and viewers like you.Want to help us produce more stories like this?→ Donate directly: buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalist→ Subscribe and share the video on YouTube once it launches.Thank you for supporting clean water, public lands, and responsible storytelling.We'll be back with new podcast episodes on Friday, August 15.
We can't shop our way out of climate change. And we definitely can't rely on capitalism to save the planet. But what happens when a brand tries to flip that script?In the outdoor industry, we've seen a rising trend: companies weaving sustainability and advocacy into their marketing. But are those efforts genuine, or just another version of greenwashed consumerism? Can a brand really center advocacy over product—and still survive?To explore this topic from a brand's perspective, in episode 192 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we're talking with Matt Moreau.Matt is the founder and CEO of The Landmark Project, an outdoor lifestyle brand known for its art-forward designs, sustainable apparel, and advocacy for public lands. Under Matt's leadership, The Landmark Project has grown from a small, garage-based print shop into a nationally recognized brand sold in retail stores and national parks across the U.S. Passionate about connecting people with the outdoors, Matt has shaped the company's mission around celebrating and protecting natural places through thoughtful design, meaningful partnerships, and a commitment to conservation.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976-----------------Landmark ProjectWebsite: https://thelandmarkproject.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelandmarkprojectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-landmark-project/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelandmarkprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/landmarkproject
In this episode, we cover two urgent and unfolding stories:The Trump administration's rollback of safeguards in the Western Arctic with Andy Moderow from the Alaska Wilderness LeagueThe USDA's plan to rescind the Roadless Rule with Jamie Ervin from Outdoor AllianceThese changes could open millions of acres of public lands to industrial development. But there's still time to take action.Make a comment on development in the Western Arctic: https://alaskawild.org/Write to lawmakers about the Roadless Rule: https://www.outdooralliance.org/roadlessWant more updates?Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the full public lands news roundup delivered straight to your inbox:
When we think about reducing the environmental impact of our outdoor gear, we often focus on the materials we can see, like recycled fabrics or plant-based alternatives. But what about the processes behind the scenes? A significant portion of the climate footprint actually comes from the production process of those materials.In this episode, we're taking a closer look at insulation and the invisible side of sustainability in outdoor manufacturing.I'm joined by Andrea Paulson, the SVP of Innovation and Technology at PrimaLoft Inc., the global leader in high-performance, sustainable insulation. Andrea has over two decades of product development, engineering, manufacturing, and functional testing experience. At PrimaLoft, Andrea guides her team towards breakthrough innovation on both data-driven highways, and creative dusty-switchbacks.At the heart of today's conversation is PrimaLoft P.U.R.E.—a manufacturing method that reduces carbon emissions by more than 50% compared to conventional processes. As of January 2025, PrimaLoft's flagship Gold Insulation is now made exclusively using P.U.R.E., a milestone in their shift toward cleaner production and renewable energy integration.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976-----------------PrimaLoftWebsite: https://primaloft.com/PrimaLoft P.U.R.E: https://primaloft.com/pure/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrimaLoft/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primaloft/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primaloft-inc-/
This week in the Outdoor Minimalist public lands news review, we cover:USDA's major reorganization planWhat it means for the U.S. Forest Service and wildfire responseHow agency relocations and office closures could impact conservation workCentralization of services like civil rights, tribal affairs, and grants managementH.R. 1 “The Big Ugly Bill” with
In episode 190 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we're discussing urgent threats facing wildlife protections in the United States: the ongoing dismantling of the Endangered Species Act under the Trump Administration. The ESA has long been considered the backbone of wildlife conservation in this country, credited with saving iconic species like the bald eagle and the gray wolf. But legislative and administrative changes are eroding the very foundation of this landmark law and pushing for changes that could reshape how, or even if, we protect threatened and endangered species in the years to come.Joining me to break this all down is Ramona McGee, Senior Attorney and Wildlife Program Leader at the Southern Environmental Law Center. Based in North Carolina, Ramona has been on the legal front lines for nearly a decade, defending the rich and often overlooked biodiversity of the South.In this conversation, we explore what's at stake if the legal definition of “harm” disappears from federal wildlife protections, how these changes could affect ecosystems and communities across the South, and the industries poised to benefit from deregulation. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976-----------------Southern Environmental Law CenterWebsite: https://www.selc.org/Ramona McGee: https://www.selc.org/staff/ramona-mcgee/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernenvironment/Podcast: https://www.selc.org/broken-ground-podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southern-environmental-law-center/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/selcva
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 loss23% EPA budget cut, gutting water, air, and environmental justice programsPublic 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 leasingQuarterly lease sales mandated, even without industry interestDrilling proposed in San Luis Obispo County, CADOE'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.
Remember when Mike Lee's 3.3 million-acre land sales were making headlines, what felt like every few seconds? It was all over social media; every conservation organization was talking about it, and even friends of mine who had never been very civically involved gathered the gumption to call their senators. Well, despite the fact that as a collective, we rallied together to defeat all three of Mike Lee's most recent attempts to sell public lands, Trump's Big “Ugly” Bill passed in the Senate, and within the hundreds of pages of legislation, many public lands attacks remained. While I do my best to cover most public lands news every Friday on this podcast, hearing from others in the outdoor advocacy community can shed light on things we may not have considered and help foster conversations needed to continue this fight. That's why I am excited to introduce Land Tawney to episode 189 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast. Land is co-chair of American Hunters & Anglers, an energetic, media-based organization built on holding policy makers accountable through fast-paced grassroots advocacy. Tawney is a nationally renowned advocate of public land and wildlife. For a decade, he was president and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, where under his leadership, BHA grew exponentially, expanding to 48 states and into Canada, garnering 40,000 members, and building an army of public land defenders. Land has testified before Congress on behalf of the Boundary Waters and has served on numerous federal advisory councils in support of hunting, fishing and conservation. He has held roles with the National Wildlife Federation, where he launched their Vanishing Paradise campaign in support of the Gulf Coast, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. His 25 years of experience as an advocate, leader and sportsman make him just as comfortable in the duck blind and trout stream as he is on Capitol Hill. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976-----------------Land TawneyAmerican Hunters and Anglers: https://www.americanhuntersandanglers.org/AHA Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1C0w7HMWwEAHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanhuntersanglers/Land Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landtawney/Land LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/land-tawney-a5272345/Wilderness Society: https://www.wilderness.org/
In this week's episode, we cover sweeping public lands news from June 30 to July 11, including:The "Trump Tax" and what it means for public lands, drilling, and park funding (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text)The environmental impact of Alligator Alcatraz and community-led legal resistance (https://www.everglades.org/stop-alligator-alcatraz/)SCOTUS ruling greenlighting federal workforce layoffs (https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24A1174/362080/20250602120234175_Trump_v_AFGE_Stay_Appl_2.pdf)Good news: California's 30×30 milestone and the Okefenokee land deal
For today's episode, we're featuring a conversation Meg recorded with Nick Mucha, one of the editors of Patagonia's new book: Tools to Save Our Home Planet: A Changemaker's Guidebook and Patagonia's Senior Director of Environmental Issues and Strategy. This collection brings together wisdom, stories, and strategies from over 50 environmental and justice-focused activists working on the front lines of climate action around the world.The book was created to serve as both a call to action and a practical guide helping activists, organizers, and everyday people build skills in communications, fundraising, legal tools, mobilization, and collective action, especially during this turbulent political moment. It's an inspiring and honest conversation about balancing hope with realism, finding your place in this work, and how each of us can turn concern for the planet into meaningful action.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976-----------------Tools to Save Our Home Planet: https://www.patagonia.com/product/tools-to-save-our-home-planet-a-changemakers-guidebook/BK925.html?dwvar_BK925_color=000Tools for Grassroots Activists: https://www.patagonia.com/product/tools-for-grassroots-activists-paperback-book/BK740.htmlPatagonia Activism Stories: https://www.patagonia.com/stories/activism/Patagonia Action Works: https://www.patagonia.com/actionworks/home/choose-location/
This week, we're breaking down one of the biggest public land threats in U.S. history. I sat down with Joshua Axelrod, Senior Policy Advocate at NRDC, to unpack the ongoing federal budget reconciliation process and how it's being used to mandate the largest public land sell-offs ever proposed.We cover:The latest updates on the proposal to sell 1.2 million acres of BLM-managed landHow the Senate Parliamentarian's ruling reshaped — but didn't stop — the land sale proposalThe massive oil, gas, and coal leasing mandates hidden in the bill, both onshore and offshore
From greenwashed marketing campaigns to the real, tangible challenges of sourcing natural materials and overhauling entrenched supply chains, creating truly sustainable clothing is no small feat. And no one knows this better than today's guests: Meli and Rensso Hinostroza, the sibling co-founders behind Arms of Andes.Born in California and raised between the U.S. and Peru, Meli and Rensso have built a brand rooted in their heritage and a mission to reconnect people with nature through minimalist, purpose-driven design. Specializing in alpaca wool apparel, they're confronting the realities of working within a global manufacturing system that wasn't built for sustainability.In this conversation, we explore what it actually takes to make garments from 100% natural fibers, how to navigate trade-offs between durability, performance, and environmental impact, and how brands can (and should) communicate sustainability claims with honesty. If you've ever wondered what goes into making that "eco-friendly" base layer you bought for your last backpacking trip, or how to spot genuine sustainability from greenwashed marketing, this is an episode you won't want to miss.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976-----------------Arms of Andes Website: https://armsofandes.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armsofandesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@armsofandesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/armsofandes
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