Podcast appearances and mentions of Forest service

Climate change is a lot of things: big, scary, scientifically-accurate. And as we just saw in Texas, it's not just a matter of principles or talking points. It's causing tragedies in our own country and around the globe.In the face of such an overwhelming issue, it can be hard to know what we as individuals can do. Of course we can donate to environmental causes and vote for leaders who prioritize climate policy, but there's something else that's as close to home as our own backyard. Gardening!By expanding our backyard gardens to include plants for native pollinators, we can make a difference in our own local ecosystem. Bees and butterflies are some of the most common pollinators, but hummingbirds, moths, beetles, and even bats can also be part of the process. Unfortunately, many parts of the world have been seeing declines in pollinator populations. A 2017 report done for the Center of Biological Diversity found that nearly 1 in 4 species of native bees are now at risk of extinction. Monarch butterflies, meanwhile, have declined more than 80% in the last 30 years.And that's a big deal! At least 75% of all flowering plants on Earth are pollinated by insects and animals, including almost all of the food we eat. In fact, farmers estimate that pollinators are responsible for 1 out of 3 bites of food we take every day.And yet, the Trump administration seems intent on making the situation worse. Since the start of Trump's second term, his administration has fired hundreds of climate and weather scientists. He wants to start drilling for oil on pristine lands full of native plants and animals and roll back protections for migratory birds. And he wants logging companies to be able to cut down some of our National Forests. He even named a lobbyist for the logging industry, Tom Schultz, as the new head of the U.S. Forest Service.There's no denying that this all feels overwhelming. But “think global, act local” doesn't only apply to your community's school board or city council. You can make a difference just by planting more native species that are good for pollinators. Not only are the beauty and fresh air good for your mental health, you'll be directly improving the environment in your area.And that is why your garden matters!For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Climate change is a lot of things: big, scary, scientifically-accurate. And as we just saw in Texas, it's not just a matter of principles or talking points. It's causing tragedies in our own country and around the globe.In the face of such an overwhelming issue, it can be hard to know what we as individuals can do. Of course we can donate to environmental causes and vote for leaders who prioritize climate policy, but there's something else that's as close to home as our own backyard. Gardening!By expanding our backyard gardens to include plants for native pollinators, we can make a difference in our own local ecosystem. Bees and butterflies are some of the most common pollinators, but hummingbirds, moths, beetles, and even bats can also be part of the process. Unfortunately, many parts of the world have been seeing declines in pollinator populations. A 2017 report done for the Center of Biological Diversity found that nearly 1 in 4 species of native bees are now at risk of extinction. Monarch butterflies, meanwhile, have declined more than 80% in the last 30 years.And that's a big deal! At least 75% of all flowering plants on Earth are pollinated by insects and animals, including almost all of the food we eat. In fact, farmers estimate that pollinators are responsible for 1 out of 3 bites of food we take every day.And yet, the Trump administration seems intent on making the situation worse. Since the start of Trump's second term, his administration has fired hundreds of climate and weather scientists. He wants to start drilling for oil on pristine lands full of native plants and animals and roll back protections for migratory birds. And he wants logging companies to be able to cut down some of our National Forests. He even named a lobbyist for the logging industry, Tom Schultz, as the new head of the U.S. Forest Service.There's no denying that this all feels overwhelming. But “think global, act local” doesn't only apply to your community's school board or city council. You can make a difference just by planting more native species that are good for pollinators. Not only are the beauty and fresh air good for your mental health, you'll be directly improving the environment in your area.And that is why your garden matters!

Born into a musical family with a singing father and R&B-loving mother, Kolby found his true calling in music at age 17, using it to transform the challenges of his childhood into artistic expression. For six years, he dedicated his weekends to a three-hour commute for studio time, collaborating with other artists and crafting albums, even distributing CDs outside local grocery stores. Now, while working as a materials handler for the U.S. Forest Service, Kolby balances his musical aspirations with being a devoted father to his 6-year-old son Karter, who shares his musical genes. His job supports both his family and his dream of becoming an entertainer, allowing him time for gigs and studio sessions as he continues to write and perform, driven by the desire to show his son the rewards of pursuing one's passion.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Join us in this exciting throwback compilation of classic *Jeep Talk Show* clips from the early days, back when it was called the *XJ Talk Show*! From record-breaking Jeep sales to swamp buggy racing and Lake Tahoe OHV trail updates, this collection is packed with nostalgic Jeep stories, tech tips, and off-road adventures.

The Trump Administration has announced it seeks to revoke the “Roadless Rule,” the 2001 regulation limiting U.S. Forest Service activities in unroaded areas of our National Forests. Guests Kimberly Baker of the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) and Scott Greacen of Friends of the Eel River join the program to discuss the history and purpose behind defending roadless areas and what this new attack on our public lands means for clean water, fish and wildlife, and recreation.More information on the history of the Roadless Rule can be found here.Support the show

On Today's Show: 100% community supported, To Subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/The public land sale proposal has been removed from the budget bill.Sen. Mike Lee said this morning that he may reintroduce the proposal, but will remove the sale of Forest Service land and significantly reduce the amount of Bureau of Land Management Land available for sale.A firefighter received second-degree burns to the hands, arms, and face on the Conner Fire in Nevada.Dani Shedden, mental health counselor and owner of Close the Gap Wellness, joins for an interview about Mental Health in the wildfire workforce.We discuss current uncertainty in the industry, the importance and safety of focusing on the operational mission, and finding a positive outlook in your work.Plus an operational update.THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

NOTE: This episode contains stories set in the Bull Run Watershed, a protected area closed to the public. We do not condone or encourage trespassing or violating posted access restrictions. Always respect local laws, regulations, and the environment.What happens when a seasoned Forest Service firefighter finds himself patrolling one of the most restricted, untouched forest zones in Oregon — and begins to feel he's not alone? In this chilling and mysterious episode, we speak with Rick, a former seasonal fire prevention officer for the Zigzag Ranger District, who spent months deep in the Bull Run Watershed — a place off-limits to the public for over 100 years. Rick recalls the haunting silence, the oppressive feeling of being watched, and the unshakable knowledge that something was tracking him through the brush. From eerie encounters in Colorado's Deadman Tower and Pingree Park to being shadowed near Lolo Pass and Large Mountain, Rick's story is a rare look inside the places Bigfoot might truly call home. This episode includes firsthand accounts from NF-10, Hatfield Wilderness, and Bull Run Reservoir #1 — including the terrifying days Rick worked alone, clearing fire access roads… while something watched from just beyond the trees. Don't miss this rare glimpse into one of Oregon's most mysterious regions.

In this episode, we catch up after a month-long break and dive into what's been going on in the world—including protests overseas and global tension. Wade shares a behind-the-scenes look at working concert security, and we swap stories from a recent camping trip while planning the next one. Curt's Corner delivers as always, sparking conversation about BLM and Forest Service land that might be heading to the auction block. This episode is made possible by The Pearl On Main. https://thepearlonmain.com/ Contact: Voicemail/Text: 385-988-0042 Website: http://www.theweeklyinsalt.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_weekly_insalt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theweeklyinsalt  

"God bless America, let's save some of it." — Edward Abbey One of the senators Utah sent to Washington has slipped in some very dangerous legal language into the big federal budgeting bill, language that’s vague enough to allow the beginning of the sell-off of our Western Public Lands. Including National Forests. Not including national parks, monuments, etc., but very much including Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands. In fact, that’s what this senator, “Based Mike Lee,” titled this section of the Senate legislation: MANDATORY DISPOSAL OF BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LAND AND NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND. No, sorry, not gonna happen. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/desertoracleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Fleet managers make the world go round, so why doesn't the world recognize that?"

#95 - Mike Pritchett is the founder of Kids With Disabilities Adventures — a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids with disabilities and their families experience the outdoors through turkey hunting, big game, and fishing trips. In this heartfelt episode, Mike shares how the organization got started, the stories that fuel him, and the incredible impact it's had on children, parents, and volunteers. We also talk about fatherhood, mindset, and how the outdoors can heal and connect. Mike even shares his go-to fish recipe for your next lake trip — and yes, it'll convert even the pickiest eaters. Whether you love hunting, community-driven work, or just a dang good story, this one's for you. BONUS: Want to hear from the teachers, volunteers, and Forest Service staff who've been part of KWD? Watch the Voices from the Field bonus video here →  Get our FAVORITE links, codes & more here! EPISODE MENTIONS:  Kids with Disabilities Adventures website HERE Connect w/ KWD Instagram HERE Watch the show on YouTube HERE Submit your stories at thereckoningpodcast.com/submit SHEEPFEET for custom orthotics, the best hunting shoe and the hideout hoodie use code: RECKONING for 10% OFF SHOP HERE MTN OPS for the best supplements and gear. Use code BRITT for 20% OFF your order! RUGGED ROAD COOLER GET 10% OFF your lightweight and organized cooler here or USE CODE: LONG  Have Reckoning create content for your brand, learn more HERE! Follow Us on Social:  Brittney Long IGReckoning IG Affiliate Disclaimer.  Show Notes may contain affiliate links. If you click through my referral link, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.  Thank you for supporting RECKONING LLC.  

Episode Summary: In this riveting episode, host Chris Clarke covers the urgent issue threatening millions of acres of public land in the United States. Buried in what Chris calls the "Bloated Billionaire Bailout," a budget rider proposed by Senator Mike Lee targets up to 3 million acres of public lands for sale. These lands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, span 11 western states. Chris urges listeners to take action by calling their senators to stop this dangerous rider that undermines public access to these vital natural resources. Throughout the episode, a comprehensive discussion highlights the broader impacts of this potential land sale. Chris articulates how the rider threatens essential services, cultural survival, and the ecological balance of these desert lands. The discussion touches on contrasting visions for the use of public lands, with Mike Lee's push for privatization and development versus the preservation and conservation ethos championed by many environmentalists. Chris also outlines the economic dimensions of this conflict, emphasizing the potential loss of public use areas that provide significant recreational and environmental benefits to local communities. Key Takeaways: Legislative Threat: A budget rider by Mike Lee threatens to privatize millions of acres of public lands in western US states, including critical desert ecosystems. Conservation vs. Development:The episode explores the tension between conserving public lands for ecological, cultural, and recreational purposes versus commercial development and privatization. Call to Action: Chris Clarke urges listeners to contact their senators to oppose the rider and protect these invaluable public lands. Impactful Example: Tucson's Sabino Canyon serves as a hypothetical example of the possible negative outcomes from land privatization, jeopardizing local public access. Political Dynamics:There is bipartisan opposition to the rider, with some Republican senators indicating they cannot support a bill that includes this provision. Public pressure has led to some revisions of the original rider, but significant threats remain. Notable Quotes: 1. "We're talking about a public lands fire sale, and commercial interests are first in line." 2. "Mike Lee doesn't consider non-consumptive use as a real use of public lands. If it doesn't turn a profit, it doesn't count in his worldview." 3. "This would not be affordable housing... it's far more likely that housing built in Sabino Canyon would be extremely expensive." 4. "Our common heritage is threatened, and we've got to stop this rider from moving forward." Resources: Senate Switchboard: 202-224-3121 https://www.senate.gov Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta information: https://chihuahuandesert.org/fiesta-information/ Map of eligible lands and data from the Wilderness Society: https://www.wilderness.org/articles/media-resources/250-million-acres-public-lands-eligible-sale-senr-bill Fundraising link for El Paso trip: https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso Jonathan Thompson's Substack The Land Desk: https://www.landdesk.org/Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March of 2025, Emily Ford lined up at the starting line of one of the world's most difficult races – The Iditarod. To race this iconic event hadn't been a lifelong dream but rather the next step on Emily's pursuit of her passions – cold quiet places and four legged friends. Support comes from Kuat Racks  Oboz Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today. And Then What Actions 3 million acres of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands are currently slated to be sold. Call your Senators and tell them: Don't Sell Public Lands. Call 202-224-3121 ⁠Write

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The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast is a reader-supported publication. Whether you sign up for the free or paid tier, I appreciate your support for independent ski journalism.WhoErik Lambert, Co-Founder of Bluebird Backcountry, Colorado and founder of Bonfire CollectiveRecorded onApril 8, 2025About Bluebird BackcountryLocated in: Just east of the junction of US 40 and Colorado 14, 20-ish miles southwest of Steamboat Springs, ColoradoYears active: 2020 to 2023Closest neighboring U.S. ski areas: Steamboat (:39), Howelsen Hill (:45), Base elevation: 8,600 feetSummit elevation: 9,845 feetVertical drop: 1,245 feetSkiable acres: 4,200-plus acres (3,000 acres guided; 1,200-plus acres avalanche-managed and ski-patrolled)Average annual snowfall: 196 inchesLift fleet: None!Why I interviewed himFirst question: why is the ski newsletter that constantly reminds readers that it's concerned always and only with lift-served skiing devoting an entire podcast episode to a closed ski area that had no lifts at all? Didn't I write this when Indy Pass added Bluebird back in 2022?:Wait a minute, what the f**k exactly is going on here? I have to walk to the f*****g top? Like a person from the past? Before they invented this thing like a hundred years ago called a chairlift? No? You actually ski up? Like some kind of weird humanoid platypus Howard the Duck thing? Bro I so did not sign up for this s**t. I am way too lazy and broken.Yup, that was me. But if you've been here long enough, you know that making fun of things that are hard is my way of making fun of myself for being Basic Ski Bro. Really I respected the hell out of Bluebird, its founders, and its skiers, and earnestly believed for a moment that the ski area could offer a new model for ski area development in a nation that had mostly stopped building them:Bluebird has a lot of the trappings of a lift-served ski area, with 28 marked runs and 11 marked skin tracks, making it a really solid place to dial your uphill kit and technique before throwing yourself out into the wilderness.I haven't really talked about this yet, but I think Bluebird may be the blueprint for re-igniting ski-area development in the vast American wilderness. The big Colorado resorts – other than Crested Butte and Telluride – have been at capacity for years. They keep building more and bigger lifts, but skiing needs a relief valve. One exists in the smaller ski areas that populate Colorado and are posting record business results, but in a growing state in a finally-growing sport, Bluebird shows us another way to do skiing.More specifically, I wrote in a post the following year:Bluebird fused the controlled environment and relative safety of a ski area with the grit and exhilaration of the uphill ski experience. The operating model, stripped of expensive chairlifts and resource-intensive snowmaking and grooming equipment, appeared to suit the current moment of reflexive opposition to mechanized development in the wilderness. For a moment, this patrolled, avalanche-controlled, low-infrastructure startup appeared to be a model for future ski area development in the United States. …If Bluebird could establish a beachhead in Colorado, home to a dozen of America's most-developed ski resorts and nearly one in every four of the nation's skier visits, then it could act as proof-of-concept for a new sort of American ski area. One that provided a novel experience in relative safety, sure, but, more important, one that could actually proceed as a concept in a nation allergic to new ski area development: no chairlifts, no snowmaking, no grooming, no permanent buildings.Dozens of American ski markets appeared to have the right ingredients for such a business: ample snow, empty wilderness, and too many skiers jamming too few ski areas that grow incrementally in size but never in number. If indoor ski areas are poised to become the nation's next-generation incubators, then liftless wilderness centers could create capacity on the opposite end of the skill spectrum, redoubts for experts burned out on liftlines but less enthusiastic about the dangers of touring the unmanaged backcountry. Bluebird could also act as a transition area for confident skiers who wanted to enter the wilderness but needed to hone their uphill and avalanche-analysis skills first. …Bluebird was affordable and approachable. Day tickets started at $39. A season pass cost $289. The ski area rented uphill gear and set skin tracks. The vibe was concert-tailgate-meets-#VanLife-minimalism-and-chill, with free bacon famously served at the mid-mountain yurt.That second bit of analysis, unfortunately, was latched to an article announcing Bluebird's permanent closure in 2023. Co-founder Jeff Woodward told me at the time that Bluebird's relative remoteness – past most of mainline Colorado skiing – and a drying-up of investors drove the shutdown decision.Why now was a good time for this interviewBluebird's 2023 closure shocked the ski community. Over already? A ski area offering affordable, uncrowded, safe uphill skiing seemed too wedded to skiing's post-Covid outdoors-hurray moment to crumble so quickly. Weren't Backcountry Bros multiplying as the suburban Abercrombie and Applebee's masses discovered the outside and flooded lift-served ski areas? I offered a possible explanation for Bluebird's untimely shutdown:There is another, less optimistic reading here. Bluebird may have failed because it's remote and small for its neighborhood. Or we are witnessing perception bump up against reality. The popular narrative is that we are in the midst of a backcountry resurgence, quantified by soaring gear sales and perpetually parked-out trailheads. Hundreds of skiers regularly skin up many western ski areas before the lifts open. But the number of skiers willing to haul themselves up a mountain under their own power is miniscule compared to those who prefer the ease and convenience of a chairlift, which, thanks to the megapass, is more affordable than at any point in modern ski history.Ski media glorifies uphilling. Social media amplifies it. But maybe the average skier just isn't that interested. You can, after all, make your own ice cream or soda or bread, often at considerable initial expense and multiples of the effort and time that it would take to simply purchase these items. A small number of people will engage in these activities out of curiosity or because they possess a craftsman's zeal for assembly. But most will not. And that's the challenge for whoever takes the next run at building a liftless ski area.Still, I couldn't stop thinking about my podcast conversation the year prior with Lonie Glieberman, founder of the improbable and remote Mount Bohemia. When he opened the experts-only, no-snowmaking, no-grooming freefall zone in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 2000, the ski industry collectively scoffed. It will never work, they promised, and for years it didn't. Boho lost money for a long time. But Glieberman persisted and, through a $99-season-pass strategy and an aggressively curated fist-bump image, Boho now sits at the aspirational pinnacle of Midwest skiing, a pilgrimage spot that is so successful it no longer sells Saturday day-time lift tickets.Could Bluebird have ascended to similar cult destination given more time? I don't know. We might never know.But shortly after Bluebird's shuttering, Erik Lambert, who co-founded Bluebird with Woodward, reached out to me. He's since helped with The Storm's digital-marketing efforts and knows the product well. With two years to process the rapid and permanent unraveling of an enterprise that had for a time consumed his life and passion, he felt ready to tell his version of the Bluebird story. And he asked if we could use The Storm to do it.What we talked aboutHow an East Coast kid developed a backcountry obsession; White Grass, West Virginia; the very long starter-kit list for backcountry skiing; Bluebird as backcountry primer; Jackson Hole as backcountry firestarter; why a nation as expansive and wild as the United States has little suitable land for ready ski area development; a 100-page form to secure a four-day Forest Service permit; early Bluebird pilots at Mosquito Pass and Winter Park; a surprising number of beginners, not just to backcountry, but to skiing; why the founders envisioned a network of Bluebirds; why Bluebird moved locations after season one; creating social scaffolding out of what is “inherently an anti-social experience”; free bacon!; 20 inches to begin operating; “we didn't know if people would actually pay to go backcountry skiing in this kind of environment”; “backcountry skiing was wild and out there, and very few people were doing it”; who Bluebird thought would show up and who actually did – “we were absolutely flummoxed by what transpired”; the good and bad of Bluebird's location; why none of the obvious abandoned Colorado ski areas worked for Bluebird; “we did everything the right way … and the right way is expensive”; “it felt like it was working”; why financing finally ran out; comparisons to Bohemia; “what we really needed was that second location”; moving on from failure – “it's been really hard to talk about for a long time”; Bluebird's legacy – “we were able to get thousands of people their best winter day”; “I think about it every day in one way or another”; the alternate universe of our own pasts; “somebody's going to make something like this work because it can and should exist”; and why I don't think this story is necessarily over just yet.What I got wrong* We mentioned a forthcoming trip to Colorado – that trip is now in the past, and I included GoPro footage of Lambert skiing with me in Loveland on a soft May day.* I heard “New Hampshire” and assigned Lambert's first backcountry outing to Mount Washington and Tuckerman Ravine, but the trek took place in Gulf of Slides.Podcast NotesOn White GrassThe Existing facility that most resembles Bluebird Backcountry is White Grass, West Virginia, ostensibly a cross-country ski area that sits on a 1,200-foot vertical drop and attracts plenty of skinners. I hosted founder Chip Chase on the pod last year:On Forest Service permit boundariesThe developed portion of a ski area is often smaller than what's designated as the “permit area” on their Forest Service masterplan. Copper Mountain's 2024 masterplan, for example, shows large parcels included in the permit that currently sit outside of lift service:On Bluebird's shifting locationsBluebird's first season was set on Whiteley Peak:The following winter, Bluebird shifted operations to Bear Mountain, which is depicted in the trailmap at the top of this article. Lambert breaks down the reasons for this move in our conversation.On breaking my leg in-boundsYeah I know, the regulars have heard me tell this story more times than a bear s***s under the bridge water, but for anyone new here, one of the reasons I am Skis Inbounds Bro is that I did my best Civil War re-enactment at Black Mountain of Maine three years ago. It's kind of a miracle that not only did patrol not have to stuff a rag in my mouth while they sawed my leg off, but that I've skied 156 days since the accident. This is a testament both to being alive in the future and skiing within 300 yards of a Patrol hut equipped with evac sleds and radios to make sure a fentanyl drip is waiting in the base area recovery room. Here's the story: On abandoned Colorado ski areasBerthoud Pass feels like the lost Colorado ski area most likely to have have endured and found a niche had it lasted into our indie-is-cool, alt-megapass world of 2025. Dropping off US 40 11 miles south of Winter Park, the ski area delivered around 1,000 feet of vert and a pair of modern fixed-grip chairlifts. The bump ran from 1937 to 2001 - Colorado Ski History houses the full story.Geneva Basin suffered from a more remote location than Berthoud, and struggled through several owners from its 1963 opening to failed early ‘90s attempts at revitalization (the ski area last operated in 1984, according to Colorado Ski History). The mountain ran a couple of double chairs and surface lifts on 1,250 vertical feet:I also mentioned Hidden Valley, more commonly known as Ski Estes Park. This was another long-runner, hanging around from 1955 to 1991. Estes rocked an impressive 2,000-foot vertical drop, but spun just one chairlift and a bunch of surface lifts, likely making it impossible to compete as the Colorado megas modernized in the 1980s (Colorado Ski History doesn't go too deeply into the mountain's shutdown).On U.S. Forest Service permitsAn oft-cited stat is that roughly half of U.S. ski areas operate on Forest Service land. This number isn't quite right: 116 of America's 501 active ski areas are under Forest Service permits. While this is fewer than a quarter of active ski areas, those 116 collectively house 63 percentage of American ski terrain.I broke this down extensively a couple months back:The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing (and sometimes adjacent things such as Bluebird) all year long. Join us. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

A new plan from the U.S. Forest Service lays out how to protect and manage the Arizona National Scenic Trail—an 807-mile path that stretches from Mexico to Utah. We look at the trail’s origins, what the plan includes, and why it matters for the future of public lands in the Southwest.Support the show: https://www.myheraldreview.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this June, 2025 edition of "Keep it Wild," we talk with Jo Swanson, director of the Friends of the Superior National Forest. Formerly known as the Minnesota Volunteer Connection, the Friends of SNF partners with the U.S. Forest Service on maintenance projects throughout the Superior National Forest, including the BWCAW, and area campgrounds and trails. The group is currently looking for volunteers to help with a number of projects this summer, including pulling invasive plants at the Pincushion Mountains trail system outside of Grand Marais, and trail maintenance work on the Moss and South Lake trails on the Gunflint Trail. (Photo courtesy of Friends of SNF)

After a rash of federal job cuts earlier this year, the U.S. Forest Service is reversing course and asking people qualified to fight fires to come back to work. Missoulian outdoors reporter Sam Wilson sat down with MTPR's Austin Amestoy with more.

The Interior Department and the Forest Service are facing a deadline to consolidate their wildland fire programs. President Trump signed an executive order last week giving the agencies 90 days to combine their two offices into one. The White House says it will make wildland fire prevention and response efforts more efficient. But some federal wildland firefighters question the need for consolidating the programs when a larger response is already needed. The Forest Service lost about 1,400 qualified wildland firefighters over the last several months amid the Trump administration's workforce cuts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the things I try to do on this show is get away from the binary good vs bad framing that so many of us fall into, and explore the messy complexities and grey areas within the environmental and conservation movement here in the northwest.  That's why I enjoyed today's conversation so much.My guest today is Tabatha Rood.  Tabatha is a former Forest Service National Environmental Policy Act planner and currently leads the Wild Rivers Coast Forest Collaborative in Southwest Oregon.As a former Forest Service project planner and collaborative leader, Tabatha brings a set of experiences and perspectives that are often missing in our broader dialogues.As you'll hear, Tabatha and I didn't agree on everything in our conversation, and there were a number of topics that we didn't have time to go as deep on as I would have liked.  But I really appreciated her willingness to engage with me on some thorny topics, and I found her perspectives really valuable.As always, Coast Range Radio is free on all podcast apps, which is a great way to share this episode.  We are also broadcast on community radio stations across the northwest.  A lot of them are struggling right now, and I cannot ask strongly enough that you support local, independent media!My email is coastrangeradio@gmail.com, let me know what you think of the show!https://www.instagram.com/coastrangeradio/

Explore Virginia is a new podcast coming Summer 2025 brought to you by the creator of Hike. Virginia has 43 state parks with more than 700 miles of trails, 24 wilderness areas, 22 national park sites and over 100,000 miles of streams and rivers. Whether you hike, bike, camp, paddle or are looking for a day trip itinerary, this podcast will highlight the best of what Virginia has to offer the outdoor adventure seeker. Subscribe hereFollow on Instagram or FacebookMusic clip credit:"Whiskey on the Mississippi" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support the showConnect with Hike:Instagram: @thehikepodcast @shenandoahexplorerFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com

Send us a textThis week's Hunter's Brief covers critical updates on public land threats, conservation funding, and state-level regulations affecting hunters and anglers across America. Senate Republicans' proposal to sell 3.29 million acres of public lands leads major headlines alongside conservation gains and industry controversies.• Senate Republicans propose selling 3.29 million acres of BLM and Forest Service lands across Western states• Federal class action lawsuit against archery manufacturers alleges price fixing since 2021• Congress allocates $10 million for Chronic Wasting Disease research in 34 states• BLM proposes new rule balancing conservation and recreation on 245 million acres of public land• Interior Department blocks 211-mile mining road in Alaska, protecting caribou habitat• North Carolina debates conservation access pass for non-hunters using game lands• Washington Governor's Fish and Wildlife Commission nominees draw mixed reactions• Pennsylvania Senate passes bill offering discounted licenses to volunteer firefighters• New Hampshire's fish and game funding proposal stalls due to low public support• Klamath River dam removal brings salmon upstream but Keno Dam remains blockedJoin us Monday for our full-length storytelling episode. You never know what epic hunter fish story you'll hear next, and if you found value in these news stories today, please subscribe, rate and share with your hunting and fishing crew.Support the showHunting Stories InstagramHave a story? Click here!

On today's newscast: the nationwide 'No Kings' protest is coming to Glenwood Springs, CDOT's inspection found that the Castle Creek bridge into Aspen is structurally sound, local water managers say this year's peak flows are the lowest in the past six years, the new chief of the U.S. Forest Service faced scrutiny in front of Congress this week, and more.

A summertime gig can be a rite of passage for many, and summer hiring of teenagers crests right about now. Seasonal jobs may be harder to find this year though amid tariffs, travel restrictions and general economic uncertainty. And when teens don't find a summer job, there can be long-term consequences. Also on the show: the Forest Service is down firefighters ahead of wildfire season and a look at what's next for cooling U.S.-China trade relations.

A summertime gig can be a rite of passage for many, and summer hiring of teenagers crests right about now. Seasonal jobs may be harder to find this year though amid tariffs, travel restrictions and general economic uncertainty. And when teens don't find a summer job, there can be long-term consequences. Also on the show: the Forest Service is down firefighters ahead of wildfire season and a look at what's next for cooling U.S.-China trade relations.

Americans are facing a massive crisis in earth care. The stark reality is that we've all been witnessing the decimation of multiple government land management agencies, such as the National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife, among many others. And it's becoming increasingly obvious how the present administration's drastic cuts to staffing and budgets translates into the wholesale gutting of public services, environmental protections, and critical research for planetary health. But what we don't hear about so much is the cost of these changes to the actual federal employees on the front lines of these agencies-- in terms of their economic security, their mental health, and even their human dignity.In this conversation, Mark, a federal worker reflects on his 33-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, discussing his journey in land conservation, the importance of education in fostering environmental values, and the current threats to environmental regulations under political changes. He emphasizes the human cost of these policies and the need for community engagement and honest conversations to resist anti-Earth agendas. Mark also shares his ongoing passion for conservation and the role of education in shaping future generations' relationship with the environment.Episode 12: Mark's previous episode on EarthkeepersEpisode 14: Children and earthkeeping: The Woodsong Forest SchoolTakeawaysMark reflects on his fulfilling career in land conservation.Education plays a crucial role in valuing the environment.The dismantling of environmental regulations poses significant risks.Political changes have drastically affected land management agencies.Restoring environmental standards will be a long and costly process.Federal employees are facing unprecedented challenges and trauma.Community engagement is essential for effective conservation efforts.Real resistance requires honest conversations and understanding.Mark emphasizes the importance of native species in restoration.Everyone has a role in educating others about environmental issues.Keywordsland conservation, environmental policy, education, native species, public lands, whistleblower, environmental regulations, political impact, community engagement, national parksFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

On this episode, Kawishiwi District Ranger Aaron Kania returns, along with Nickie Johnny, and Brian Leitinger who are both part of the Forest Service's National Incident Management Organization, or NIMO. They join me to talk about the Jenkins Creek Fire that touched off in early May on the Forest, southeast of Hoyt Lakes.Show Notes:National Incident Management Organization (NIMO)

"You can't unsee it." Join as hosts Tiff and Kat take you through a strange, un-wonderful journey of invasive plants. If you didn't know how bad it was before, you will now. BUT DON'T RUN AWAY. If we don't educate ourselves and deal with these freaking plants, we may lose many more of our forests than we already have. Get demolishing with your favorite sustainability podcast!As Amazon affiliates, the hosts may get a small commission from some of these links.Maryland DNR: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/documents/invasive_plants_cards.pdfNature Conservancy: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/stories-in-indiana/kudzu-invasive-species/ Smithsonian Mag: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/true-story-kudzu-vine-ate-south-180956325/ Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/features/books/northeastbooks.shtml Book rec from US Forest Service: Invasive Plants: A Guide to Identification, Impacts, and Control of Common North American Species: https://amzn.to/3ZXkI8mPatreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1045, H.R. 1655, H.R. 3187 & H.R. 3444 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:15 AM On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1045 (Rep. Kennedy of UT), “Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025” H.R. 1655 (Rep. Bentz), “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” H.R. 3187 (Rep. Hill), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. H.R. 3444 (Rep. Huffman), “Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417173

On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his thoughts on being fair to those who are nominated for public service, after USDA and Forest Service are targeted. Plus, he talks about the West Nile virus and ongoing research to stop its spread.

In this episode of The Trailhead, JD sits down with Leah, Ryan, and Brandon from the Rampart Range Motorized Management Committee (RRMMC) to explore the inner workings of one of Colorado's most iconic and heavily trafficked OHV areas: the Rampart Range. Known as a true mecca for outdoor recreation, Rampart includes a diverse mix of motorized routes, from full-size 4x4 roads to an extensive network of singletrack and ATV trails—over 200 miles in total winding through the Pike National Forest. RRMMC specifically focuses on the stewardship of trails designated for motorcycles and ATVs, including singletrack and two-track routes, while collaborating closely with the U.S. Forest Service and other land management agencies to ensure cohesive trail planning and maintenance. The team shares how they manage growing usage, educate new riders, and promote long-term sustainability in this high-demand area. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to Rampart, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to keep the trails open, safe, and fun for all types of users.

Host: Morgan Rossway Guest: Kamie Long Air date: May 29, 2025

Today's episode brings us to one of California's most iconic granite crags: Lover's Leap. If you've ever climbed here, you already know what makes it special—600 feet of mostly vertical granite laced with splitter cracks and wild horizontal dikes that jut out up to a foot. The featured nature of the rock makes the climbing feel surprisingly secure and approachable, even on steep terrain. But beyond the rock itself, there's another reason Lover's Leap is such a memorable place—and that is the local legend who's made it his home: Petch Pietrolungo.Petch is the founder and operator of Lover's Leap Guides, the longest-running local guide service in the area. But beyond that, he's played a huge role in protecting and maintaining the area—working with the Access Fund, CRAGS, and the Forest Service to preserve trails, support nesting raptors, and ultimately give back to the climbing community If that weren't enough, he's also put up more than 50 routes at The Leap—ranging from 5.5 all the way to 5.12d—and some of them have already become modern classics. It is safe to say that Petch is a true steward of the land.But what Petch is maybe best known for besides his contagious level of stoke for climbing is his deep relationship with free soloing. For him, it's not about risk or ego. It's a methodical, meditative experience. It's also very efficient—Petch holds a personal record of climbing 112 pitches in a single day. That same love for big linkups spills over into his guiding, where he offers “birthday pitch” days—where clients climb the number of pitches that match their age. Some have climbed over 50 pitches in a day.But Petch didn't always live in the small town of Strawberry. He didn't even start as a climber.This is part one of my conversation with Petch—and in this episode, we go way back. From his early days as a surfer to a near-fatal rappelling accident that shaped his relationship with risk. We explore his eight month climbing road trip that took him to iconic places like Red Rock Canyon, Joshua Tree, Devils Tower, and the Wind River Range. A trip that would eventually land him in the small town of Strawberry and his now home crag… Lover's Leap.We close off this part of the conversation with his firsthand account of the 2021 Caldor Fire, and how close it came to wiping Strawberry off the map.This is the first time Petch has ever spoken publicly about his life on a podcast, and I'm honored to bring it to you. So without further ado, here is The Leap's local legend…Petch Pietrolungo----HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW & GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE EPISODES!  For a little as $5/mo!----Don't forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!---The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. Share an episode with a friend.Post about the show on social media.Jump into Reddit threads or Mountain Project forums and tell people what you're listening to.Tag the show, tag your favorite guests, help spread the word.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.----We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don't hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com---ResourcesPetch's IGHire Petch As A Guide

On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter discusses how the U.S. Forest Service is acting to control fires, and how screwworms are advancing and messing with Mother Nature.

This week on News Now, we cover three of the Flathead Valley's most important stories. The U.S. Forest Service has approved a 20-year permit for new owners of the historic Holland Lake Lodge, putting to rest years of development controversy. In Kalispell, the race for a new mayor is underway with three familiar names vying for leadership in a city seeing rapid growth and change.Plus, we break down the details behind a rollover crash on the U.S. 93 Bypass, where a man with four children in his vehicle allegedly was found to have a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.Read more from this week's show: Forest Service approves permit to operate Holland Lake LodgeThree candidates so far are vying to become Kalispell's next mayorSuspected drunk driver flipped truck with four children insideRead more local and state coverage: Steak and spaghetti: Spencer & Co. Steakhouse has been serving the valley for more than three decadesCost increases driving Whitefish's proposed budgetHigh school students host dinner to benefit families battling cancerCowboy action shooting comes loaded with funA big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com. In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town's business community were wiped out. Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel.Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.

Private equity investors are one step closer to owning a historic lakeside lodge on public land in the Swan Valley. Eric Jacobsen and business partner Thomas Knowles are now permitted by the forest to operate Holland Lake Lodge for at least 20 years.

Researchers are evaluating the feasibility of using a stratospheric platform in wildland fire scenarios.

This week, we're breaking down a sweeping federal budget package passed by the House on May 22 and what it means for America's public lands, waters, and environmental protections.In this episode:The public lands sell-offs we stopped — and how grassroots action made it happen.How deep staffing cuts at the National Park Service and Forest Service are hollowing out essential public lands operations just ahead of peak season.The quiet but relentless expansion of fossil fuel development on public lands, with new oil and gas lease sales announced in North Dakota, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and New Mexico.Changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and old-growth forest protections that fast-track extraction projects and sideline public oversight.A dangerous new directive threatening free, honest historical interpretation within the National Park Service.Plus:A small but important win at Mount Rainier National Park with the rollout of a limited timed-entry system.Alarming impacts of agency consolidation in Alaska, where the National Park Service regional office has lost a third of its workforce.Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)Episode Resources:https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/5/22/land-sell-offs-removed-from-spending-bill-but-its-still-bad https://www.npca.org/articles/8891-house-advances-budget-bill-reducing-national-park-service-staff-amid-peak https://www.sierraclub.org/washington/2025-end-of-session-report https://grist.org/politics/house-republican-tax-bill-inflation-reduction-act-repeal-clean-energy-tax-credits/https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2025/5-21-2025-Removal-of-Public-Lands-Transfer-Testament-to-Public-Input https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2025/5-22-2025-Reconciliation-Package https://www.wilderness.org/articles/press-release/house-passes-big-giveaway-budget-bill-drilling-and-mining-interests-reap-huge-rewardshttps://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/5/19/bigger-cuts-to-staff-at-public-land-agencies-will-affect-outdoor-recreation  https://www.blm.gov/press-release https://www.doi.gov/news https://www.npca.org/articles/8759-mount-rainier-rolls-out-limited-seasonal-reservation-system https://www.npca.org/articles/8825-national-park-service-alaska-regional-office-decimated-by-staff-cuts-and https://www.npca.org/articles/8858-new-order-threatens-park-service-s-efforts-to-protect-and-explore-american https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/nonprofits-sue-trump-administration-over-illegal-freeze-billions-electric-vehicle https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/judge-deals-significant-blow-unconstitutional-reorganization-federal-government https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/house-passes-new-attack-clean-air-protections

The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast is a reader-supported publication (and my full-time job). To receive new posts and to support independent ski journalism, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.WhoChris Cushing, Principal of Mountain Planning at SE GroupRecorded onApril 3, 2025About SE GroupFrom the company's website:WE AREMountain planners, landscape architects, environmental analysts, and community and recreation planners. From master planning to conceptual design and permitting, we are your trusted partner in creating exceptional experiences and places.WE BELIEVEThat human and ecological wellbeing forms the foundation for thriving communities.WE EXISTTo enrich people's lives through the power of outdoor recreation.If that doesn't mean anything to you, then this will:Why I interviewed himNature versus nurture: God throws together the recipe, we bake the casserole. A way to explain humans. Sure he's six foot nine, but his mom dropped him into the intensive knitting program at Montessori school 232, so he can't play basketball for s**t. Or identical twins, separated at birth. One grows up as Sir Rutherford Ignacious Beaumont XIV and invents time travel. The other grows up as Buford and is the number seven at Okey-Doke's Quick Oil Change & Cannabis Emporium. The guts matter a lot, but so does the food.This is true of ski areas as well. An earthquake here, a glacier there, maybe a volcanic eruption, and, presto: a non-flat part of the earth on which we may potentially ski. The rest is up to us.It helps if nature was thoughtful enough to add slopes of varying but consistent pitch, a suitable rise from top to bottom, a consistent supply of snow, a flat area at the base, and some sort of natural conduit through which to move people and vehicles. But none of that is strictly necessary. Us humans (nurture), can punch green trails across solid-black fall lines (Jackson Hole), bulldoze a bigger hill (Caberfae), create snow where the clouds decline to (Wintergreen, 2022-23), plant the resort base at the summit (Blue Knob), or send skiers by boat (Eaglecrest).Someone makes all that happen. In North America, that someone is often SE Group, or their competitor, Ecosign. SE Group helps ski areas evolve into even better ski areas. That means helping to plan terrain expansions, lift replacements, snowmaking upgrades, transit connections, parking enhancements, and whatever built environment is under the ski area's control. SE Group is often the machine behind those Forest Service ski area master development plans that I so often spotlight. For example, Vail Mountain:When I talk about Alta consolidating seven slow lifts into four fast lifts; or Little Switzerland carving their mini-kingdom into beginner, parkbrah, and racer domains; or Mount Bachelor boosting its power supply to run more efficiently, this is the sort of thing that SE plots out (I'm not certain if they were involved in any or all of those projects).Analyzing this deliberate crafting of a natural bump into a human playground is the core of what The Storm is. I love, skiing, sure, but specifically lift-served skiing. I'm sure it's great to commune with the raccoons or whatever it is you people do when you discuss “skinning” and “AT setups.” But nature left a few things out. Such as: ski patrol, evacuation sleds, avalanche control, toilet paper, water fountains, firepits, and a place to charge my phone. Oh and chairlifts. And directional signs with trail ratings. And a snack bar.Skiing is torn between competing and contradictory narratives: the misanthropic, which hates crowds and most skiers not deemed sufficiently hardcore; the naturalistic, which mistakes ski resorts with the bucolic experience that is only possible in the backcountry; the preservationist, with its museum-ish aspirations to glasswall the obsolete; the hyperactive, insisting on all fast lifts and groomed runs; the fatalists, who assume inevitable death-of-concept in a warming world.None of these quite gets it. Ski areas are centers of joy and memory and bonhomie and possibility. But they are also (mostly), businesses. They are also parks, designed to appeal to as many skiers as possible. They are centers of organized risk, softened to minimize catastrophic outcomes. They must enlist machine aid to complement natural snowfall and move skiers up those meddlesome but necessary hills. Ski areas are nature, softened and smoothed and labelled by their civilized stewards, until the land is not exactly a representation of either man or God, but a strange and wonderful hybrid of both.What we talked aboutOld-school Cottonwoods vibe; “the Ikon Pass has just changed the industry so dramatically”; how to become a mountain planner for a living; what the mountain-planning vocation looked like in the mid-1980s; the detachable lift arrives; how to consolidate lifts without sacrificing skier experience; when is a lift not OK?; a surface lift resurgence?; how sanctioned glades changed ski areas; the evolution of terrain parks away from mega-features; the importance of terrain parks to small ski areas; reworking trails to reduce skier collisions; the curse of the traverse; making Jackson more approachable; on terrain balance; how megapasses are redistributing skier visits; how to expand a ski area without making traffic worse; ski areas that could evolve into major destinations; and ski area as public park or piece of art.What I got wrong* I blanked on the name of the famous double chair at A-Basin. It is Pallavicini.* I called Crystal Mountain's two-seater served terrain “North Country or whatever” – it is actually called “Northway.”* I said that Deer Valley would become the fourth- or fifth-largest ski resort in the nation once its expansion was finished. It will become the sixth-largest, at 4,926 acres, when the next expansion phase opens for winter 2025-26, and will become the fourth-largest, at 5,726 acres, at full build out.* I estimated Kendall Mountain's current lift-served ski footprint at 200 vertical feet; it is 240 feet.Why now was a good time for this interviewWe have a tendency, particularly in outdoor circles, to lionize the natural and shame the human. Development policy in the United States leans heavily toward “don't,” even in areas already designated for intensive recreation. We mustn't, plea activists: expand the Palisades Tahoe base village; build a gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon; expand ski terrain contiguous with already-existing ski terrain at Grand Targhee.I understand these impulses, but I believe they are misguided. Intensive but thoughtful, human-scaled development directly within and adjacent to already-disturbed lands is the best way to limit the larger-scale, long-term manmade footprint that chews up vast natural tracts. That is: build 1,000 beds in what is now a bleak parking lot at Palisades Tahoe, and you limit the need for homes to be carved out of surrounding forests, and for hundreds of cars to daytrip into the ski area. Done right, you even create a walkable community of the sort that America conspicuously lacks.To push back against, and gradually change, the Culture of No fueling America's mountain town livability crises, we need exhibits of these sorts of projects actually working. More Whistlers (built from scratch in the 1980s to balance tourism and community) and fewer Aspens (grandfathered into ski town status with a classic street and building grid, but compromised by profiteers before we knew any better). This is the sort of work SE is doing: how do we build a better interface between civilization and nature, so that the former complements, rather than spoils, the latter?All of which is a little tangential to this particular podcast conversation, which focuses mostly on the ski areas themselves. But America's ski centers, established largely in the middle of the last century, are aging with the towns around them. Just about everything, from lifts to lodges to roads to pipes, has reached replacement age. Replacement is a burden, but also an opportunity to create a better version of something. Our ski areas will not only have faster lifts and newer snowguns – they will have fewer lifts and fewer guns that carry more people and make more snow, just as our built footprint, thoughtfully designed, can provide more homes for more people on less space and deliver more skiers with fewer vehicles.In a way, this podcast is almost a canonical Storm conversation. It should, perhaps, have been episode one, as every conversation since has dealt with some version of this question: how do humans sculpt a little piece of nature into a snowy park that we visit for fun? That is not an easy or obvious question to answer, which is why SE Group exists. Much as I admire our rough-and-tumble Dave McCoy-type founders, that improvisational style is trickier to execute in our highly regulated, activist present.And so we rely on artist-architects of the SE sort, who inject the natural with the human without draining what is essential from either. Done well, this crafted experience feels wild. Done poorly – as so much of our legacy built environment has been – and you generate resistance to future development, even if that future development is better. But no one falls in love with a blueprint. Experiencing a ski area as whatever it is you think a ski area should be is something you have to feel. And though there is a sort of magic animating places like Alta and Taos and Mammoth and Mad River Glen and Mount Bohemia, some ineffable thing that bleeds from the earth, these ski areas are also outcomes of a human-driven process, a determination to craft the best version of skiing that could exist for mass human consumption on that shred of the planet.Podcast NotesOn MittersillMittersill, now part of Cannon Mountain, was once a separate ski area. It petered out in the mid-‘80s, then became a sort of Cannon backcountry zone circa 2009. The Mittersill double arrived in 2010, followed by a T-bar in 2016.On chairlift consolidationI mention several ski areas that replaced a bunch of lifts with fewer lifts:The HighlandsIn 2023, Boyne-owned The Highlands wiped out three ancient Riblet triples and replaced them with this glorious bubble six-pack:Here's a before-and-after:Vernon Valley-Great Gorge/Mountain CreekI've called Intrawest's transformation of Vernon Valley-Great Gorge into Mountain Creek “perhaps the largest single-season overhaul of a ski area in the history of lift-served skiing.” Maybe someone can prove me wrong, but just look at this place circa 1989:It looked substantively the same in 1998, when, in a single summer, Intrawest tore out 18 lifts – 15 double chairs, two platters, and a T-bar, plus God knows how many ropetows – and replaced them with two high-speed quads, two fixed-grip quads, and a bucket-style Cabriolet lift that every normal ski area uses as a parking lot transit machine:I discussed this incredible transformation with current Hermitage Club GM Bill Benneyan, who worked at Mountain Creek in 1998, back in 2020:I misspoke on the podcast, saying that Intrawest had pulled out “something like a dozen lifts” and replaced them with “three or four” in 1998.KimberleyBack in the time before social media, Kimberley, British Columbia ran four frontside chairlifts: a high-speed quad, a triple, a double, and a T-bar:Beginning in 2001, the ski area slowly removed everything except the quad. Which was fine until an arsonist set fire to Kimberley's North Star Express in 2021, meaning skiers had no lift-served option to the backside terrain:I discussed this whole strange sequence of events with Andy Cohen, longtime GM of sister resort Fernie, on the podcast last year:On Revelstoke's original masterplanIt is astonishing that Revelstoke serves 3,121 acres with just five lifts: a gondola, two high-speed quads, a fixed quad, and a carpet. Most Midwest ski areas spin three times more lifts for three percent of the terrain.On Priest Creek and Sundown at SteamboatSteamboat, like many ski areas, once ran two parallel fixed-grip lifts on substantively the same line, with the Priest Creek double and the Sundown triple. The Sundown Express quad arrived in 1992, but Steamboat left Priest Creek standing for occasional overflow until 2021. Here's Steamboat circa 1990:Priest Creek is gone, but that entire 1990 lift footprint is nearly unrecognizable. Huge as Steamboat is, every arriving skier squeezes in through a single portal. One of Alterra's first priorities was to completely re-imagine the base area: sliding the existing gondola looker's right; installing an additional 10-person, two-stage gondola right beside it; and moving the carpets and learning center to mid-mountain:On upgrades at A-BasinWe discuss several upgrades at A-Basin, including Lenawee, Beavers, and Pallavicini. Here's the trailmap for context:On moguls on Kachina Peak at TaosYeah I'd say this lift draws some traffic:On the T-bar at Waterville ValleyWaterville Valley opened in 1966. Fifty-two years later, mountain officials finally acknowledged that chairlifts do not work on the mountain's top 400 vertical feet. All it took was a forced 1,585-foot shortening of the resort's base-to-summit high-speed quad just eight years after its 1988 installation and the legacy double chair's continued challenges in wind to say, “yeah maybe we'll just spend 90 percent less to install a lift that's actually appropriate for this terrain.” That was the High Country T-bar, which arrived in 2018. It is insane to look at ‘90s maps of Waterville pre- and post-chop job:On Hyland Hills, MinnesotaWhat an insanely amazing place this is:On Sunrise ParkFrom 1983 to 2017, Sunrise Park, Arizona was home to the most amazing triple chair, a 7,982-foot-long Yan with 352 carriers. Cyclone, as it was known, fell apart at some point and the resort neglected to fix or replace it. A couple of years ago, they re-opened the terrain to lift-served skiing with a low-cost alternative: stringing a ropetow from a green run off the Geronimo lift to where Cyclone used to land.On Woodward Park City and BorealPowdr has really differentiated itself with its Woodward terrain parks, which exist at amazing scale at Copper and Bachelor. The company has essentially turned two of its smaller ski areas – Boreal and Woodward Park City – entirely over to terrain parks.On Killington's tunnelsYou have to zoom in, but you can see them on the looker's right side of the trailmap: Bunny Buster at Great Northern, Great Bear at Great Northern, and Chute at Great Northern.On Jackson Hole traversesJackson is steep. Engineers hacked it so kids like mine could ride there:On expansions at Beaver Creek, Keystone, AspenRecent Colorado expansions have tended to create vast zones tailored to certain levels of skiers:Beaver Creek's McCoy Park is an incredible top-of-the-mountain green zone:Keystone's Bergman Bowl planted a high-speed six-pack to serve 550 acres of high-altitude intermediate terrain:And Aspen – already one of the most challenging mountains in the country – added Hero's – a fierce black-diamond zone off the summit:On Wilbere at SnowbirdWilbere is an example of a chairlift that kept the same name, even as Snowbird upgraded it from a double to a quad and significantly moved the load station and line:On ski terrain growth in AmericaYes, a bunch of ski areas have disappeared since the 1980s, but the raw amount of ski terrain has been increasing steadily over the decades:On White Pine, WyomingCushing referred to White Pine as a “dinky little ski area” with lots of potential. Here's a look at the thousand-footer, which billionaire Joe Ricketts purchased last year:On Deer Valley's expansionYeah, Deer Valley is blowing up:On Schweitzer's growthSchweitzer's transformation has been dramatic: in 1988, the Idaho panhandle resort occupied a large footprint that was served mostly by double chairs:Today: a modern ski area, with four detach quads, a sixer, and two newer triples – only one old chairlift remains:On BC transformationsA number of British Columbia ski areas have transformed from nubbins to majors over the past 30 years:Sun Peaks, then known as Tod Mountain, in 1993Sun Peaks today:Fernie in 1996, pre-upward expansion:Fernie today:Revelstoke, then known as Mount Mackenzie, in 1996:Modern Revy:Kicking Horse, then known as “Whitetooth” in 1994:Kicking Horse today:On Tamarack's expansion potentialTamarack sits mostly on Idaho state land, and would like to expand onto adjacent U.S. Forest Service land. Resort President Scott Turlington discussed these plans in depth with me on the pod a few years back:The mountain's plans have changed since, with a smaller lift footprint:On Central Park as a manmade placeNew York City's fabulous Central Park is another chunk of earth that may strike a visitor as natural, but is in fact a manmade work of art crafted from the wilderness. Per the Central Park Conservancy, which, via a public-private partnership with the city, provides the majority of funds, labor, and logistical support to maintain the sprawling complex:A popular misconception about Central Park is that its 843 acres are the last remaining natural land in Manhattan. While it is a green sanctuary inside a dense, hectic metropolis, this urban park is entirely human-made. It may look like it's naturally occurring, but the flora, landforms, water, and other features of Central Park have not always existed.Every acre of the Park was meticulously designed and built as part of a larger composition—one that its designers conceived as a "single work of art." Together, they created the Park through the practice that would come to be known as "landscape architecture."The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, also called the Triple Nickles, were the first Black paratroopers in the U.S. military, and their story is connected to the desegregation of the military after World War II. Research: 555th Parachute Infantry. “Malvin L. Brown.” http://triplenickle.com/malvinbrown.htm Aney, Warren. “Triple Nickles -- 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion.” Oregon Encyclopedia. https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/555th_parachute_infantry_triple_nickle_batallion/ Associated Press. “Air Force Starts Probe Into Troop Bombing.” The Miami Herald. 9/18/1948. https://www.newspapers.com/image/617847549/ Associated Press. “Army Lists Dead in Bomb Blast.” The Tampa Times. 9/18/1948. https://www.newspapers.com/image/326171714/ Biggs, Bradley. “The Triple Nickles: America’s First All-Black Paratroop Unit.” Hamden, Conn. Archon Books. 1986. Bradsher, Greg and Sylvia Naylor. “Firefly Project and the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (‘Smoke Jumpers’).” National Archives. 2/10/2015. https://rediscovering-black-history.blogs.archives.gov/2015/02/10/the-555th-smoke-jumpers/ Cieslak, Thomas. “Equal in All Ways to All Paratroopers - The Origin of the ‘Triple Nickles’.” U.S. Army. 5/27/2019. https://www.army.mil/article/222374/equal_in_all_ways_to_all_paratroopers_the_origin_of_the_triple_Nickles Crumley, Todd and Aaron Arthur. “The Triple Nickles and Operation Firefly.” National Archives. 2/5/2020. https://unwritten-record.blogs.archives.gov/2020/02/05/the-triple-Nickles-and-operation-firefly/ Curran, Jonathan. “The 555TH Parachute Infantry Company ‘Triple Nickles.’” U.S. Army National Museum. https://www.thenmusa.org/articles/triple-Nickles/ Ferguson, Paul-Thomas. “African American Service and Racial Integration in the U.S. Military.” U.S. Army. 2/23/2021. Via archive.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20240327034226/https://www.army.mil/article/243604/african_american_service_and_racial_integration_in_the_u_s_military Forest Service Aviation & Fire Management. “History of Smokejumping.” August 1, 1980 Gidlund, Carl. “African-American Smokejumpers Help Celebrate Smokey’s 50th.” Fire management notes / U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1993. https://archive.org/details/CAT77680365067/ Morris, Walter. “Base Plate.” Triplenickle.com. http://triplenickle.com/waltermorris.htm Queen, Jennifer. “The Triple Nickles: A 75-Year Legacy.” USD Forest Service. 2/28/2020. Via archive.org. https://www.fs.usda.gov/features/triple-Nickles-75-year-legacy The Forest History Society. “U.S. Forest Service Smokejumpers.” Via Archive.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20170316132550/https://foresthistory.org/ASPNET/Policy/Fire/Smokejumpers/Smokejumpers.aspx USDA Forest Service. “Operation Firefly & the 555th.” https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/fire/smokejumpers/missoula/history/operation-firefly Weeks, Linton. “How Black Smokejumpers Helped Save The American West.” NPR History Dept. 1/22/2015. https://www.npr.org/sections/npr-history-dept/2015/01/22/376973981/how-black-smokejumpers-helped-save-the-american-west Williams, Robert F. “The "Triple Nickles": Jim Crow Was an Elite Black Airborne Battalion's Toughest Foe.” History News Network. 9/6/2020. https://www.hnn.us/article/the-triple-Nickles-jim-crow-was-an-elite-black-air See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.