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Welcome to Episode 244 of the Sounds like a Search and Rescue Podcast. Topics to cover include an update to a regulation change proposal that could impact the White Mountains - we will discuss the Roadless Rule changes being proposed by the federal government that would potentially open up the Whites to additional risk of road development for logging and fire prevention. Plus Dave Shits and Full conditions Event updates, An injured hiker on the lower section of Huntington Ravine suffers a lower leg injury and crawls her way down trail before calling for a rescue, NH is increasing toll prices, 78 year old man is convicted of killing defenseless turtles, Race Car update on Mount Washington, An update on a cold case murder from 1977, a music minute, recent hikes on the Tripyramids, Nick explores the North shore of Mass with a visit to Rockport and Gloucester, Recent SAR news and the topic of the week is an update to SAR data where we share the latest trends and data - a preview - 2026 is shaping up to be the busiest Search and Rescue year since we began tracking media reports in 2019. July alone had 26 search and rescue incidents which is a record. https://slasrpodcast.com/ Topics Fenway Park, Mai Tais and Road Trips Nick's new cat Lunar Eclipse Roadless Rule for WMNF Full conditions and Dave Shits on the Appalachian Trail Update Injured Hiker on Huntington Ravine Trail NH Toll Price Increase Man kills Turtles 1977 murder of Shari Roth Mount Washington Hill Climb Hoover Dam is drying up Gear Review - Yuka APP food scanner Music Minute - Counting Crows Recent Hikes - Rockport and Gloucester, MA Recent Hikes - Tripyramids Recent Trends for Search and Rescue Events in the White Mountains Show Notes Apple Podcast link for 5 star reviews SLASR Merchandise SLASR LinkTree SLASR's BUYMEACOFFEE Order Hike Safe Card 48 Peaks website Nick's Instagram Full Lunar Eclipse, Friday at 12:13 AM. Roadless Rule for WMNF USDA statement Injured Hiker crawls out of Huntington Ravine Lakes Region SAR wrote up a summary of the incident New toll hikes in New Hampshire to take effect Jan. 1 - WMUR NH man, 78, accused of killing 15 turtles with UTV convicted on animal cruelty charges Shari Roth case: Officials release photos, seek information - WMUR Sawyer Brook, Sawyer River Trail confusion Reddit Thread Scott Speed Obliterates Mount Washington Hill Climb Record in Purpose-Built Subaru WRX Hoover Dam reaches crisis levels, potentially impacting 40 million plus Hatchet Session IPA and McAteer's Dry Irish Stout Magnolia Woods and Rafes Chasm, Halibut Point State Park Essex County Greenbelt Sponsors, Friends and Partners Rek' lis Brewing Company Wild Raven Endurance Coaching burgeonoutdoor.com 48 Peaks - Alzheimer's Association Mount Washington Higher Summits Forecast Hiking Buddies Vaucluse - Sweat less. Explore more. – Vaucluse Gear Fieldstone Kombucha CS Instant Coffee The Mountain Wanderer
Twenty-five years ago, the Forest Service made one of the most consequential land management decisions in its history: protecting nearly 60 million acres of national forest from new roads and logging. That protection — the Roadless Rule — is now on the chopping block, with the USDA formally proposing to rescind it and a public comment period open through September 21. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited, who helped write the rule from inside the Forest Service back in 2001 and has spent the decades since defending it. Chris breaks down the real economic, ecological, and cultural reasons the rule exists in the first place — from a $8.5 billion road maintenance backlog to jaw-dropping habitat numbers (75% of Idaho's Chinook and steelhead habitat, for example, sits in roadless country) — and then dismantles the arguments being used to justify tearing it down, including the Forest Service's own data showing roadless areas actually see more wildfire fuel treatment, not less. It's a clear-eyed, fact-first breakdown of what's really at stake for hunters and anglers, and a case for why showing up with data — not just outrage — is how this fight gets won. Comment on the Roadless Rule before September 21! Trout Unlimited's Roadless Report Chris Wood Roadless podcast with Hal Herring
Tyler went to a fun event in the Bay Area called Demo Day. It’s all about letting people experience different types of vehicles and accessories. Tyler wanted to see what they had planned for the offroading segment, and he was very disappointed. Jimmy went camping with the family and the Mom’s Co friends. They all met up at Collins Lake and had a fantastic time. Make a public comment on the Roadless Rule: https://blueribboncoalition.org/roadless-rule-draft-eis-comment/ Solve Function Wolfbox: https://solvefunction.com/shop/ols/products/wolfbox-cord-coverDiscount Code: WolfSnail GROUP BUY: Its time to buy your Wolfbox for their G900Tripro. We have sent out the codes and have the information on the Discord. We have till the end of August to use the discount code. This deal ends September 1st. SnailTrail4x4 Discord: https://discord.gg/yFyFFkQbuyCome hang out with us on the SnailTrail4x4 Discord — it’s the easiest way to connect with Tyler and Jimmy directly, chat with fellow offroad enthusiasts, and get first access to Group Buys and Treasure Hunt token drops. MORRFlate Giveaway at 900 Reviews on Apple Podcasts. But our next giveaway is when we reach 800 reviews; we are giving away an OnX Elite Membership. We will also give away an OnX Elite membership when we get to 850. However, when we reach 900 Reviews, we are teaming up with MORRFlate for a $1000 MF Product Giveaway. Go over to Apple Podcasts to leave your review now and become eligible to win. Congratulations to A13XMONT, who won a set of tires from Yokohama Tire! Call us and leave us a VOICEMAIL!!! We want to hear from you even more!!! You can call and say whatever you like! Ask a question, leave feedback, correct some information about welding, say how much you hate your Jeep, and wish you had a Toyota! We will air them all, live, on the podcast! +01-916-345-4744. If you have any negative feedback, you can call our negative feedback hotline, 408-800-5169. 4Wheel Underground has all the suspension parts you need to take your off-road rig from leaf springs to a performance suspension system. We just ordered our kits for Kermit and Samantha and are looking forward to getting them. The ordering process was quite simple, and after answering the questionnaire, we ensured we got the correct and best-fitting kits for our vehicles. If you want to level up your suspension game, check out 4Wheel Underground. SnailTrail4x4 Podcast is brought to you by all of our peeps over at irate4x4! Make sure to stop by and see all of the great perks you get for supporting SnailTrail4x4! Discount Codes, Monthly Give-Always, Gift Boxes, the SnailTrail4x4 Community, and the ST4x4 Treasure Hunt! Thank you to all of those who support us! We couldn’t do it without you guys (and gals!)! SnailSquad Monthly Giveaway August giveaway is with our good friends over at GEARWRENCH Tools. GEARWRENCH has a new line of tools with Hi-Viz. These have one side of the wrench painted and easy to read, where the other side is still etched into the wrench, but the etching is filled with orange paint. We are giving away one set of Standard and Metric Wrenches, and a set of Standard and Metric sockets to a lucky winner. If you want a chance to win, make sure you sign up for the giveaway tier on either Irate4x4 or the SnailTrail4x4 Discord. Congratulations to Josh Taylor for winning this month’s giveaway with Wolfbox. They are giving away one G900Tripro to a lucky winner. This is the same three-camera rearview mirror setup that they received during TrailHeroX. If you want a chance to win this system from Wolfbox make sure you sign up for the giveaway tier on either Irate4x4 or the SnailTrail4x4 Discord. Massive Congratulations to Liz Sandstorm for winning the Iceco Freezers. We are excited to work with and share their exciting new releases. One lucky winner has a chance to win an ALP20 Fridge. Big thanks to Iceco for sponsoring this month’s giveaway. If you want a chance to win, sign up for the Giveaway Tier on Irate4x4 Listener Discount Codes: SnailTrail4x4 –SnailTrail15 for 15% off SnailTrail4x4 MerchMORRFlate – snailtraill4x4 to get 10% off MORRFlate Multi Tire Inflation Deflation™ Kits4WheelUnderground – snailtrail 10% offIceco – SnailTrail 12% offRUSOH Fire Extinguishers – RusohCrawlers discount code gets you 12% offDevos Outdoor – snailtrail12 gets you 12% off sitewideIronman 4×4 – snailtrail20 to get 20% off all Ironman 4×4 branded equipment!Sidetracked Offroad – snailtrail4x4 (lowercase) to get 15% off lights and recovery gearSpartan Rope – snailtrail4x4 to get 10% off sitewideShock Surplus – SNAILTRAIL4x4 to get $25 off any order!Mob Armor – SNAILTRAIL4X4 for 15% offSummerShine Supply – ST4x4 for 10% offBackpacker’s Pantry – Affiliate LinkLaminx Protective Films – Use the Link to get 20% off all products (Affiliate Link) Show Music: Midroll Music – ComaStudio Outroll Music – Meizong Kumbang
Last week the US Forest Service announced plans to scrap a key conservation rule for 44 million acres of public lands. Chris Wood, the current CEO and president of Trout Unlimited, helped build the Roadless Rule when he was serving at the USFS back in 2001. He explains why the rule was born out of fiscal conservatism, why "roadless" is often a misnomer, and what the real reason is behind the rollback. This episode is brought to you by Victorinox. Citing Wildfire Risk, Trump Administration Proposes to Scrap Entire Roadless Rule: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/trump-administration-proposes-to-end-roadless-rule/ Trout Unlimited report on Roadless Areas: https://www.tu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TU-ROADLESS-REPORT_0401_web.pdf File your (unique) public comment through TU: https://www.tu.org/conservation/action-center/ Hosted and produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Guest is Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Recently, the Secretary of Agriculture released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement that proposes to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule. This has some people celebrating, and others sounding alarm bells. The guys talk a bit about both sides of the debate, and explain how you can get involved. They also highlight the US Fish and Wildlife Service's new hunt/fish rule that opens more opportunities for hunting and fishing on National Wildlife Refuges.Reminder: our email address has changed. To get ahold of us, our new email address is yourmountainpodcast@gmail.com. Do not use our old email address anymore, we won't receive it.
Jimmy and Tyler dig into a stack of public lands updates in this week’s Monday episode — the kind of episode where you walk away actually understanding the legal mechanics behind the headlines, instead of just reacting to them. The Roadless Rule kicks things off, and it’s more interesting than it sounds. Roads through national forest and BLM land aren’t just recreation access — they’re wildfire infrastructure. Jimmy and Tyler talk through the Caldor Fire, where popular Sierra OHV routes served as fire lines and ingress for hotshot crews, and the broader ecological argument that decades of total fire suppression (no controlled burns, no small fires clearing brush) is exactly why mega-fires have gotten so much worse. The Roadless Rule — which has blocked any new road construction and forced a steady decline in usable routes — is now being reconsidered, with agencies reviewing historical road inventories to determine what could reopen for fire management purposes. It’s currently open for public comment, and Blue Ribbon Coalition has a tool on their site that maps your zip code to your legislators for submitting comments directly. Make a public comment on the Roadless Rule: https://blueribboncoalition.org/roadless-rule-draft-eis-comment/ From there: an update on the Big Bend National Park border wall project in Texas — over $7 billion across five sections, built with no-bid contracts, cutting a new road directly next to an existing one, and initially bypassing NEPA environmental review and public comment entirely. The good news: sustained public pressure has forced a pause on construction while it undergoes review. Also covered: why picking up a rock on public land is technically a federal offense (it’s classified as mining), the ongoing accessibility angle of road closures for wheelchair users and other visitors who can’t hike miles in on foot, and the California OHV permit saga — a coalition-negotiated agreement that got rewritten by the legislative committee and failed its vote, leaving the whole permit effort dead for now. The back half covers two related legal patterns worth knowing: newly released Yellowstone grizzly bear studies show OHV use has never caused a single recorded grizzly death — despite that exact justification being used to close routes — and Jimmy and Tyler connect the dots to the nearly identical legal language used to justify closures at Oceano Dunes (snowy plover), the Western Mojave (desert tortoise), and now the Oregon Dunes (western marmot), in each case without a definitive study proving OHV is actually the cause of death. Then a full breakdown of Wilderness Study Areas — land that’s been managed as de facto wilderness for decades without ever being formally designated, with no legal deadline forcing a decision either way — and Blue Ribbon Coalition’s push to get courts to force a timeline. Solve Function Wolfbox: https://solvefunction.com/shop/ols/products/wolfbox-cord-coverDiscount Code: WolfSnail GROUP BUY: Its time to buy your Wolfbox for their G900Tripro. We have sent out the codes and have the information on the Discord. We have till the end of August to use the discount code. This deal ends September 1st. SnailTrail4x4 Discord: https://discord.gg/yFyFFkQbuyCome hang out with us on the SnailTrail4x4 Discord — it’s the easiest way to connect with Tyler and Jimmy directly, chat with fellow offroad enthusiasts, and get first access to Group Buys and Treasure Hunt token drops. MORRFlate Giveaway at 900 Reviews on Apple Podcast. But our next giveaway is when we reach 800 reviews; we are giving away an OnX Elite Membership. We will also give away an OnX Elite membership when we get to 850. However, when we reach 900 Reviews, we are teaming up with MORRFlate for a $1000 MF Product Giveaway. Go over to Apple Podcasts to leave your review now and become eligible to win. Congratulations to A13XMONT, who won a set of tires from Yokohama Tire! Call us and leave us a VOICEMAIL!!! We want to hear from you even more!!! You can call and say whatever you like! Ask a question, leave feedback, correct some information about welding, say how much you hate your Jeep, and wish you had a Toyota! We will air them all, live, on the podcast! +01-916-345-4744. If you have any negative feedback, you can call our negative feedback hotline, 408-800-5169. 4Wheel Underground has all the suspension parts you need to take your off-road rig from leaf springs to a performance suspension system. We just ordered our kits for Kermit and Samantha and are looking forward to getting them. The ordering process was quite simple, and after answering the questionnaire, we ensured we got the correct and best-fitting kits for our vehicles. If you want to level up your suspension game, check out 4Wheel Underground. SnailTrail4x4 Podcast is brought to you by all of our peeps over at irate4x4! Make sure to stop by and see all of the great perks you get for supporting SnailTrail4x4! Discount Codes, Monthly Give-Always, Gift Boxes, the SnailTrail4x4 Community, and the ST4x4 Treasure Hunt! Thank you to all of those who support us! We couldn’t do it without you guys (and gals!)! SnailSquad Monthly Giveaway August giveaway is with our good friends over at GEARWRENCH Tools. GEARWRENCH has a new line of tools with Hi-Viz. These have one side of the wrench painted and easy to read, where the other side is still etched into the wrench, but the etching is filled with orange paint. We are giving away one set of Standard and Metric Wrenches, and a set of Standard and Metric sockets to a lucky winner. If you want a chance to win, make sure you sign up for the giveaway tier on either Irate4x4 or the SnailTrail4x4 Discord. Congratulations to Josh Taylor for winning this month’s giveaway with Wolfbox. They are giving away one G900Tripro to a lucky winner. This is the same three-camera rearview mirror setup that they received during TrailHeroX. If you want a chance to win this system from Wolfbox make sure you sign up for the giveaway tier on either Irate4x4 or the SnailTrail4x4 Discord. Massive Congratulations to Liz Sandstorm for winning the Iceco Freezers. We are excited to work with and share their exciting new releases. One lucky winner has a chance to win an ALP20 Fridge. Big thanks to Iceco for sponsoring this month’s giveaway. If you want a chance to win, sign up for the Giveaway Tier on Irate4x4 Listener Discount Codes: SnailTrail4x4 –SnailTrail15 for 15% off SnailTrail4x4 MerchMORRFlate – snailtraill4x4 to get 10% off MORRFlate Multi Tire Inflation Deflation™ Kits4WheelUnderground – snailtrail 10% offIceco – SnailTrail 12% offRUSOH Fire Extinguishers – RusohCrawlers discount code gets you 12% offDevos Outdoor – snailtrail12 gets you 12% off sitewideIronman 4×4 – snailtrail20 to get 20% off all Ironman 4×4 branded equipment!Sidetracked Offroad – snailtrail4x4 (lowercase) to get 15% off lights and recovery gearSpartan Rope – snailtrail4x4 to get 10% off sitewideShock Surplus – SNAILTRAIL4x4 to get $25 off any order!Mob Armor – SNAILTRAIL4X4 for 15% offSummerShine Supply – ST4x4 for 10% offBackpacker’s Pantry – Affiliate LinkLaminx Protective Films – Use the Link to get 20% off all products (Affiliate Link) Show Music: Midroll Music – ComaStudio Outroll Music – Meizong Kumbang
The Trump Administration has taken a step toward opening tens of millions of acres of forest nationwide to roads, logging and other development. That includes 62,000 acres in northern Minnesota. That land is protected under what's called the Roadless Rule, created by the Clinton administration in 2001. In a statement last week, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins called the rule “outdated.” She said repealing it will help local forest managers control wildfires. Supporters of this move also say allowing logging and other development in these areas will boost rural economies. But environmental groups say it will jeopardize public lands that people treasure. Public comment on the proposal is open through Sept. 21.Forest ecologist Lee Frelich and director Center for Forest Ecology at the University of Minnesota joined Minnesota Now to explain how Minnesota's forests could be impacted.
President Donald Trump is threatening more tariffs on goods from our neighbors to the north. Relations soured with Canada this weekend after negotiations fell apart. What this means for Minnesota and our economy as the trade war deepens.A statewide coalition has formed to increase vaccination rates across Minnesota. We'll learn more about the effort.And the Trump administration is looking to roll back protections for millions of acres of forests nationwide. What that could mean for Minnesota's northern forests with the potential repeal of the "Roadless Rule."Plus, a new season is just around the corner for the Minnesota Vikings, while the Minnesota Lynx are nearing the end of theirs. We'll have the latest from our sports contributors. Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Summer” by Tasha and our Song of the Day was “Call Me” by The Immaculate Beings.
The Forest Service has proposed to rescind the Roadless Rule, which protects nearly 45 million acres of National Forest. These forests play a role in maintaining clean water and air, wildlife habitat and provide lots of recreational access for climbing, hiking, biking and paddling. Today, Tracy Stone-Manning, executive director of the Wilderness Society and former director of the Bureau of Land Management, joins us to talk about why Roadless Areas matter, the latest efforts to dismantle protections for our public lands, and how to write your best comment. The Wilderness Society has made it easy to add your voice to the discussion about the Roadless Rule. Comments due Monday, September 21st. And Then What series made possible by Diaries+ Members You can join today.
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
This week on The Backcountry Report, Chris covers major developments affecting public lands, waters and wildlife—from a massive expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on national wildlife refuges to proposed changes involving tribal water rights and the future of NOAA's Arctic Report Card. The episode also examines the proposed repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule, Vermont's primitive-camping updates, and border infrastructure construction in and around Big Bend National Park. Plus, hear how BHA volunteers removed a mile of obsolete fencing in Wyoming and learn how you can get involved in stewardship projects nationwide. Show Notes Vermont Primitive Camping Rule Update: https://fpr.vermont.gov/primitive-camping-rule-amendment Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the voice for your wild public lands, waters, and wildlife to be part of a passionate community of hunter-angler-conservationists. BHA. THE VOICE FOR OUR WILD PUBLIC LANDS, WATERS AND WILDLIFE. Follow us: Web: www.backcountryhunters.org Instagram: @backcountryhunters Facebook: @backcountryhunters
with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
For more than 25 years, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule has helped protect nearly 60 million acres of federal forest lands from logging and road construction. Last year, the Trump administration announced it would end “the roadless rule,” which it claims would allow for “more flexibility” to reduce wildfire risk and for “responsible timber production.” Senate Republicans attached an amendment to the Wildfire Prevention Act last month to repeal the roadless rule that passed out of committee on party lines. But building new roads to boost timber logging in national forest lands could imperil the quality of drinking water for at least 25 million residents across the U.S., according to a new University of Washington study. That includes residents of Portland, Hood River and other communities who get their drinking water from watersheds in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The study also found other potential harms from rescinding the roadless rule, including to biodiversity and habitats for species like salmon that spawn in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest and other national forests in the Pacific Northwest. Hunting, fishing and other recreation activities could also be at risk from development of wilderness areas currently protected by the roadless rule. Michael Dombeck is a co-author of the study and a Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. As chief of the U.S. Forest Service from 1997 to 2001, Dombeck helped create the roadless rule and implement it under President Bill Clinton. He joins us for more details.
In this episode, Kayla Fratt sits down with legendary Alaskan wildlife ecologist Dr. John Schoen to explore the past, present, and future of the Tongass National Forest.With nearly five decades of boots-on-the-ground research, John's groundbreaking work has reshaped our understanding of how logging practices directly impact black-tailed deer, salmon, and the broader temperate rainforest ecosystem. John dives deep into the complex history of timber politics, the vital distinction between old-growth and second-growth habitats, and why forests hold profound intrinsic value far beyond just timber and venison.We also highly recommend checking out John's book, Tongass Odyssey, to not only go more in depth on what's discussed today- but to also see some fantastic side by side photos of old growth and new growth forests to appreciate the drastic distinction between the two.
Join Kent and Nicolas as they welcome Travis Hall, Associate Editor of Field & Stream, to discuss public land advocacy, the roadless rule, and why protecting our wild spaces requires active participation from hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. hokseynativeseeds.com (for all your native seed, CRP mixes, backyard prairie, pollinator mixes, and hunting habitat)
The "Roadless Rule" has safeguarded millions of acres of wild national forests for nearly two decades. Now, this safeguard is under attack. Sean Cosgrove, a seasoned conservationist with over 20 years of expertise “in the arena” joined the podcast to discuss how powerful policies are under attack again, risking the very lands that provide your outdoor experiences, habitat for wildlife, and the health of our watersheds.
This is my second episode with Adam Cramer, CEO of the Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of ten national organizations representing the human-powered outdoor community—mountain biking, backcountry skiing, kayaking, climbing, trail running, and more. The Outdoor Alliance works to protect public lands and the places these communities love, getting deeply involved in conservation policy and empowering people to take action on behalf of the landscapes that matter to them. The last year has been a relentless one for public lands, with threats coming from every direction, and Adam and his team have been in the thick of it. Normally my episodes are "evergreen," but given everything happening right now, I wanted to bring Adam back to give us an update on the current threats—as well as some genuine bright spots. This is such a moving target with so many moving pieces that it can be really hard to keep up with everything and, most importantly, to know how to stop talking and take action. So I brought Adam in to help us make sense of it all and give us some instruction on how we can go on the offense to keep public lands public. We cover a lot of ground: the public lands sell-off that arose out of last summer's reconciliation bill and the massive, cross-partisan public blowback that killed it; the fight over the Roadless Rule; the rescinding of the BLM's Public Lands Rule; proposed changes to travel management and motorized vehicle rules; and the reorganization happening inside the land management agencies. But it's not all grim—Adam walks us through the real reasons for hope, including bipartisan efforts like the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, the EXPLORE Act, and the Legacy Restoration Fund, which is moving through Congress right now and is one of the most important places listeners can weigh in today. We also get into Adam's pragmatic, calm approach to all of this—why he refuses to be hysterical even when the stakes are high, what he's learned about strategy and compassion across the table, and how everyday people with jobs and families can stay informed and actually take action without drowning in the noise. He closes with some great book recommendations and a reminder to embrace and bask in the joy of place. And just for some context, we recorded this on June 22, 2026. I hope you enjoy it and learn as much as I did. And most importantly, I hope you'll TAKE ACTION! --- Adam Cramer Outdoor Alliance (Scroll down on the home page to sign up for their email list.) Adam's first M&P episode Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/public-lands-update/ --- THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Mountain & Prairie is listener supported via Patreon, and brought to you with support from the Freeflow Institute, The Nature Conservancy in Colorado, and the Well Done Foundation for their generous sponsorship. --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 0:00 - Introducing Adam Cramer and highlighting the Well Done Foundation 6:05 - Outdoor Alliance reminder 10:02 - One Big Beautiful Bill post-mortem 14:18 - The Roadless Rule 17:47 - What's the point of rescission? 19:51 - Following the herd 20:01 - Deferred maintenance 22:47 - Taking action: Roadless Rule 25:24 - Forest Service moves West 31:18 - A plethora of land types 33:34 - Just trying to protect the land 35:29 - BLM Public Lands Rule 39:36 - Swings 43:06 - Staying calm (alert: a jiu jitsu reference) 49:42 - Legacy Restoration Fund 56:08 - How to stay informed 58:54 - Motorized use 1:04:30 - Book recs 1:05:54 - Parting words --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
Each year American Rivers, a national river focused advocacy organization publishes a list of 10 rivers that are beautiful rivers and rivers that want our engagement. These are the rivers of the 2026 Most Endangered Rivers List. American Rivers first published the Most Endangered Rivers List in 1984, and now 41 years later, they still bring to our attention ten rivers of elevated importance. This year's rivers run between 8 and 400 miles in length. My guest again this year is Chantel Dominguez from American Rivers. Chantel brings infectious optimism to the power of highlighting these rivers. GUESTChantel Dominguez American Rivers| MER LIST 2026America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2026 Video of AR's MER List 2026 on YouTube Support American Rivers SPONSORSPoudre River Fund NRS NRS PFD for Whale Foundation Whale Foundation THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree
Steven Rinella talks with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers President and CEO Ryan Callaghan. Topics discussed: Cal’s life as a new dad and new CEO; the BHA mission; creating coalitions, community, and giving a shit; how our natural resources are not guaranteed; politicians claiming to carry TR’s torch; throwing the baby out with the bathwater in regards to regulation; approaching rollbacks and management changes with clarity; motivation behind scrapping the Roadless Rule; the pitfalls of absolutism; corner crossing; being engaged in the minutiae; and more. Connect with Steve and The MeatEater Podcast Network Steve on Instagram and Twitter MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this launch episode of the Backcountry Report, BHA introduces its new Podcasts & Blasts feed, covers major conservation headlines — from a federal order loosening motorized access and attacks on the Roadless Rule to wetlands funding, the America the Beautiful/Legacy Restoration Fund, Potential for Sunday hunting in Massachusetts, California MPA petitions, and a Montana corner‑crossing lawsuit — highlights grassroots stewardship wins and upcoming BHA events, and more. Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the voice for your wild public lands, waters, and wildlife to be part of a passionate community of hunter-angler-conservationists. BHA. THE VOICE FOR OUR WILD PUBLIC LANDS, WATERS AND WILDLIFE. Follow us: Web: www.backcountryhunters.org Instagram: @backcountryhunters Facebook: @backcountryhunters
https://www.outdoornews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/June-20-long-show.mp3 Tim Lesmeister and Rob Drieslein start the show with a discussion about why Minnesota is struggling to establish an elk herd in northeastern Minnesota. They also break down the latest duck numbers from the heart of the Duck Factory in North Dakota that show waterfowl numbers down. Corey Fisher from Trout Unlimited joins the broadcast to talk about efforts to repeal the federal roadless rule that erupted in Congress last week and continue to stew with the Trump administration. The Minnesota DNR's John Dunn then outlines the agency’s plans to implement special fishing regulations on 12 new lakes, including nine panfish water bodies. The agency is taking public comments on the proposed new regs through the end of September. Lesmeister and Drieslein wrap up the show with chatter on invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle, as well as Randy Moss' interest in bass fishing. The post Episode 597 – MN elk drama, federal Roadless Rule, special panfish regs, N.D. waterfowl update appeared first on Outdoor News.
In a particularly lively discussion, Ashlee and Robbie discuss the news of the week, including Senator Mike Lee's most recent attempt to sabotage the Wildfire Prevention Act and repeal the Roadless Rule, Colorado's attempts to codify the Right to Hunt and Fish within their state, a plan to lease hundreds of thousands of acres of BLM public land in CO to oil and gas companies, and a recent viral video giving hunters a really bad rep. Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at info@theoriginsfoundation.org Support our Conservation Club Members! Maple Ranch: Leupold: https://www.leupold.com/ Lionheart: https://theoriginsfoundation.org/conservation-projects/lionheart/ See more from Blood Origins: https://bit.ly/BloodOrigins_Subscribe Music: Migration by Ian Post (Winter Solstice), licensed through artlist.io This podcast is brought to you by Bushnell, who believes in providing the highest quality, most reliable & affordable outdoor products on the market. Your performance is their passion. https://www.bushnell.com This podcast is also brought to you by Silencer Central, who believes in making buying a silencer simple and they handle the paperwork for you. Shop the largest silencer dealer in the world. Get started today! https://www.silencercentral.com Don't forget to go subscribe to our new The Origins Foundation Podcast Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@TheOriginsFoundationPodcast - who knows, you may be a lucky subscriber who wins some cool stuff from our partner companies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Between attempts to rollback the Roadless Rule, revise BLM grazing rules, and reevaluate Wilderness Study Areas, politicians and federal agencies appeared to launch a full-on siege of public lands last week. Conservation editor Andrew McKean explains. Senate Republicans Advance ‘Trojan Horse' to Erase Roadless Rule: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/senate-committee-votes-erase-roadless-rule/ BLM Grazing Overhaul Would Give Ranchers More Grass and Perks, But Could Force Elk Off Public Range: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/proposed-blm-grazing-rules/ Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Contact your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121 Comment on BLM Grazing Rule Change: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/12/2026-09387/revision-of-regulations-for-grazing-administration-exclusive-of-alaska Buy Randy's garage sale items here: https://shopfreshtracks.com/collections/gear-list The current legislative landscape highlights a trend of using procedural maneuvers to bypass traditional congressional debate, such as the inclusion of contentious amendments in bipartisan legislation. Mike Lee's recent amendments to rescind the Roadless Rule shows he doesn't care about what his constituents want. The Public Lands Integrity Act seeks to address these tactics by amending the Congressional Budget Act's Byrd Rule, which would explicitly classify any provision involving the sale, transfer, or disposal of federal public lands as extraneous to the budget reconciliation process. By removing these land-related measures from the simplified budget reconciliation path, the bill aims to prevent backroom deals and ensure that any potential disposal of public land receives full public scrutiny and debate. The Bureau of Land Management has proposed new grazing rules that increase allowed grazing by 31% and maintain lower fees, raising concerns about the impact on wildlife and the reduction of public input on land management. The Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service have released a new framework for Migratory Big Game Conservation that focuses on interagency collaboration and incentives for private landowners to manage land for both livestock and wildlife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's newscast: Dr. Ángel Cabrera will be the Aspen Institute's next President and CEO; Senate Republicans have come up with a new way to try and repeal the Roadless Rule; and ballots for the primary election are hitting mailboxes around Colorado this week. Tune in for these stories and more.
In this week's public lands news briefing, we covered four stories:- Mike Lee pushes the latest effort to repeal the Roadless Rule, a landmark conservation policy protecting 58 million acres of national forest land.- Department of Homeland Security waived dozens of environmental laws to accelerate construction through the Big Bend Region for an updated border wall. - Ed Stierli from the National Parks Conservation Association joins us to discuss growing concerns over National Park Service funding priorities and controversial projects moving forward on the National Mall.- RideApart Editor-in-Chief Jonathon Klein helps unpack President Trump's decision to rescind decades-old off-road vehicle directives and what the change could mean for conflicts over public land and recreation access.REMINDER: Starting June 1st, we will no longer release episodes on Fridays. Our next public lands news briefing will be released on June 22nd.Subscribe to the Outdoor Minimalist newsletter: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/Sources & ResourcesNPCA Website: https://www.npca.org/Big Bend Border Wall: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/trump-administration-waives-environmental-laws-to-blast-border-barriers-roads-through-big-bend-national-park-2026-06-08/June 10th Senate Committee Meeting: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2026/6/business-meeting-to-consider-pending-legislationNew York Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/27/climate/park-service-fees-washington-trump.htmlRideApart: https://www.rideapart.com/info/team/jonathon-klein/ORV Executive Order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/05/removing-unnecessary-and-counterproductive-restrictions-on-access-to-federal-lands/
Comprehensive coverage of the day's news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. The United States and Iran reach a deal to end the war, though key questions remain. UN humanitarian forum warns erosion of global cooperation, funding threatens crisis response worldwide. Kyiv monastery damaged in Russian strike that kills at least 10, Ukraine says; Russia denies responsibility. UN report warns drone attacks in Sudan kill at least 1,000 civilians amid rising human rights concerns. Senate committee advances wildfire bill with provision to repeal “Roadless Rule” protections on national forests. California Governor Gavin Newsom alleges Trump DOJ is investigating him, accuses Trump of weaponizing the justice system. U.C. Merced researchers use Sierra Nevada and Central Valley as living laboratory to study climate change impacts. The post The United States and Iran reach a deal to end the war, though key questions remain – June 15, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.
Reactions to Sen. Mike Lee's "Roadless Rule" repeal amendment -- Utah requests federal wildfire funds -- ISP ramping up for busy Bear Lake summer
The guys recorded this episode about 12 hours before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was set to consider an amendment to a potentially bipartisan bill from Sen. Mike Lee that would invalidate the 2001 Roadless Rule. Dave and Nephi discuss the implications (spoiler: the sky isn't falling, but it's not a great look). They also chat about a proposal to repeal the blanket 4(d) Rule (a wonky discussion that nearly put Nephi to sleep). They also share some stories from the trenches from their days working for former Wyoming Governor, Matt Mead. Reminder: new email address. If you want to reach the team, use yourmountainpodcast@gmail.com.
In this newscast: A Safe Place initiative for youth in crisis arrives in Juneau; An 89-year-old woman died in Juneau today from injuries suffered during a crash yesterday; Republican lawmakers are working to repeal the Roadless Rule through Congress; The University of Alaska's largest union filed an unfair labor practice complaint last week; Alaska is one of only two states that saw increased participation in SNAP last year; The minimum wage in Alaska will jump to $14 on July 1; A federal judge ruled against a group of Alaskans seeking to force the state to process SNAP applications on time
As thru-hikers, we hike through public lands frequently. In this episode, Nicole Brown of Outdoor Alliance comes on to talk about the Roadless Rule - and how the initiative to roll it back will inhibit our access to these parts of public land. She also goes into how we can come together during the comment period to save these precious places along the Pacific Crest Trail and other long trails across America.In this episode, Nicole goes into:1. Basics on the Roadless Rule & why it's so important for access to public lands2. What can happen if the Roadless Rule is rolled back3. How to take action & more!Take Action & Follow Along:About the Roadless RuleRoadless Area Maps PCTA ArticleTake Action! Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Sami Godlove is the is the Central Oregon Field Coordinator at Oregon Wild, which works to protect and restore Oregon's wild lands, wildlife, and waters as an enduring legacy for future generations.Sami spoke about his early influential moments in nature, the importance of the Roadless Rule, potential large environmental rollbacks, and the effects these policies have on large ecosystems, old growth forests and other natural places that they protect. Oregon Wild@oregonwild@thewolfconnectionpod
From June 1 - On this week's Regional Roundup, we hear about efforts to repeal the Roadless Rule for National Forests and learn about an upcoming movie set to benefit from a new Colorado tax credit. We also visit a popular Western Colorado trail that has introduced new fees for e-bikes, hear why water managers are worried about a dry summer ahead, and tag along with researchers studying the ecological benefits of beaver habitat. Plus, we round out the show with a conversation about the dangers of melanoma and the importance of early detection.
JD is joined by Ben Burr from Blue Ribbon Coalition for a straight-up land access scoreboard on the fights shaping the future of motorized recreation. Ben breaks down the rescission of the BLM Public Lands Rule, the Roadless Rule fight, Moab route reassessments, the San Rafael Swell, WEMO closures in the Western Mojave Desert, and why the minimization criteria could become a serious threat to OHV access nationwide. They also talk about local advocacy groups, fieldwork, the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act, and why off-roaders need to submit meaningful comments instead of assuming someone else has it covered. If you care about public land access, trail closures, Jeep trails, overlanding, OHV routes, or keeping backcountry roads open for people who cannot simply hike in, this episode is one to share.
Got a question, news topic, or feedback? Drop us an email at: weekly@freshtracks.tv Interested in some gear from Randy's Garage Sale? Visit https://shopfreshtracks.com/ On this week's Deeper Dive, Randy and Marcus talk corner crossing in Montana. They discuss the lawsuit filed by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Public Land and Water Access Association, which challenges Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for enforcing corner crossing as criminal trespass without following proper lawmaking channels. Freezer Burn Event Details - https://www.facebook.com/events/167-all-west-trl-bozeman-mt-59718-8203-united-states/freezer-burn-party/3067283536789028/ Submit your Public Land videos here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWzxTY7LrXOY5-_YUpORwTKbrlCUZiF8iLZyPrdQipeUd_Qw/viewform Or send us an email at weekly@freshtracks.tv News Topics H.R. 7695 & The Roadless Rule Congress is moving to target the 2001 Roadless Rule, threatening 58.5 million acres of public land. Read Trout Unlimited's incredibly insightful and beautiful report detailing the economic and ecological impact of protecting these lands. Links • https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless • https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7695/text • https://www.tu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TU-ROADLESS-REPORT_0401_web.pdf • https://wyofile.com/wyomings-hageman-aims-to-block-future-roadless-areas-despite-overwhelming-support-to-keep-public-land-pristine/ • https://www.themeateater.com/conservation/general/congress-to-consider-roadless-rule-rescission Oregon's IP 28 (The PEACE Act) The minimum signature threshold has been met to put IP 28 on the 2026 Oregon ballot. If passed, this initiative would effectively criminalize hunting, fishing, trapping, dog training, and standard animal husbandry practices. This is a blueprint that anti-hunting groups will try to export to your state next. If you live in Oregon: Verify your voter registration, mobilize your hunting camp, and educate your non-hunting neighbors. If you live outside Oregon: Support the fight by getting involved with or donating to groups on the ground: Links https://www.ducks.org/newsroom/why-ducks-unlimited-opposes-oregons-ip-28 BCCOS Looking for 2 involved in Grizzly Bear Feedings A reminder for the summer season: Stop messing with wildlife. Don't pet the bison, don't swim in hydrothermal features, and definitely don't hand-feed apples and carrots to grizzly bears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since 2016, more than two million acres of Northern California have been torched by devastating wildfires, leaving vast tracts of previously forested land nothing but black matchsticks. As the landscape recovers, efforts are being made to ensure forests regenerate so massive brush fields don't take the place of trees. As staff chief for CalFire's Wildfire Resilience Program, Stew McMorrow has more than 30 years experience climbing trees, falling trees, planting trees, funding agencies in reforestation, as well as working as a Registered Professional Forester (RPF). McMorrow is also an avid outdoorsman and mountain biker, and understands the value of balancing recreation with forestry, serving on the executive board of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. In Episode 87, we join McMorrow planting seedlings on Mount Hough near Quincy, California, heavily impacted by the Dixie Fire, then chat with him about forestry, pinecones, growing trees, reforestation and how recreation plays a role in all of it. We also talk with Michael Hall of Feather River Resource Conservation District and fellow RPF, Jason Moghaddas, about the recent controversial news around glyphosate – aka Round Up – being sprayed on public lands. 2:00 – Pow Bot forgets his mountain bike helmet on the Mt Hough shuttle.5:00 – Introducing Stew McMorrow – forester for CalFire leading reforestation efforts.8:15 – All the new amazing trails on Mount Hough including Upper Tollgate trail.13:20 – Stew McMorrow and Michael Hall describing reforestation on top of Mount Hough.21:50 – Stew McMorrow interview in the back of the Toyota Sunrader.23:20 – Stew's upbringing, going to school and working as a sawyer on a fire crew.26:40 – Getting his Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license and working in Lake Tahoe.32:05 – Running the CalFire Wildfire Resilience Program and Reforestation program.37:35 – Climbing trees and collecting pine cones for tree seeds and replanting.43:10 – Dropping his phone out of a tree and getting attacked by bees.45:35 – What is the plight of the Pinecone Cowboy?50:50 – What would the landscape look like if a forest isn't replanted?57:45 – Balancing the element of playing God with nature and letting nature do its thing.1:01:00 – Home hardening and creating defensible space around communities.1:04:30 – Millions of dollars in state money available for reforestation on federal land after fires.1:10:23 – The spraying of herbicides like glyphosate on public lands to control brush regrowth.1:18:39 – Michael Hall and Jason Moghaddas talk about glyphosate spraying on public lands.1:28:50 – Being on the board of Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship – forestry and recreation.1:42:20 – Talking about the rescinding of the Roadless Rule.1:50:40 – Being in the zone, what Stu calls the Quiet Room.1:53:00 – What does Mind the Track mean to you?
WORT 89.9FM Madison · Feds Remove Protections for Boundary Waters, Roadless Areas Jamie Ervin (photo courtesy Outdoor Alliance) On April 16, the U.S. Senate voted 50-49 to approve House Joint Resolution 140, stripping federal protections against metal mining in the watershed of the U.S. Forest Service's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park. The vote fell mostly along party lines, with all Democrats voting against the resolution. Republican Thom Tillis of North Carolina crossed the aisle to vote against the measure, while Missouri Republican Josh Hawley did not vote. The move comes in response to a proposed copper sulfide mine to be operated by Chilean-based Twin Metals. Permitting for the mine now falls to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Meanwhile, on April 21, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers wrote to Brooke Rollins, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Rule, which includes wilderness protections for some 70,000 acres of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin. Jamie Ervin is the Senior Policy Manager of the Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of outdoor recreation and conservation groups, and he joined the Monday Buzz on May 18, 2026. Featured image: Section Twelve Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Superior National Forest. (Photo by Daniel Ziegler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons) Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Feds Remove Protections for Boundary Waters, Roadless Areas appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.
The Roadless Rule is back on the chopping block. And what happens next could have really big implications for Montana, the region, and the country – for grizzlies, for other endangered species, and for entire ecosystems. What do we lose, or gain, when our bedrock environmental regulations go away, along with public input on how it all happens?
I'm so excited to be back with a new interview after taking a little time off.Unfortunately, there is no shortage of bad news to come back to, but as ever, I am inspired by all the great work being done by activists and organizations to fight for a better world.One of those people is Len Montgomery, Director of Environment America's Great Outdoors Campaign and one of the leaders of the coalition to protect the Roadless Rule.Len has been working tirelessly to hold the line against the Trump administration's assault on public lands, and one the the most important fights is the campaign to save the Roadless Rule, which protects tens of millions of acres from commercial extraction.Since you are reading this anyway, please consider leaving the show a rating and review so more folks can find the show! As always, my email is coastrangeradio@gmail.com. Show Notes:Roadless Area Maps: - https://oregonwild.org/resource/oregon-inventoried-roadless-areas-interactive-map/ - https://outdooralliance.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=bffb3fe5fdfb43519a84c6a0cf4f8ff5More roads cause more fires: https://www.wilderness.org/sites/default/files/media/file/Summary%20NFS%20roads%20fire%20paper%20-%202025.pdfRoadless Area Conservation Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3930/text/ih?overview=closed&format=xmlhttps://www.instagram.com/coastrangeradio/
Show Notes & Links (Story List) H.R. 556 passes the House (lead ammo & tackle) H.R. 5017 Greyhound Protection Act bundled into Farm Bill; debate over scope DOI Secretarial Order 3447 on expanding access; mixed reactions Forest Service proposed objection-process changes Roadless Rule repeal process update South Dakota lab-grown meat moratorium + reality check on “Bill Gates grocery approval” Utah H.B. 30: WMA access requirements & registration Massachusetts hunting law update recommendations (Sunday hunting, crossbows, etc.) Colorado wolf 2310 mortality update Colorado fur-sale ban petition advances to rulemaking Colorado big game draw dates, CWD sampling notes, and elk license proposals Colorado SJR26-015 on protecting national public lands Great Lakes invasive carp: barriers, funding, and removals Poaching & enforcement: Colorado guide charges (reported), KY ring dismantled, CO Fort Carson convictions Ontario 2026 regs summary + Canada migratory bird proposals Hunting Stories Links Want to be a guest? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode features a panel of Southeast Alaska locals—guides, hunters, and conservationists—discussing the Tongass National Forest. We discuss past logging impacts, the Roadless Rule, and transitioning to young-growth management. We also share stories about effects on salmon, deer, and bear habitat, the growth of tourism and recreation, and how upcoming public comment periods regarding the next forest plan. Panel: Mary Glaves -Juneau Bjorn Dihle - Juneau Lucas Mullen - Petersburg Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.) Seawind Aviation (Ketchikan-based flightseeing and air charters) Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
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/
Thousands of Montanans are petitioning the federal government to hold public meetings on a proposal to rescind roadless protections. The change would impact more than 6 million acres of forest lands across the state.
Photo: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. (Ty Nigh / Flickr) Ojibwe tribes in the Great Lakes region are raising concerns about Trump administration plans to remove a rule that limits road building in national forest land, as Chuck Quirmbach reports. The Roadless Rule is a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) policy that for 25 years has curtailed building or reconstructing roads in the national forests. There have also been limits on commercial timber harvesting in roadless areas that have been inventoried. Last summer, the U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA), which includes USFS, proposed rescinding the Roadless Rule. The department said that would give more decision-making authority to regional forest managers and improve access for fighting fires. But the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission – which serves eleven Ojibwe tribes in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan with treaty-protected hunting, fishing, and gathering rights – backs the Roadless Rule. Commission spokesperson Jenny Van Sickle says agency scientists looked at how the rule has protected five national forests in what is called the Ceded Territory. She says the federal government has a responsibility to enforce treaty rights there. “That’s wild rice. That’s tapping maples for sap to make sugar. These are real activities, they’re not theoretical. These are federal responsibilities that remain in place. So, to try to kick that to regional foresters doesn’t make a lot of sense.” Van Sickle says there are already many roads in the national forests. She says if the Roadless Rule needs amending, the tribes are willing to talk. “If the rule needs work, we want to be at those tables. We want to talk about those problems. We want to get to those solutions. We can do that together. We’ve worked very closely and formally with the Forest Service for nearly 30 years.” A USDA spokesperson says the agency remains committed to a consultation process with the tribes and, if the Roadless Rule ends, land use decisions would still need to comply with specific forest or grassland management plans and other applicable laws – all developed with public involvement. (Courtesy OETA) Tribal leaders responded to Gov. Kevin Stitt (Cherokee/R-OK)'s final State of the State address, which he delivered Monday. Tribal leaders say Gov. Stitt misrepresents tribes. Tribes and the governor have had a rocky relationship, including disagreements over jurisdiction, gaming, and other issues. In his speech, Stitt said all laws should apply equally to all Oklahomans. “Many of us in this room have decried the [diversity, equity, and inclusion] DEI programs of the Biden administration, yet standby quietly when some say an Indian should be subject to a different set of laws.” Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton in a statement said tribes and tribal members have sovereign rights, which are not based on race but treaties and other agreements between tribal nations and the U.S. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in a statement that the governor effectively called for the termination of tribal government, calling it rhetoric cloaked in references to DEI and race. Chief Hoskin said fortunately, Stitt spoke to a bipartisan chamber. Both leaders say they look forward to working with the legislature and other elected officials. A number of tribal leaders attended the address. The Interior Department has added the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to the official list of federally recognized tribes, formalizing the tribe's government-to-government relationship with the U.S. The agency published the updated list in the Federal Register following President Donald Trump's signing of legislation in December granting federal recognition status to the Lumbee Tribe. The list consists of 575 American Indian and Alaska Native tribal entities. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Tuesday, February 3, 2026 – National Park Service removing historical references to Native American history
Steven Rinella talks with New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich, Ryan Callaghan, and Randall Williams. Topics discussed: Corner crossing and the Supreme Court ruling; stream access; the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, mining, and caribou; the Roadless Rule; where to develop and not develop renewables; relative bipartisan support for nuclear energy; reintroducing pronghorn back to an area of New Mexico; the breadth of the coalition that came together around keeping public lands in public hands; and more. Connect with Steve and The MeatEater Podcast Network Steve on Instagram and Twitter MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happy New Year, everyone! Welcome to the very first Gaslit Nation episode of 2026, one of the most consequential years for humanity, because the world is about to find out whether American democracy survives Donald Trump and his MAGA crime cult. Will they try to steal the midterms? Will Trump attempt another January 6-style power grab as 2028 approaches? Stick with Gaslit Nation as we fight back and build a new American revolution, one act of hope and defiance at a time. This special bonus show, made for our Patreon community, highlights a thoughtful question from Ken B., a listener and Democracy Defender supporter on Patreon. Ken asks us to focus on a dangerously undercovered issue: the GOP's coordinated effort to loot America's public lands. From rolling back the Roadless Rule to gutting park budgets and opening millions of acres to extraction, Trump and his donors are positioning massive areas of national parks and forests for a sell-off. Ken, thank you for your insights, and thank you to all of our listeners who keep our show going. Your questions shape our show. If you want to submit your questions, comments, and hear them on the show, subscribe at the Democracy Defender tier or higher on Patreon.com/Gaslit. If you want to hear this full episode, including our three major predictions for 2026 and what they mean for democracy, join us on Patreon. Get ready for another big year of the people fighting back. Join our community of listeners and get bonus shows, Q&A sessions, invites to exclusive events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, ad free listening, group chats with other listeners, ways to shape the show, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit!
Steven Rinella talks with Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke. Topics discussed: Being red, white, and blue; from the military to politics; the fight for public lands; migration corridors; the Roadless Rule; delisting grizzlies; and more. Connect with Steve and The MeatEater Podcast Network Steve on Instagram and Twitter MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hosts Brody Henderson, Ryan Callaghan, and Randall Williams talk with Brian DeBolt from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department about a series of cascading roadkill incidents in the state, get a wide ranging Rut Report from the elk woods, chat with Conservation Land Foundation CEO Chris Hill about the consequences of a Roadless Rule rescission, stew in some harsh truths about hunting, and get a sneak peek at the brand new MeatEater Store opening in Milwaukee. Watch the live stream on the MeatEater Podcast Network YouTube channel. Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hosts Randall Williams, Ryan Callaghan, and Seth Morris talk with Mark Kenyon about the Roadless Rule rollback, find out which pair of underwear Cal brings to Show-and-Tell, throw a listener submitted Hot Tip-Off, chat with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Ben Batten about their conservation work in the Mississippi Basin, and choose a winner of the Moultrie Trail Cam Contest. Watch the live stream on the MeatEater Podcast Network YouTube channel. Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.