The Public Lands Policy Podcast

From outcome-based grazing to resurrecting Ice Age megafauna, this episode covers the full spectrum of modern conservation. Isaiah Menning, external affairs manager at the American Conservation Coalition, joins us to discuss his research on conservation leasing and the controversial Public Lands Rule. We dive into how giving ranchers more flexibility could lead to better ecological outcomes, why the Biden administration's conservation leasing proposal sparked such fierce opposition in the West, and yes - the very real possibility of wooly mammoths returning to Alaska in the next few years. Whether you're interested in practical public lands policy or just want to hear about the prospect of prehistoric big game hunting, this episode has something for everyone. Isaiah's Thesis on Conservation Leasing Follow Isaiah on X Follow Andrew on X and LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PERC Policy Director Hannah Downey joins us to explain why "fire season" has become as predictable as PSLs at Starbucks - but a lot less enjoyable. From the Ashley National Forest Aspen Project controversy to well-meaning environmental laws accidentally making forests more flammable, Hannah breaks down why forest management is getting trapped between bureaucratic red tape and lawsuit-happy environmental groups. We dive into how Indigenous fire practices got it right centuries ago, why saving trees sometimes means cutting them down, and how some of the environmental attitudes we learned as kids might be doing more harm than good. It's a conversation that's both enlightening and slightly terrifying - kind of like watching a prescribed burn from a safe distance. Ashley National Forest Aspen Project Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit “Good Fire, Bad Fire” Hannah’s testimony on the Fix Our Forests Act The Public Lands Policy Podcast is produced by Trout Stream Studios. Music was provided by Gavin Greenwood. Follow your host on X at @asandstrom451 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02) calls in from the bustling metropolis of Scipio, Utah to discuss her latest work on natural resources issues in Congress. Rep. Maloy brings something rare to Capitol Hill: actual hands-on experience in public lands management. From her days as a soil conservationist to her current role crafting legislation like the FREE Act, Rep. Maloy breaks down how Washington really works (or doesn't) when it comes to Western land management. We dive into the nuts and bolts of permitting, discuss how Congress can make it easier for Good Samaritans to clean up abandoned mines, and look at legislation that would “prove” how American manufacturers are cleaner than their Chinese counterparts. Come for the policy discussion, stay to hear Andrew poorly identify birds. The FREE Act The PROVE IT Act Rep. Maloy’s Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act The Public Lands Policy Podcast is produced by Trout Stream Studios. Music was provided by Gavin Greenwood. Follow me on X at @asandstrom451 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices