The Landscape

In this episode of The Landscape, Aaron and Kate speak with Jim Pattiz of the More Than Just Parks newsletter about public lands news after the first year of the second Trump administration, including Jim and his brother Will’s list of 70 major public-lands setbacks in 2025 and CWP’s assessment of Project 2025. Aaron also covers Steve Pearce’s confirmation hearing to lead the Bureau of Land Management and lawmakers’ concerns about National Park Service censorship and Freedom 250, including a judge’s order to restore Philadelphia displays about enslaved members of George Washington’s household and a leaked database of NPS materials flagged for review. Pattiz discusses short- versus long-term harms such as civil service attacks, logging mandates, land giveaways, and fast-tracked mining, and the group closes with hopes for coalition-building and rebuilding public lands governance. News BLM nominee Steve Pearce waffles on public land sell-off Corruption, censorship take center stage at Freedom 250 hearing Confidential database reveals which items NPS thinks may ‘disparage’ America Produced by Aaron Weiss, Kate Groetzinger, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Interpretive sign at Grand Canyon National Park, Wikimedia Commons The post 2025 was awful for public lands. Is there hope? appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

In this episode of The Landscape, Aaron welcomes pollsters Lori Weigel from New Bridge Strategy and Miranda Everitt from FM3 to discuss the 16th annual Colorado College Conservation in the West Poll. The bipartisan polling team breaks down voter attitudes across eight Western states on public lands, conservation priorities, and the Trump administration’s funding cuts and policy rollbacks. The poll reveals consensus across party lines—including among MAGA voters—on protecting public lands, opposing sell-offs, and prioritizing renewable energy over fossil fuel extraction. News Groups sue over Trump effort to ‘erase’ history, science in national parks – Washington Post Concessionaire Nominated To Run National Park Service – National Parks Traveler Water worries are top of mind for Arizonans, poll shows – Axios Phoenix Opinion: Senators, reject the Steve Pearce nomination – Santa Fe New Mexican Resources 2026 Conservation in the West Poll – Colorado College Watch this episode on YouTube  Credits Produced and hosted by Aaron Weiss with production support from Lauren Bogard, edited by Lilly Bock-Brownstein Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: David Korzillus, BLM The post Unpacking the 2026 Conservation in the West Poll appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

In this episode, Kate and Aaron are joined by Professor John Ruple, a public lands law expert at the University of Utah and former attorney at the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), to discuss the Trump administration’s dismantling of the CEQ’s authority over NEPA regulations. He breaks down what the Trump administration means when it claims to have ended NEPA’s “regulatory reign of terror” and why removing uniform environmental review standards creates chaos for public lands. News For $1 Million, Donors to U.S.A. Birthday Group Offered Access to Trump – New York Times Potential conflicts over celebrating America’s 250th anniversary spill out in congressional hearing – Associated Press Concessionaire Nominated To Run National Park Service – National Parks Traveler Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Credits Produced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger, edited by Lilly Bock-Brownstein Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: David Korzillus, BLM The post What gutting the Council on Environmental Quality means for public lands appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

In this episode, Kate and Aaron discuss how Congress is using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn public land management plans, creating chaos and uncertainty for federal lands. Steve Bloch from the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance explains that the CRA, originally designed to review agency rules, is now being weaponized to repeal resource management plans and even national monument plans like the one in place for Grand Staircase-Escalante, despite these never being treated as “rules” before. News Trump admin’s approval of Northern Corridor sparks new lawsuit – Salt Lake Tribune NPS removes slavery exhibit in Trump admin crackdown on ‘negative’ history – E&E News Tri-State says no thanks to federal orders to keep Craig coal power plant open – Colorado Sun Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Credits Produced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Grand Staircase-Escalante, John Fowler The post Weaponizing the Congressional Review Act against America’s public lands appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Aaron and Kate speak with Zachary Fort, president of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, about his opposition to Steve Pearce’s nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management. Fort, a former Republican and gun rights advocate, explains why hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts are concerned about Pearce’s track record on public lands. He discusses Pearce’s history of sponsoring legislation to sell off national public lands, his prioritization of oil and gas interests over public access, and his divisive leadership of the New Mexico Republican Party. Fort argues that Pearce’s support for transferring public lands to private ownership threatens hunting and shooting opportunities that generations of New Mexicans have relied on. News House Public Lands Caucus Fails Test With Boundary Waters Vote – Public Domain House Dems Demand Probe Into Top Interior Official, Citing Public Domain’s Reporting – Public Domain Congress passes environmental funding without Trump’s deep cuts – High Country News Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Credits Produced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Congressman Steve Pearce of New Mexico speaking at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland; Source: Flickr/Gage Skidmore  The post Why a New Mexico gun rights leader opposes Trump’s pick to lead the BLM appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate and Aaron talk to Kelly Mitchell, executive director of oil industry watchdog FieldNotes, about what Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro’s capture by the US means for oil and gas producers here in the West. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has also been making the rounds on Fox cheering on Trump’s actions in Venezuela and calling on US companies to start drilling there, which we also touch on. News The Trump Administration Approved a Big Lithium Mine. A Top Official’s Husband Profited. – New York Times Takeaways from Congress’ latest spending package – E&E News Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Credits Produced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Natural gas drilling equipment on the Pinedale Anticline, WY. Source: Richard Waite, World Resources Institute The post Will Maduro’s capture lead to an American oil rift? appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

In this episode of The Landscape, Aaron and Lauren ask veteran wildland firefighter Bobbie Scopa about the state of America’s wildfire response. Bobbie, who is a retired firefighter with the organization Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, shares insights from her five-decade career, exploring how recent federal layoffs and policy changes are impacting fire mitigation, hazardous fuels reduction, and the morale of those on the front lines. This episode delves into the complexities of forest management, the challenges of interagency coordination, and the dedication of those who protect our public lands. News Mike Lee reverses course on controversial national park proposal, but conservation groups say concerns still remain – Salt Lake Tribune USDA lost more than 20,000 employees this year, internal watchdog finds – E&E News Mexican wolves are rebounding, but are they ready for delisting? – High Country News Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Credits Produced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: NPS photo by Brady Richards The post Burnout and bravery: Fighting fire on America’s public lands appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

In this episode of The Landscape, Aaron and Sterling talk to Cody Perry, a filmmaker and founder of Rig to Flip, and Professor Mark Squillace, an expert in public lands and environmental law at the University of Colorado, about the ongoing battle to change Colorado’s restrictive stream access laws. The conversation centers around Perry’s documentary “Common Waters,” which follows Prof. Squillace’s efforts to change the law by attempting to get himself arrested. News Public Land Advocates Warn Senate Amendment Could Greenlight Sale of National Parks – Flathead Beacon Resources Watch “Common Waters” preview Salida screening Jan 29 Colorado Stream Access Coalition website Video episode on YouTube Credits Produced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Screenshot from Common Waters preview; Source: Rig to Flip The post Common waters: Inside the fight for stream access in Colorado appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

On this episode of the Landscape, Kate and Aaron are joined by filmmaker Annie Ersinghaus, rancher Don Schreiber, and Gail Evans, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, to talk about the impact poorly regulated oil and gas extraction has on New Mexico’s environment. Gail and Don appear in Annie’s new film, The Land of Sacrifice: The Burden of New Mexico’s Oil and Gas Extraction. News Hundreds of Joshua trees were scorched during the shutdown – Los Angeles Times Wealthy Ranchers Profit from Public Lands. Taxpayers Pick up the Tab  – High Country News/Propublica Sheep Creek mine public meeting draws comments, concerns in Hamilton – KPAX News Resources Watch The Land of Sacrifice: The Burden of New Mexico’s Oil and Gas Extraction Credits Produced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Permian Basin oil and gas development; SkyTruth/Fickr The post The dirty truth about oil and gas drilling in New Mexico appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

In this episode of The Landscape, Aaron and Kate discuss the Trump administration’s plan to roll back oil and gas bonding rates designed to protect American taxpayers from the cleanup costs of abandoned wells. The episode features insights from David Jenkins, president of Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship. His group recently released a report finding the Trump’s roll back could saddle taxpayers with over $750 billion in potential financial liabilities. News Conservation Leaders Unite to Oppose Steve Pearce BLM Nomination – Sierra Magazine Congress Broke Public Lands. It’s About To Create Legal Chaos – Wes Siler’s Newsletter Statement: Senate hearing on multiple use of America’s public lands – CWP Resources Unplugged: The High Cost of Bonding Reform Rollbacks – Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship Take action Watch the full video episode on YouTube  Credits Produced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Pumpjack located in the Carlsbad Field Office; Source: BLM New Mexico The post Trump bonding rates could cost taxpayers billions appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Join us on The Landscape as we dive into the resurgence of uranium mining in the American West. Hosts Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger speak with Land Desk author and public lands expert Jonathan Thompson about whether the current uranium hype signifies a boom or a bubble. We explore the history of uranium production, the complications of mining on public lands, and the environmental and economic implications of revival efforts. Additionally, we discuss recently fast-tracked mining permits under the Trump administration and the future of small modular reactors as potential power sources. News Conservation Groups Blast Trump’s Latest Choice to Head Up the Bureau of Land Management – Inside Climate News When the federal shutdown closed this national park, rangers took to the classroom – Los Angeles Times Resources The Land Desk newsletter  Watch the full video episode on YouTube  Credits Produced & hosted by Aaron Weiss and Kate Groetzinger Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Abandoned uranium mine near Moab; Matt Affolter/Wikimedia Commons The post Uranium boom or bubble? Exploring the future of uranium mining in the West appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Aaron talks to Rep. Jared Huffman, ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee, about the government shutdown, whether Adelita Grijalva will ever get sworn in, and what he tells people who ask what’s bringing him hope in this dark time.   Produced & hosted by Aaron Weiss (Kate’s back next week) Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Wikimedia Commons The post What the shutdown means for public lands w/ Rep. Jared Huffman appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

This Saturday is National Public Lands Day, and in honor of that, we’re bringing you a special behind the scenes episode about our Keep Parks Public tour featuring the team here at CWP.  As many listeners or Look West subscribers may know, the CWP team embarked on a 10-day journey that took us from Denver to Las Cruces, Tucson, Flagstaff, Moab, Salt Lake City, Grand Junction, and Jackson Hole over the past month and a half. The main goal of the Keep Parks Public tour was to highlight the impacts President Trump’s staffing and funding cuts are having on public lands across the West. But we ended up covering a lot more than that. We talked to local political and business leaders, conservation advocates, former park rangers and superintendents, and public land lovers at every stop on our trip— and the message from everyone was clear: public lands are not ok. Nor are the people who care for them.  We’re going to share what we learned on the tour and play some of the best quotes from our live events. Then we’ll close out by reading you some of the 150+ comments folks have submitted through our Keep Parks Public website answering the question: Why do public lands matter to you? News After defeating plan to sell public land, coalition of Colorado advocates keeps up the fight – Colorado Sun “Keep Parks Public” tour stops in Tucson to push back against national park cuts – KGUN What Was Learned From the Latest Fight Over Public Lands? – Outside 109th anniversary of National Park Service comes amid big proposed cuts, uncertainty about the future of public lands – Rocky Mountain Community Radio ‘Keep Parks Public’ tour concludes in Grand Junction – KREX After national parks hearing, MAGA forces continue public land assault, greens say – WyoFile Resources Tell us: Why do public lands matter to YOU? Keep Parks Public Instagram Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: CWP photo at Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in Las Cruces, NM   The post How people across the West are fighting to protect public lands appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate and Aaron talk to former Montana gubernatorial candidate, public lands hunter, and Substack author Ryan Busse about how billionaires are cutting off access to the outdoors in Montana and a whole lot more. We also briefly touch on the news that the Trump administration is repealing the Public Lands Rule and give an update on the Roadless Rule repeal comment period. News Trump Moves to Scrap Biden Rule That Protected Public Lands – New York Times Billionaires To Gate 1700 Acres and Bulldoze Historic Orchard On Flathead Lake – Montana Dispatch Resources How to comment on the planned roadless rule rollback – High Country News The Outdoor Minimalist Podcast Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Custer Galllatin National Forest; Source: USFS   The post Ryan Busse on how billionaires are locking up land in Montana appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate hosts a live episode in Grand Junction on CWP’s Keep Parks Public tour! Guests discuss the importance of keeping our parks and monuments staffed and funded. Guests: Ken Mabery, former superintendent of Colorado National Monument, Cole Hanson, Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition board member and Gear Junction co-owner, Jessy Nuckolls, public lands advocate and Western Colorado Alliance member, and Tracy Coppola, with the National Parks Conservation Association. Resources Keep Parks Public: Tell us why you love public lands and want them protected Follow @keepparkspublic on Instagram Email us at podcast@westernpriorities.org Episode transcript (to come) Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Keep Parks Public Grand Junction event on 8/22/2025; CWP photo The post LIVE in Grand Junction: Public land advocates take Trump attacks personally appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate hosts a live episode in Salt Lake City on CWP’s Keep Parks Public tour! Guests: Erika Pollard, National Parks Conservation Association; Davina Smith, Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and Grand Staircase Escalante Partners; Scott Braden, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance; Doug Tolman, Save Our Canyons. Resources Keep Parks Public: Tell us why you love public lands and want them protected Follow @keepparkspublic on Instagram Email us at podcast@westernpriorities.org Episode transcript Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Keep Parks Public Salt Lake City event on 8/21/2025; Photo by Ken Kraus The post LIVE: Utah conservation all-stars on how to Keep Parks Public appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Aaron hosts a live episode in Denver, kicking off CWP’s Keep Parks Public tour. Scott Fitzwilliams, former supervisor of the White River National Forest in Colorado, Kelly Nordini, CEO of Conservation Colorado, and Kara Matsumoto, public lands director at the Conservation Lands Foundation, join us to discuss threats to Colorado’s public lands posed by the Trump administration and Congress—as well as what YOU can do to fight back. News We’re going on tour! Join us for live podcast tapings in Salt Lake City and Grand Junction. Resources Tell us why you love public lands and want them protected Follow @keepparkspublic on Instagram Email us at podcast@westernpriorities.org Episode transcript Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Keep Parks Public Denver event on 8/13/25; CWP photo The post LIVE: Colorado’s public lands are under attack. Keep Parks Public tour highlights threats and ways to fight back appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

What the heck is Utah up to now that it’s land grab lawsuit has been snubbed by the Supreme Court and Senator Mike Lee has made public land sell-off untouchable in Congress? Kate and Aaron put that question to John Ruple, a Professor of Law and Stegner Center Fellow at the University of Utah, and Steve Bloch, legal director of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. News We’re going on tour! Join us for live podcast tapings in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Grand Junction – Keep Parks Public Texas buys land for new state parks that will be developed using $1 billion voter-approved fund – Texas Tribune Judge dismisses case aimed at stopping Utah from reviving its public land lawsuit – Utah News Dispatch Resources Public lands are not “enclaves” and other errors in the report to Utah’s Legislative Commission on Federalism – S.J. Quinney College of Law American Lands Council filing in support of Utah’s land grab lawsuit Tell us why you love public lands and want them protected! – Keep Parks Public Follow @keepparkspublic on Instagram Email us at podcast@westernpriorities.org Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Red rock formations on the Cedar Creek Canyon Road in Utah; Source: Murray Foubister/Wikimedia Commons  The post What’s next for Utah after SCOTUS snub and Mike Lee flame out? appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate and Aaron interview author Barret Baumgart about his new book Yuck: The Birth and Death of the Weird and Wondrous Joshua Tree. Baumgart became obsessed with Joshua trees during the pandemic and ended up uncovering some interesting facts and stories about them. News Trump admin to ink deals with states for forest management – E&E News The Forest Service Claims It’s Fully Staffed for a Worsening Fire Season. Data Shows Thousands of Unfilled Jobs. – ProPublica As US wildfires rage, Trump staff cuts force firefighters to clean toilets, critics say – Reuters DOE picks 4 sites to build data centers on federal land – E&E News How Native Homes in New Mexico Are Tapping the Sun – New York Times Resources Email us at podcast@westernpriorities.org Keep Parks Public summer roadtrip  Episode transcript (coming soon) Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK; NPS/Wikimedia Commons The post The strange and mysterious history of the Joshua tree appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Kate and Aaron talk to Steve Ellis, a 38-year veteran of both the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management and current chair of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees, about what the Trump administration is doing, and trying to do, to the Forest Service, and what that means for everything from logging to wildfires. News How Congress and Trump are working together to drill, log, and mine virtually all public lands – Westwise Mass layoffs can move forward, with devastating impacts for conservation and science – High Country News Resources Email us at podcast@westernpriorities.org Episode transcript (coming soon) Credits Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss  Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Oregon Mt. Hood National Forest Trillium Lake; USFS/Flickr The post Former Forest Service leader on how Trump is hollowing out the agency appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.