The Ground Between Us

What did the eastern United States look like before its wild landscapes were transformed by settlement and industry? And what does it take to bring native wildlife back?In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Andrew Moore, author of The Beast of the East: The Rise and Fall of America's Eastern Wilderness, about the history of eastern wildlife and the ongoing efforts to restore species and ecosystems across the region.Andrew and Eli explore a past when bison, elk, wolves, mountain lions, and extensive old-growth forests shaped the eastern landscape. They discuss how Indigenous land stewardship influenced ecosystems, how European settlement and commercial exploitation transformed wildlife, and how modern conservationists are working to recover some of what was lost.The conversation follows several major restoration stories, including elk in Kentucky, bison and prairie restoration in Illinois and Indiana, and red wolf recovery in the Southeast. Along the way, they examine the complicated relationship between habitat restoration and industrial damage, the importance of people like Doug and Dot Wade in conservation history, and the challenges of recovering wildlife in a landscape shaped by private property and human development.This is a conversation about the history of eastern wilderness, the complexities of rewilding, and what it means to make room for wild species in the places we call home.Subjects covered include:The eastern United States before European settlementAndrew Moore's The Beast of the EastIndigenous land stewardship and humans as a force in shaping ecosystemsThe transformation of wildlife through settlement and commercial exploitationKentucky elk restoration and the legacy of mountaintop removal miningBison reintroduction and native prairie restorationDoug and Dot Wade and the discovery of rare prairie remnantsWomen and overlooked figures in conservation historyRed wolf recovery, captive breeding, and the Endangered Species ActCoyote hybridization and the challenges facing red wolvesWildlife restoration on private landsThe relationship between industrial development, habitat, and conservationWhat it takes to coexist with wild species in the modern EastGet the book: The Beast of the EastFind Andrew Moore's book through Bookshop.org:https://bookshop.org/beta-search?bkshp-astro=t&keywords=beasts+of+the+eastFollow The Ground Between Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537Email: [email protected] y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.

Want to try fly fishing but aren't sure where to start? In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Christa Clasgens, owner of Silver Hen Flyco, about the gear, techniques, and skills that help beginners get started.Christa brings her experience guiding anglers across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia to a practical conversation about everything from choosing a first fly rod and understanding different types of flies to learning how to cast and read a stream. They also explore why fly fishing can be such a welcoming and therapeutic hobby, along with the responsibility anglers have to handle fish carefully and protect the waters they depend on.Whether you're completely new to fly fishing or transitioning from conventional tackle, this episode offers a foundation for getting out on the water and learning as you go.Subjects covered include:Why people start fly fishing and what makes the community specialThe mental and physical benefits of fly fishingRods, reels, fly line, leaders, and tippet explainedChoosing a beginner rod and getting started without overspendingDry flies, nymphs, and streamersEssential accessories, including waders, nippers, hemostats, and netsRoll casts, overhead casts, and common casting mistakesNatural drifts, line mending, and fly presentationBeginner rigging setups, indicators, and dry droppersReading streams and finding seams, riffles, rocks, and current breaksCatch-and-release fish handling and protecting troutWater temperatures, fishing regulations, and conservation ethicsRespecting fishing spots and learning from local anglersStream cleanups and ways to support conservationLearn more about Christa and Silver Hen Flyco:https://www.silverhenflyco.com/Follow The Ground Between Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537Email: [email protected] y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.

In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Olivia Miller, Interim Executive Director of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, about her deep connection to West Virginia’s Highlands and the long history of protecting the state’s wild places.Olivia grew up in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, surrounded by the mountains, forests, streams, and public lands that shaped her understanding of conservation. She and Eli talk about her family’s history in the Highlands, her journey back to West Virginia, and the work of an organization that has spent decades fighting to protect some of the state’s most important landscapes.The conversation covers the history behind places like Dolly Sods and Otter Creek Wilderness, the challenges of managing heavily visited public lands, the Roadless Rule, mining and impacts to sensitive habitats, Corridor H, data center development in Tucker County, and the broader question of how West Virginians balance economic development with protecting the natural resources that make the state special.Subjects covered include:• Olivia’s connection to West Virginia’s Highlands• Growing up in the Monongahela National Forest• Family history and public lands• The history of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy• Protecting Dolly Sods, Otter Creek, and other wilderness areas• Stewardship challenges in heavily visited public lands• The Roadless Rule• Mining and impacts on public lands and waterways• The Candy Darter and its habitat• Corridor H• Data center development in Tucker County• Economic development and conservation• Local control and community involvement• The importance of West Virginia’s mountains and headwaters• The future of conservation in West VirginiaLearn more about the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy:wvhighlands.orgFollow The Ground Between Us:Instagram: @thegroundbetweenusTikTok: @thegroundbetweenusFacebook: The Ground Between Us on FacebookEmail: [email protected] y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.

In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Corey Fisher, public land policy director at Trout Unlimited, about roadless areas, public lands, hunting, fishing, and the conservation work happening on the ground.A quick note on production quality: We experienced some technical issues during this recording that affected both the audio and video quality in parts of the episode. We apologize for the less-than-ideal production quality and appreciate you bearing with us.Corey explains what Trout Unlimited does as a nationwide grassroots conservation organization and how its network of roughly 400 chapters and 300,000 members and supporters works to protect and restore waters and fisheries across the country. The conversation explores why roadless areas matter, how healthy public lands support clean water and wildlife, and why hunters and anglers have an important role to play in conservation.Subjects covered include:• Corey's role as Trout Unlimited's public land policy director• How Trout Unlimited's grassroots network works across the country• The connection between public lands, clean water, and healthy fisheries• Why roadless areas create opportunities for adventure and access to wild places• Corey's early outdoor experiences hunting and fishing in southern Michigan• A memorable roadless elk hunt in southwest Montana• Why conservation organizations can be force multipliers for water and wildlife conservation• The importance of hands-on conservation work• The roadless rule and current public land policy• Travel management plans and public land access• Why public participation matters in the policy process• The role hunters and anglers can play in conservationCorey's perspective highlights how conservation happens both on the ground and through public engagement — from restoring streams and protecting habitat to participating in the decisions that shape America's public lands.The USDA is currently proposing to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which established protections for inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands.If you want to learn more about the proposal or leave a public comment, visit the Federal Register:https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/20/2026-16965/special-areas-roadless-area-conservationWhether you support or opTake Action: Roadless Areas

What do public lands mean to you?Land Tawney joins The Ground Between Us for a conversation about public lands, conservation, hunting, fishing, and the experiences that connect people to the outdoors.We talk about Land's conservation background, the importance of public lands, the role of grassroots engagement, and the policies that shape how these places are managed. Land also shares personal stories about how time outdoors can build character and discusses some of the challenges facing public lands, including the future of the Roadless Rule, climate change, wildfire, and forest health.Subjects covered include:• The importance of public lands for conservation and outdoor recreation• Hunting, fishing, and character development• Land's conservation background and work in conservation• Grassroots activism and public engagement• The "three D's": defund, dismantle, and divest• Public-land policy and legislation• The history and significance of the Roadless Rule• Climate change, wildfire, and forest health• Conservation funding and innovative funding mechanisms• The future of America's public landsThe USDA is proposing to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which established broad restrictions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands. The public comment period has been extended through October 6, 2026.You can review the proposal and submit a public comment through the Federal Register:Roadless Area Conservation proposal and public comment pageFollow The Ground Between Us:InstagramTikTokFacebookEmail: [email protected] y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.Roadless Rule Public Comment