90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

In this update, Chris discusses an unexpected pause in regular programming due to a recent house fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but smoke has damaged his family's belongings, including his extensive and cherished library collection, which includes numerous rare and out-of-print books. Amid these challenges, Chris previews an upcoming episode featuring Dr. Jackie Grant, Executive Director of the Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, who will discuss efforts to protect the national monument. Tune in next week for insightful discussions on conservation, or support the podcast through their website.
Episode image is a stock photo and does not show Chris' house, thankfully.
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Podcast episode image: ©Jim Boone, BirdAndHike.com
This episode, we welcome back Tim Shields, a dedicated desert tortoise biologist whose half-century-long career has been devoted to unwavering efforts in conservation. As we explore abandoned terrains once frequented by old Hollywood, Tim shares his innovative methods combatting raven predation and invasive plant species threatening tortoise habitats.
In this captivating episode, Tim Shields explores how the invasive grass Schismus has transformed once vibrant, diverse desert landscapes into monotonous expanses, diminishing essential food sources and shelter for the desert tortoise. Chris and Tim engage in a panoramic conversation covering technological advances in ecosystem management, the ecological consequences of invasive species, and the ways technology can help mitigate human impact on wildlife. Through innovative tools and perseverance, Tim aims to hand over a toolkit to future generations for the restoration of these precious ecosystems.
Key Takeaways:
Raven Management: Tim has pioneered non-lethal methods to deter ravens, such as innovative lasers that make the birds uneasy without physical harm, significantly reducing raven presence in key habitats.
Invasive Species Impact: Schismus grass represents a major threat to desert ecosystems, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to restore native plant diversity.
Ecological Vibrancy: Creating a sound-based ecological index could help measure the health and diversity of the desert ecosystems, showing the vibrancy and biodiversity of an environment through acoustics.
Future of Conservation: Tim emphasizes the importance of preparing future generations with the tools and knowledge to continue ecological restoration and avoid repeating past mistakes.
Hope Through Innovation: Despite challenges, Tim remains optimistic about technologies and methods paving the way for ecological recovery in the desert.
Notable Quotes:
"Ravens are good students. We are talking to them in bird."
"If you have an environment that can support tortoises, it supports the whole crew."
"The Schismus remains invisible to most; they don't notice it, but we see the ecological damage."
"It’s about putting our hands on the ecological levers; otherwise, protected lands will become irrelevant."
"This is a beloved landscape, and it is in dire trouble."
Resources:
Tim Shields & Ornilogic: Discover more about Tim Shields' ongoing efforts and projects in desert conservation here.
Chris’ 2015 article on raven deterrence: read it at pbssocal.org
90 Miles from Needles Podcast: For more information and additional episodes, visit our website.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Explore extensive bird call collections referenced by Tim in the episode here.
Join us in this insightful conversation to uncover how persistence and innovative thinking can foster change in conservation. Engage with how desert ecosystems can be protected and invite yourself to imagine sustainable futures for these wild terrains. Don’t miss tuning into the full episode for an enriching experience, and stay connected for more compelling discussions on the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast.

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Episode Summary:
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke discusses the pressing environmental issues faced by the American Southwest with guest Zak Podmore. The discussion centers around the potential for San Juan County, Utah, to become a storage site for nuclear waste. The conversation explores the environmental and social justice implications of such initiatives, pointing out the burden placed on historically underserved communities that have already borne a disproportionate share of impacts from the nuclear industry.
The episode also explores the possibilities for the future of the Colorado River and the diminishing Lake Powell. Zak Podmore provides insights into what lower reservoir levels mean for the region's ecosystems and water management strategies. Encouraging discussions about restoring Glen Canyon and possibly decommissioning Glen Canyon Dam, the conversation transcends mere environmental discourse, hinting at a broader narrative of resilience and adaptation.
Key Takeaways:
Nuclear Waste Storage Concerns: The proposal to store nuclear waste in Southeast Utah raises significant environmental and social justice issues.
Glen Canyon Restoration: Lower water levels in Lake Powell reveal the adaptive potential of natural ecosystems, opening doors for restoration opportunities like decommissioning the Glen Canyon Dam.
Climate Change Impacts: The episode reflects the looming threat of climate change-induced drought in the Colorado River Basin and its implications for water management in the Southwest.
Community Resistance: Zak Podmore emphasizes the importance of community awareness and resistance against potentially harmful environmental policies.
Historic Environmental Advocacy: Insights into past environmental battles, including the roles of figures like David Brower, remind listeners of the enduring fight for ecological preservation.
Notable Quotes:
"These meetings were held, the nonprofits involved said they were just listening sessions. They said, we're not trying to actually bring radioactive waste to your area. We're just here to listen and provide information." — Zak Podmore
"I don't think that's a very valid argument. But even if you really believe that, they still leave out the impacts from all the rest of the nuclear fuel cycle." — Zak Podmore
"The ecosystems are incredibly resilient and they're recovering faster than anyone expected." — Zak Podmore
"It's a dire situation for 40 million people who get water from the Colorado River throughout the Southwest." — Zak Podmore
"If you give Glen Canyon, this famous place that was lost to the Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s, a chance to recover, it will come back." — Zak Podmore
Resources:
Zak Podmore's Website
Zak’s Substack
"Life After Deadpool: Lake Powell’s Last Days and the Rebirth of the Colorado River"
Listen to the full episode to engage deeply with these issues and explore further enlightening insights from "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." Stay tuned for more episodes that continue to unveil the stories and voices of the desert.

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In this enlightening episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke takes listeners to the heart of the desert Southwest for a special commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act. The episode celebrates the journey of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in reclaiming their ancestral lands in Death Valley National Park. Tribe members, including Jimmy John Thompson, Mandy Campbell, and George Gholson share their stories and highlight ongoing collaborations with the National Park Service.
Rich in history and advocacy, this episode explores both the triumphs and challenges faced by the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in the years since the landmark legislation was enacted. Jimmy John Thompson and Mandy Campbell express their frustrations over recent censorship concerning the tribe's narrative in the park's visitor center materials. The episode conveys the tribe's resilience and determination to protect and celebrate their culture while addressing contemporary environmental and social challenges. The discussion doesn't shy away from revealing the systemic issues still at play, urging listeners to reflect on the broader implications on cultural preservation and environmental justice.
Key Takeaways:
The Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act was a significant event for the Tribe, granting them 7,800 acres of ancestral land within Death Valley National Park, a singular achievement for a Native American tribe.

The collaboration between the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe and the National Park Service highlights a critical step in building partnerships for the preservation and recognition of indigenous lands and culture.

Current tribal council members, including Jimmy John Thompson, stress the ongoing need to address issues like censorship and the importance of reflecting true tribal narratives in public spaces.

The Timbisha Shoshone people continue to fight for their rights and cultural survival, underscoring the importance of indigenous advocacy and environmental justice in modern society.

Notable Quotes:
"I see partners, I see friends, I see family. These relationships would not work if we do not respect each other and trust each other." – Jimmy John Thompson

"We're here to honor those that came before us who got this accomplished." – Jimmy John Thompson

"We were pushed from land to land around here, from home to home. It kind of felt like when I figured it out, it felt like we were nobody then, but now we are somebody, and we are still here." – Mandy Campbell

"Imagine for a second, if you did not know if your home was going to be there when you went home." – George Gholson

Resources:
Timbisha Shoshone Tribe Website: timbisha.com

Desert Advocacy Media Network: Desert Advocacy Media Network

Raising funds for Desert Journalism Fellowship:
Website: 90milesfromneedles.com/fellowship


The compelling narratives and insights from this episode provide a deep understanding of the Timbasha Shoshone Tribe's heritage, challenges, and collaborations. Tune into the full episode for more profound stories and stay connected with "90 Miles from Need
Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this enlightening episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke explores the intricate world of bees with Mary O' Brien from Project 1100. The conversation delves into the potentially deleterious effects of honeybee apiaries on public lands, a topic that's both counterintuitive and crucial for the public to understand. Honeybees, although often seen as critical to agriculture and ecosystems, can pose significant threats to native solitary bees that have co-evolved with local flowering plants.
Mary O' Brien sheds light on how these industrious honeybees outcompete their native cousins, impacting pollination dynamics that are vital for the desert's diverse flora. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of preserving native bee species, the complexities of their ecological roles, and the nuanced implications of honeybee proliferation. O'Brien also shares practical strategies for those interested in conservation, emphasizing the importance of habitat protection and mindful consumerism when it comes to honey and pollinator support.
Key Takeaways:
Honeybees, although widely supported and utilized in agriculture, can have adverse effects on native bee populations, outcompeting them for resources and spreading diseases.

The high reproductive rate of honeybees poses a threat to native plants relying on solitary native bees for pollination, potentially destabilizing ecosystems.

Public lands serve as critical refuges for native bee species, which are often overlooked in conventional conservation discussions.

Consumers can contribute to bee conservation efforts by choosing their honey responsibly and fostering habitats for native pollinators.

Regulatory frameworks around public land usage play a significant role in the sustainability of native bee populations, calling for increased transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Notable Quotes:
"Trying to save bees by saving the honeybee is like trying to save birds by saving the chicken."

"Native bees evolved in tandem with flowers, and honeybees are not very good pollinators of many species of plants."

"Once you know native solitary bees are in your world, you really can delight in seeing such diversity."

"Public lands are the wildflower repositories for the Western U.S.; especially in the desert."

"It's often quite attractive to think that you're buying wildflower honey; however, you're almost certainly buying honey that was produced on public land."

Resources:
Project 1100 Website

Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

The Forgotten Pollinators by Stephen Buchmann and Gary Nabhan

Common Bees of Western North America laminated guide

Center for Biological Diversity resources on pollinators:
Bees

Pollinators

Pollinators in Peril report


Discover the intricate dynamics between honeybees and native pollinators and why preserving the biodiversity of our desert ecosystems is more crucial than ever. Listen to the full episode to deepen your understanding of this vital subject and stay tuned to 90 Miles from Needles for more insightful discussions on desert conservation.

Podcast episode artwork: Mojave poppy bee (Perdita meconis). Photo courtesy Zach Portman / University of Minnesota Department of Entomology via the Nevada Independent.
Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.