The largest reptile in the Mojave faces threats ranging from predation to illegal collection to loss of habitat. But the desert tortoise has defenders.

We talk to Tim Shields of Hardshell Labs  about his campaign to use 21st century tech to help the tortoises, and Luke Basulto of Saving Slowpoke (and the National Parks Conservation Association's California Desert team) about his work to bring the beast a new generation of supporters in communities of color.

The largest reptile in the Mojave faces threats ranging from predation to illegal collection to loss of habitat. But the desert tortoise has defenders.
We talk to Tim Shields of <a href="https://hardshelllabs.com/">Hardshell Labs</a>  about his campaign to use 21st century tech to help the tortoises, and Luke Basulto of <a href="https://www.savingslowpoke.org/">Saving Slowpoke</a> (and the National Parks Conservation Association's California Desert team) about his work to bring the beast a new generation of supporters in communities of color.

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

Vital info on protecting our irrepaceable deserts

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

Join host Chris Clarke and guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice.

Join host Chris Clarke and guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice.

Things are bleak for desert tortoises. But they have help.

S1E21: The Desert Tortoise Still Has a Chance

Episode Summary:

This episode covers the recent decision by the Trump administration to drastically reduce the acreage of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments in southern Utah. Listeners are will hear the central issues surrounding desert conservation, including potential threats of resource extraction like uranium and coal mining, which loom as monuments face reduction.

The episode features Morgan Sjogren, a writer deeply connected to the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase regions. Through engaging dialogue, Morgan offers her insights as a resident and her reaction to the political maneuvers affecting monuments she holds dear. Her extensive experience in these areas provides an authentic perspective on the importance of protecting these lands. With direct quotes from Morgan emphasizing the emotional and ecological significance of the monuments, this episode serves as an urgent call to action for listeners to engage in conservation efforts and support local advocacy groups.

Key Takeaways:
The Trump administration has attempted to reduce Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments significantly, revisiting actions from its previous tenure.
Local communities and environmental stewards are mobilizing against the possibility of resource extraction, such as uranium and coal mining.
Sjogren emphasizes the connectedness of these landscapes, stressing that “landscape scale exploring” is essential to understand the full impact of these reductions.
Support for on-the-ground groups and active participation in electoral processes are vital to combating these environmental setbacks.

Notable Quotes:
"The air is filled with tension, and the noise is mostly online, but outside it's eerily quiet." – Morgan Sjogren
"Monuments are one of the most robust protections we have for rivers in this country." – Morgan Sjogren
"Vote like this landscape and our lives depend upon it." – Morgan Sjogren
"I've been getting to know my riverside neighbors. Both the human and more than human, plant communities, wildlife, tribes, rural Americans, urbanites, farmers." – Morgan Sjogren
"Utah delegates have taken actions that disregard their constituents. 75% of Utahns oppose reducing monuments." – Morgan Sjogren

Resources:


Morgan Sjogren's Website: Glen Canyon Backcountry Club (glencanyonbackcountryclub.com)


Books by Morgan Sjogren:
"Path of Light: A Walk Through Colliding Legacies of Glen Canyon"
"Outlandish: Fuel Your Epic"
"The Best Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Hikes"


Organizations:
Grand Staircase Escalante Partners
Bears Ears Partnership
Conservation Lands Foundation's Petition to leave the monuments alone

 

Episode Summary:
This episode covers the recent decision by the Trump administration to drastically reduce the acreage of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments in southern Utah. Listeners are will hear the central issues surrounding desert conservation, including potential threats of resource extraction like uranium and coal mining, which loom as monuments face reduction.
The episode features Morgan Sjogren, a writer deeply connected to the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase regions. Through engaging dialogue, Morgan offers her insights as a resident and her reaction to the political maneuvers affecting monuments she holds dear. Her extensive experience in these areas provides an authentic perspective on the importance of protecting these lands. With direct quotes from Morgan emphasizing the emotional and ecological significance of the monuments, this episode serves as an urgent call to action for listeners to engage in conservation efforts and support local advocacy groups.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>The Trump administration has attempted to reduce Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments significantly, revisiting actions from its previous tenure.</li>
<li>Local communities and environmental stewards are mobilizing against the possibility of resource extraction, such as uranium and coal mining.</li>
<li>Sjogren emphasizes the connectedness of these landscapes, stressing that &ldquo;landscape scale exploring&rdquo; is essential to understand the full impact of these reductions.</li>
<li>Support for on-the-ground groups and active participation in electoral processes are vital to combating these environmental setbacks.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ol>
<li>"The air is filled with tension, and the noise is mostly online, but outside it's eerily quiet." &ndash; Morgan Sjogren</li>
<li>"Monuments are one of the most robust protections we have for rivers in this country." &ndash; Morgan Sjogren</li>
<li>"Vote like this landscape and our lives depend upon it." &ndash; Morgan Sjogren</li>
<li>"I've been getting to know my riverside neighbors. Both the human and more than human, plant communities, wildlife, tribes, rural Americans, urbanites, farmers." &ndash; Morgan Sjogren</li>
<li>"Utah delegates have taken actions that disregard their constituents. 75% of Utahns oppose reducing monuments." &ndash; Morgan Sjogren</li>
</ol>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
Morgan Sjogren's Website: Glen Canyon Backcountry Club (<a href="http://glencanyonbackcountryclub.com/">glencanyonbackcountryclub.com</a>)
</li>
<li>
Books by Morgan Sjogren:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/path-of-light-a-walk-through-colliding-legacies-of-glen-canyon-morgan-sjogren/73f989789c42b6e6?ean=9781948814737&amp;amp;">"Path of Light: A Walk Through Colliding Legacies of Glen Canyon"</a></li>
<li>"<a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/outlandish-fuel-your-epic-morgan-sjogren/11027641?ean=9781937715953">Outlandish: Fuel Your Epic</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-best-grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument-hikes-morgan-sjogren/7558322?ean=9780984221370">The Best Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Hikes</a>"</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Organizations:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://gsenm.org/">Grand Staircase Escalante Partners</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bearsearspartnership.org/">Bears Ears Partnership</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.conservationlands.org/monuments">Conservation Lands Foundation's Petition to leave the monuments alone</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

This episode covers recent threats to Utah's Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments under the Trump administration. We talk to Morgan Sjogren, an author and expert on the landscapes in question, to discuss the impact of proposed reductions and potential resource extraction.

S5E22: Morgan Sjogren on the War on Utah's National Monuments

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke focuses on mining in the California desert, in particular, a rare earth elements mine proposed by an offshore mining startup. This 20,000-acre mine would be surrounded by Joshua Tree National Park and the gateway community of Twentynine Palms. Joined by Chance Wilcox of the National Parks Conservation Association, Chris explores the complexities and potential consequences of mining activities on the precious desert landscape.

The episode sheds light on the socioeconomic and environmental stakes, touching on conservation topics, the intricate processes governing mining claims, and the community's growing resistance, characterized by a coalition of local residents and environmental organizations. 

Key Takeaways:
The Stop Music Valley Mine Community Information Meeting will be held at Copper Mountain College’s Bell Center, July 15, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM.
Dateline Resources, an Australian mining company, proposes a vast mining operation near Joshua Tree National Park, posing significant threats to local ecosystems and communities.
The planned mine would disturb about 20,000 acres of land, impacting visibility, air and water quality, and desert wildlife such as the native tortoise population.
Community members and conservationists are rallying to oppose the mine, arguing it endangers Twentynine Palms' economy, heavily reliant on tourism.
The federal Mining Law of 1872, which still governs mining on public lands, allows mining companies nearly free rein to profit from despoiling these lands.
Local and national political influences, including past and present administrations, play a crucial role in shaping the future of mining initiatives in sensitive ecological areas.

Notable Quotes:
"This is going to be about 20,000 acres of strip mine next to residential neighborhoods and Twentynine Palms…"
"People live here to really be part of this landscape. And people live here for a reason."
"Twentynine Palms is not a mining town. It's a gateway community to Joshua Tree."
"When people's livelihoods are actually at stake here alongside the conservation issue, there's a lot more ears that are willing to perk up."
"There's so much more at stake. It's about the interconnection of all of that to every small business in Twentynine Palms."

Resources:
National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)
Copper Mountain College: Website
Learn more about Dateline Resources’ operation of the Colosseum Mine,

Episode Summary:
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke focuses on mining in the California desert, in particular, a rare earth elements mine proposed by an offshore mining startup. This 20,000-acre mine would be surrounded by Joshua Tree National Park and the gateway community of Twentynine Palms. Joined by Chance Wilcox of the National Parks Conservation Association, Chris explores the complexities and potential consequences of mining activities on the precious desert landscape.
The episode sheds light on the socioeconomic and environmental stakes, touching on conservation topics, the intricate processes governing mining claims, and the community's growing resistance, characterized by a coalition of local residents and environmental organizations.&nbsp;
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Stop Music Valley Mine Community Information Meeting will be held at Copper Mountain College&rsquo;s Bell Center, July 15, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Dateline Resources, an Australian mining company, proposes a vast mining operation near Joshua Tree National Park, posing significant threats to local ecosystems and communities.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The planned mine would disturb about 20,000 acres of land, impacting visibility, air and water quality, and desert wildlife such as the native tortoise population.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Community members and conservationists are rallying to oppose the mine, arguing it endangers Twentynine Palms' economy, heavily reliant on tourism.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The federal Mining Law of 1872, which still governs mining on public lands, allows mining companies nearly free rein to profit from despoiling these lands.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Local and national political influences, including past and present administrations, play a crucial role in shaping the future of mining initiatives in sensitive ecological areas.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">"This is going to be about 20,000 acres of strip mine next to residential neighborhoods and Twentynine Palms&hellip;"</li>
<li aria-level="1">"People live here to really be part of this landscape. And people live here for a reason."</li>
<li aria-level="1">"Twentynine Palms is not a mining town. It's a gateway community to Joshua Tree."</li>
<li aria-level="1">"When people's livelihoods are actually at stake here alongside the conservation issue, there's a lot more ears that are willing to perk up."</li>
<li aria-level="1">"There's so much more at stake. It's about the interconnection of all of that to every small business in Twentynine Palms."</li>
</ol>
Resources:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.npca.org/">National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Copper Mountain College:<a href="https://www.cmccd.edu/"> Website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.corpwatch.org/article/dateline-rare-earths-mine-approved-california-despite-national-park-service-objections">Learn more about Dateline Resources&rsquo; operation of the Colosseum Mine,</a></li>
</ul>

Host Chris Clarke talks with Chance Wilcox from the National Parks Conservation Association about plans by an Australian mining firm to develop a massive rare earth elements mine near Joshua Tree National Park.

S5E21: Don't Mine 29! Australian Company Threatens Joshua Tree

Against the backdrop of the current wildfire season, which has ravaged vast areas across states like Utah and Colorado, Chris draws attention to a major human activity causing these fires, particularly the use of fireworks. The discussion is timely, as it coincides with the Fourth of July celebrations, a period notorious for firework-related fire ignitions.

Listeners are taken on a journey through a detailed analysis of wildfire statistics and historical data, stressing the pervasive problem of fireworks as a leading cause of fires each year. Chris also shares insights from a significant study published in PLOS One, highlighting July 4th as a peak day for wildland fire ignitions. His narrative is woven with examples of past fire tragedies and current ongoing fires, painting a vivid picture of the dangers facing the desert ecosystems. Ultimately, Chris advocates for alternative ways to celebrate holidays without compromising the natural world, emphasizing stewardship and self-reliance cultivated by the unique desert environment.

Key Takeaways:


Fireworks are a major contributor to wildland fires, especially on the Fourth of July, causing around 300 wildfires annually in the U.S.


The introduction of invasive grasses in desert regions has increased the frequency and spread of wildfires, which were previously rare in these habitats.


With current federal firefighting resources strained due to staffing reductions and agency reorganizations, the Southwest faces heightened wildfire vulnerability.


Alternative celebrations, such as using organized drone shows in place of fireworks, offer a safer option that aligns with environmental protection goals.


Desert communities must balance the spirit of independence with responsible stewardship to preserve and protect their unique ecosystems.

Notable Quotes:


"We remember the spectacular fires. We forget the thousands of ignitions that didn't become disasters."


"The desert has already given us an incredible fireworks show. Thunderstorms over distant mountains, meteor showers, the Milky Way visible in the background of silhouetted Joshua trees."

Resources:


90 Miles from Needles Podcast Website


PLOS One Study on Wildfires: [Vachula, Nelson, and Hall, 2023]


App for Fire Information: Watch Duty https://app.watchduty.org/

Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode for a comprehensive understanding of the wildfire issues facing the desert Southwest and to gain further insights on how to engage with the natural world responsibly. Stay connected with Chris Clarke and "90 Miles from Needles" for more episodes that bring critical environmental issues to the forefront.

Against the backdrop of the current wildfire season, which has ravaged vast areas across states like Utah and Colorado, Chris draws attention to a major human activity causing these fires, particularly the use of fireworks. The discussion is timely, as it coincides with the Fourth of July celebrations, a period notorious for firework-related fire ignitions.
Listeners are taken on a journey through a detailed analysis of wildfire statistics and historical data, stressing the pervasive problem of fireworks as a leading cause of fires each year. Chris also shares insights from a significant study published in PLOS One, highlighting July 4th as a peak day for wildland fire ignitions. His narrative is woven with examples of past fire tragedies and current ongoing fires, painting a vivid picture of the dangers facing the desert ecosystems. Ultimately, Chris advocates for alternative ways to celebrate holidays without compromising the natural world, emphasizing stewardship and self-reliance cultivated by the unique desert environment.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
Fireworks are a major contributor to wildland fires, especially on the Fourth of July, causing around 300 wildfires annually in the U.S.
</li>
<li>
The introduction of invasive grasses in desert regions has increased the frequency and spread of wildfires, which were previously rare in these habitats.
</li>
<li>
With current federal firefighting resources strained due to staffing reductions and agency reorganizations, the Southwest faces heightened wildfire vulnerability.
</li>
<li>
Alternative celebrations, such as using organized drone shows in place of fireworks, offer a safer option that aligns with environmental protection goals.
</li>
<li>
Desert communities must balance the spirit of independence with responsible stewardship to preserve and protect their unique ecosystems.
</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>
"We remember the spectacular fires. We forget the thousands of ignitions that didn't become disasters."
</li>
<li>
"The desert has already given us an incredible fireworks show. Thunderstorms over distant mountains, meteor showers, the Milky Way visible in the background of silhouetted Joshua trees."
</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://90milesfromneedles.com">90 Miles from Needles Podcast Website</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10473470/">PLOS One Study on Wildfires: [Vachula, Nelson, and Hall, 2023]</a>
</li>
<li>
App for Fire Information: <a href="https://app.watchduty.org/">Watch Duty&nbsp;</a>https://app.watchduty.org/
</li>
</ul>
Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode for a comprehensive understanding of the wildfire issues facing the desert Southwest and to gain further insights on how to engage with the natural world responsibly. Stay connected with Chris Clarke and "90 Miles from Needles" for more episodes that bring critical environmental issues to the forefront.

Dive into the startling statistics linking fireworks (and not just gender reveal parties) to ignitions, while unraveling the ecological consequences in desert habitats.

S1E21: The Desert Tortoise Still Has a Chance

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