Chris and Alicia talk to Elizabeth Paige of Native American Land Conservancy and Save Our Springs.  Podcast episode photo by John Fowler.

Chris and Alicia talk to Elizabeth Paige of <a href="https://www.nativeamericanland.org/">Native American Land Conservancy</a> and <a href="https://www.saveoursprings.org/">Save Our Springs. </a> Podcast episode photo by John Fowler.

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.

S2E8: Native Activism in the Desert (Part 1)

Episode Summary: 

In this landmark 99th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," Chris Clarke sets the stage for the upcoming 100th episode celebration, inviting listeners to join a special recording featuring prominent writers and activists. The episode examines the impact of a massive budget cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, exploring how this decision threatens the viability of many local public media outlets, particularly in rural and tribal areas. Chris discusses the slashing of $548 million in funding from the CPB by the Trump administration, grounding the issue in a broader context of how public media serves as a lifeline for communities during emergencies and supports local culture and education. As cuts disproportionately affect stations serving communities of color and Native American tribes, public radio faces an existential threat, underscoring the podcast's commitment to amplifying voices and stories in endangered desert regions.

Key Takeaways: 

The "90 Miles from Needles" podcast has reached its 99th episode, with plans for an interactive 100th episode featuring special guests and a live public reading. The Trump administration has enacted devastating cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, eliminating $548 million in grants that support local radio and television stations. Rural and tribal radio stations, such as those in Arizona and New Mexico, face significant funding challenges, potentially losing up to 96% of their budgets. A call to action is issued to support public media and the podcast, highlighting the critical role of listener contributions in sustaining independent journalism and storytelling. 

Notable Quotes:

"The difference between having cuts take away 20 to 96% of your budget and having them take away 4% is public support." — Chris Clarke 
"We have just under 200 people who have supported 90 miles from Needles financially through the last three and a half years." — Chris Clarke 
"Republican cuts to local public radio and TV stations are reckless, dangerous and put New Mexicans directly in harm's way." — Quoting Senator Martin Heinrich

Resources: 

Adopt A Station: https://adoptastation.org
90 Miles from Needles - Official Website: https://90milesfromneedles.com
Support Portal: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate
Project Blue Updates: https://www.instagram.com/no_desert_data_center/?hl=en
100th Episode Zoom link: https://90milesfromneedles.com/100

 

Episode Summary: 
In this landmark 99th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," Chris Clarke sets the stage for the upcoming 100th episode celebration, inviting listeners to join a special recording featuring prominent writers and activists. The episode examines the impact of a massive budget cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, exploring how this decision threatens the viability of many local public media outlets, particularly in rural and tribal areas. Chris discusses the slashing of $548 million in funding from the CPB by the Trump administration, grounding the issue in a broader context of how public media serves as a lifeline for communities during emergencies and supports local culture and education. As cuts disproportionately affect stations serving communities of color and Native American tribes, public radio faces an existential threat, underscoring the podcast's commitment to amplifying voices and stories in endangered desert regions.
Key Takeaways: 
The "90 Miles from Needles" podcast has reached its 99th episode, with plans for an interactive 100th episode featuring special guests and a live public reading. The Trump administration has enacted devastating cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, eliminating $548 million in grants that support local radio and television stations. Rural and tribal radio stations, such as those in Arizona and New Mexico, face significant funding challenges, potentially losing up to 96% of their budgets. A call to action is issued to support public media and the podcast, highlighting the critical role of listener contributions in sustaining independent journalism and storytelling.&nbsp;
Notable Quotes:
"The difference between having cuts take away 20 to 96% of your budget and having them take away 4% is public support." &mdash; Chris Clarke&nbsp; "We have just under 200 people who have supported 90 miles from Needles financially through the last three and a half years." &mdash; Chris Clarke "Republican cuts to local public radio and TV stations are reckless, dangerous and put New Mexicans directly in harm's way." &mdash; Quoting Senator Martin Heinrich
Resources: 
Adopt A Station: <a href="https://adoptastation.org">https://adoptastation.org</a> 90 Miles from Needles - Official Website: <a href="https://90milesfromneedles.com">https://90milesfromneedles.com</a> Support Portal: <a href="https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate">https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate</a> Project Blue Updates: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/no_desert_data_center/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/no_desert_data_center/?hl=en</a> 100th Episode Zoom link:&nbsp;<a href="https://90milesfromneedles.com/100">https://90milesfromneedles.com/100</a>
&nbsp;

We discuss crucial topics affecting public media, including funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and their impact on stations serving rural and tribal communities.

S4E24: Desert Communities Need Public Broadcasting Now

Episode Summary: 
In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke invites listeners to explore the urgency and allure of desert destinations in his personal bucket list. As listeners, we embark on a quest across arid landscapes, inspired by the tragic recent loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, which burnt down due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. Peppered with intriguing stories and environmental insights, Chris takes this opportunity to ponder on the significance of visiting and preserving these desert gems while time is on his side. Listeners are treated to a virtual expedition through places like the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, the picturesque landscapes of Baja California's Valle de los Cirios, and the awe-inspiring Vermillion Cliffs in Arizona. Throughout the episode, Chris interlaces environmental advocacy with travel tips and personal anecdotes, all while offering insights into ecological dynamics and conservation efforts. His reflections instill a renewed sense of urgency to appreciate and protect these iconic landscapes, making it a thoroughly captivating episode for desert enthusiasts and eco-conscious adventurers alike.

Key Takeaways:

Desert Beauties and Threats: The episode explores various desert locales significantly impacted by human activity and climate, emphasizing the need for conservation. Bucket List Inspiration: Chris shares his longing to visit places like the Whipple Mountains and the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, underscoring their ecological significance.

Crisis and Conservation: Reflections on the Grand Canyon Lodge fire underline the volatility of these environments and the important role fire plays in ecological regeneration.

Personal Connection: Listeners learn about Chris’ personal journey and experiences, which enriches the narrative with authenticity and urgency.

Audience Engagement Opportunities: Chris encourages engagement, inviting listeners to contribute to sign-off catchphrase ideas and supporting podcast outreach efforts.

Notable Quotes:
"You get a rough idea of what kinds of things you'd like to do in the time you have remaining on the planet."
"The ave is not a place where you can just decide to go and then just go."
"We could not have made it as close to having a hundredth episode as we have without your contributions."
"There's a thing that people do when they get to a certain age…they prioritize."
"There's something about the red rock that's… It's an iconic desert landscape and I need to go."

Resources:
90 Miles from Needles Website https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/
"Letters from the Desert" newsletter on Substack https://lettersfromthedesert.substack.com/
Chihuahuan Desert Travel Fund: To support podcast expansion efforts https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso
The old Cima Dome fire episode from Season 1 https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s1e3-the-life-death-and-rebirth-of-cima-dome/

Listeners will find this episode both enlightening and inspiring, with Chris Clarke’s insights prompting reflection on the delicate balance of enjoying and conserving desert landscapes. Tune in for more episodes, exploring new perspectives and ongoing conversations on vital desert protection efforts.

Episode Summary:&nbsp; In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke invites listeners to explore the urgency and allure of desert destinations in his personal bucket list. As listeners, we embark on a quest across arid landscapes, inspired by the tragic recent loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, which burnt down due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. Peppered with intriguing stories and environmental insights, Chris takes this opportunity to ponder on the significance of visiting and preserving these desert gems while time is on his side. Listeners are treated to a virtual expedition through places like the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, the picturesque landscapes of Baja California's Valle de los Cirios, and the awe-inspiring Vermillion Cliffs in Arizona. Throughout the episode, Chris interlaces environmental advocacy with travel tips and personal anecdotes, all while offering insights into ecological dynamics and conservation efforts. His reflections instill a renewed sense of urgency to appreciate and protect these iconic landscapes, making it a thoroughly captivating episode for desert enthusiasts and eco-conscious adventurers alike.
Key Takeaways:
Desert Beauties and Threats: The episode explores various desert locales significantly impacted by human activity and climate, emphasizing the need for conservation. Bucket List Inspiration: Chris shares his longing to visit places like the Whipple Mountains and the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, underscoring their ecological significance.
Crisis and Conservation: Reflections on the Grand Canyon Lodge fire underline the volatility of these environments and the important role fire plays in ecological regeneration.
Personal Connection: Listeners learn about Chris&rsquo; personal journey and experiences, which enriches the narrative with authenticity and urgency.
Audience Engagement Opportunities: Chris encourages engagement, inviting listeners to contribute to sign-off catchphrase ideas and supporting podcast outreach efforts.
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>"You get a rough idea of what kinds of things you'd like to do in the time you have remaining on the planet."</li>
<li>"The ave is not a place where you can just decide to go and then just go."</li>
<li>"We could not have made it as close to having a hundredth episode as we have without your contributions."</li>
<li>"There's a thing that people do when they get to a certain age&hellip;they prioritize."</li>
<li>"There's something about the red rock that's&hellip; It's an iconic desert landscape and I need to go."</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>90 Miles from Needles Website <a href="https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/">https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/</a></li>
<li>"Letters from the Desert" newsletter on Substack <a href="https://lettersfromthedesert.substack.com/">https://lettersfromthedesert.substack.com/</a></li>
<li>Chihuahuan Desert Travel Fund: To support podcast expansion efforts <a href="https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso">https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso</a></li>
<li>The old Cima Dome fire episode from Season 1 <a href="https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s1e3-the-life-death-and-rebirth-of-cima-dome/">https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s1e3-the-life-death-and-rebirth-of-cima-dome/</a></li>
</ul>
Listeners will find this episode both enlightening and inspiring, with Chris Clarke&rsquo;s insights prompting reflection on the delicate balance of enjoying and conserving desert landscapes. Tune in for more episodes, exploring new perspectives and ongoing conversations on vital desert protection efforts.

Chris Clarke reflects on the recent loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, urging listeners to prioritize visiting their own wish lists of desert sites before they vanish.

S4E23: Desert Bucket List: 9 Destinations You Must See

About the Guest: 

Kevin Emmerich is the co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, an organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of desert habitats in Nevada and California. With a professional background deeply rooted in environmental advocacy, Kevin has been instrumental in opposing unnecessary desert land conversions for large-scale renewable energy projects. Basin and Range Watch works on various fronts, from grassroots activism to engaging legal avenues, to protect desert landscapes and the unique biodiversity they support.

Episode Summary: 

In this episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke sits down with Kevin Emmerich, co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, to discuss the environmental implications of the Greenlink West transmission line project in Nevada. The episode sheds light on the vast stretches of desert land being impacted by this ambitious infrastructure, which aims to connect solar farms in southern Nevada with burgeoning tech hubs in the north. Kevin Emmerich shares valuable insights into the potential costs to desert ecosystems, cultural sites, and endangered species, underscoring the complexity of balancing renewable energy goals with conservation.

The episode also touches on a significant legal battle involving Basin and Range Watch and Friends of Nevada Wilderness, challenging the construction of Greenlink West due to its potential environmental harm. Using a comprehensive approach, they argue against the project's oversight of critical habitats and propose legal frameworks for better alternatives. Amidst these serious discussions, Chris shares updates on the podcast's upcoming events and fundraising efforts, offering a blend of educational content and community engagement.

Key Takeaways: 
Greenlink West Project: A massive transmission line designed to connect solar farms with northern Nevada, posing substantial risks to desert ecosystems and cultural sites.
Legal Challenges: Basin and Range Watch and Friends of Nevada Wilderness have filed a lawsuit against the project, citing environmental and cultural resource concerns. 
Biodiversity at Risk: The project threatens endangered species like the desert tortoise and rare plants such as the Soda Bell milkvetch, emphasizing the need for diligent environmental reviews. 
Policy and Environmental Law: Recent changes in environmental policies could impact the feasibility and regulations surrounding large-scale renewable projects.
Community Engagement: The podcast is actively involved in raising awareness and funds for protection events, highlighting the importance of public participation in conservation efforts.

Notable Quotes: 
"GreenLink West will link expansive solar farms in the southern part of the state with data centers and similar projects in the north."
"The line itself is designed or intended to be part of the Greenlink network, promoting future large-scale renewable energy projects."
"The desert got just a little bit of a break from pressure to develop renewables in the desert."
"The GreenLink West line plows right through…one of six populations of these plants on the planet."

Resources: 
Basin and Range Watch: basinandrangewatch2.org
Friends of Nevada Wilderness: https://www.nevadawilderness.org/

Stay tuned for future episodes of 90 Miles from Needles as we continue to explore critical topics affecting North America's desert landscapes. Be sure to listen to the full episode for an in-depth understanding of the Greenlink West project and its environmental implications.

About the Guest:&nbsp;
Kevin Emmerich is the co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, an organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of desert habitats in Nevada and California. With a professional background deeply rooted in environmental advocacy, Kevin has been instrumental in opposing unnecessary desert land conversions for large-scale renewable energy projects. Basin and Range Watch works on various fronts, from grassroots activism to engaging legal avenues, to protect desert landscapes and the unique biodiversity they support.
Episode Summary: 
In this episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke sits down with Kevin Emmerich, co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, to discuss the environmental implications of the Greenlink West transmission line project in Nevada. The episode sheds light on the vast stretches of desert land being impacted by this ambitious infrastructure, which aims to connect solar farms in southern Nevada with burgeoning tech hubs in the north. Kevin Emmerich shares valuable insights into the potential costs to desert ecosystems, cultural sites, and endangered species, underscoring the complexity of balancing renewable energy goals with conservation.
The episode also touches on a significant legal battle involving Basin and Range Watch and Friends of Nevada Wilderness, challenging the construction of Greenlink West due to its potential environmental harm. Using a comprehensive approach, they argue against the project's oversight of critical habitats and propose legal frameworks for better alternatives. Amidst these serious discussions, Chris shares updates on the podcast's upcoming events and fundraising efforts, offering a blend of educational content and community engagement.
Key Takeaways: 
<ul>
<li>Greenlink West Project: A massive transmission line designed to connect solar farms with northern Nevada, posing substantial risks to desert ecosystems and cultural sites.</li>
<li>Legal Challenges: Basin and Range Watch and Friends of Nevada Wilderness have filed a lawsuit against the project, citing environmental and cultural resource concerns. Biodiversity at Risk: The project threatens endangered species like the desert tortoise and rare plants such as the Soda Bell milkvetch, emphasizing the need for diligent environmental reviews. </li>
<li>Policy and Environmental Law: Recent changes in environmental policies could impact the feasibility and regulations surrounding large-scale renewable projects.</li>
<li>Community Engagement: The podcast is actively involved in raising awareness and funds for protection events, highlighting the importance of public participation in conservation efforts.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes: 
<ul>
<li>"GreenLink West will link expansive solar farms in the southern part of the state with data centers and similar projects in the north."</li>
<li>"The line itself is designed or intended to be part of the Greenlink network, promoting future large-scale renewable energy projects."</li>
<li>"The desert got just a little bit of a break from pressure to develop renewables in the desert."</li>
<li>"The GreenLink West line plows right through&hellip;one of six populations of these plants on the planet."</li>
</ul>
Resources: 
<ul>
<li>Basin and Range Watch: <a href="https://basinandrangewatch2.org">basinandrangewatch2.org</a></li>
<li>Friends of Nevada Wilderness: <a href="https://www.nevadawilderness.org/">https://www.nevadawilderness.org/</a></li>
</ul>
Stay tuned for future episodes of 90 Miles from Needles as we continue to explore critical topics affecting North America's desert landscapes. Be sure to listen to the full episode for an in-depth understanding of the Greenlink West project and its environmental implications.

Join host Chris Clarke and guest Kevin Emmerich, Co-Founder of Basin and Range Watch, as they discuss the environmental implications of the Greenlink West transmission line projects in Nevada.

S2E8: Native Activism in the Desert (Part 1)

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