Under Chevron, agencies interpreted often vague language in laws passed by Congress. Supreme Court’s move now reallocates these decisions to the courts. We explain what this means.

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

It's not a real desert hike unless you get thirsty. Unless your skin gets punctured by an innocent-looking plant. Unless you have a close encounter with a nervous venomous critter. The desert is alive, and it will defend itself. And we will help. 90 Miles From Needles brings you stories from far out in the American outback: a land unlike any other that is both intense and subtle, that has endured for eons in the harshest conditions imaginable but which could go away in a heartbeat if we act the wrong way. Science, politics, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

It's not a real desert hike unless you get thirsty. Unless your skin gets punctured by an innocent-looking plant. Unless you have a close encounter with a nervous venomous critter. The desert is alive, and it will defend itself. And we will help. 90 Miles From Needles brings you stories from far out in the American outback: a land unlike any other that is both intense and subtle, that has endured for eons in the harshest conditions imaginable but which could go away in a heartbeat if we act the wrong way. Science, politics, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

90 Miles from Needles Member feed

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.

S3E21: The War on Facts: Environmental Protection after Chevron

Episode Summary:

This episode tackles the troubling legacy of Cesar Chavez amidst recent allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, which have shaken the progressive and environmental spheres. Host Chris, who shares a personal history influenced by Chavez, critically examines these revelations, comparing past admiration with the need to hold figures accountable for their actions. The episode also navigates the broader implications on movements Chavez impacted, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging both the achievements and failings of public figures.

In a candid exploration, Chris discusses the complexities surrounding hero worship in social justice movements, particularly when such icons are involved in controversy. With references to other figures such as Ed Abbey and David Brower, the episode unravels the persistent issue of separating an individual's contributions from their personal failings. The episode spotlights how such revelations impact the perception of someone like Chavez, who played a significant role in farm labor rights but whose personal actions warrant serious condemnation. Chris concludes with a call for reflection on leadership dynamics within advocacy movements and how they must evolve to prevent future transgressions.

Key Takeaways:
The episode explores the lasting impact of recent allegations against Cesar Chavez, which profoundly affect his legacy within activist movements.
Chris discusses the challenges in separating Chavez's contributions to labor rights from his personal misconduct and abuse.
Examination of leadership within progressive movements highlights the dangers of a centralized cult of personality.
The discussion offers insights into how allegations of misconduct by leaders affect the morale and trajectory of advocacy efforts.
The host emphasizes the need for inclusive and responsible leadership that prioritizes the community's cause over individual recognition.

Notable Quotes:
"Heroes are really problematic. I keep learning this over and over again."
"The decline of the UFW is a testament to the failings of leadership that centered ego and image over collective goals."
"When leaders put their self-interests first, they sabotage the very movements they claim to champion."
"Ask yourself how much more good Chavez might have been responsible for if he had not been a rapist."

Resources:
For more on the Cesar Chavez revelations, see This article by David Morales at Three Sonorans.
Three Sonorans also addresses criticism of Dolores Huerta's role in all this.
Here's the UFW Foundation's comment on the revelations.
Need help? Visit IASP for crisis support or call 800-656-HOPE.
Suggestions from the host include exploring the resources available at RAINN.

Listen to the full episode for a more in-depth discussion on Cesar Chavez's complex legacy and stay tuned for upcoming episodes filled with insightful conversations about environmental justice and activism.

Episode Summary:
This episode tackles the troubling legacy of Cesar Chavez amidst recent allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, which have shaken the progressive and environmental spheres. Host Chris, who shares a personal history influenced by Chavez, critically examines these revelations, comparing past admiration with the need to hold figures accountable for their actions. The episode also navigates the broader implications on movements Chavez impacted, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging both the achievements and failings of public figures.
In a candid exploration, Chris discusses the complexities surrounding hero worship in social justice movements, particularly when such icons are involved in controversy. With references to other figures such as Ed Abbey and David Brower, the episode unravels the persistent issue of separating an individual's contributions from their personal failings. The episode spotlights how such revelations impact the perception of someone like Chavez, who played a significant role in farm labor rights but whose personal actions warrant serious condemnation. Chris concludes with a call for reflection on leadership dynamics within advocacy movements and how they must evolve to prevent future transgressions.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>The episode explores the lasting impact of recent allegations against Cesar Chavez, which profoundly affect his legacy within activist movements.</li>
<li>Chris discusses the challenges in separating Chavez's contributions to labor rights from his personal misconduct and abuse.</li>
<li>Examination of leadership within progressive movements highlights the dangers of a centralized cult of personality.</li>
<li>The discussion offers insights into how allegations of misconduct by leaders affect the morale and trajectory of advocacy efforts.</li>
<li>The host emphasizes the need for inclusive and responsible leadership that prioritizes the community's cause over individual recognition.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>"Heroes are really problematic. I keep learning this over and over again."</li>
<li>"The decline of the UFW is a testament to the failings of leadership that centered ego and image over collective goals."</li>
<li>"When leaders put their self-interests first, they sabotage the very movements they claim to champion."</li>
<li>"Ask yourself how much more good Chavez might have been responsible for if he had not been a rapist."</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>For more on the Cesar Chavez revelations, see <a href="https://threesonorans.substack.com/p/cesar-chavez-marches-are-being-canceled">This article by David Morales at Three Sonorans</a>.</li>
<li>Three Sonorans<a href="https://threesonorans.substack.com/p/no-mas-santos-no-mas-santas-solo"> also addresses criticism of Dolores Huerta's role in all this</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://ufwfoundation.org/statement-from-the-ufw-foundation/">Here's the UFW Foundation's comment on the revelations.</a></li>
<li>Need help? Visit <a href="https://www.iasp.info/">IASP</a> for crisis support or call 800-656-HOPE.</li>
<li>Suggestions from the host include exploring the resources available at <a href="https://www.rainn.org/">RAINN</a>.</li>
</ul>
Listen to the full episode for a more in-depth discussion on Cesar Chavez's complex legacy and stay tuned for upcoming episodes filled with insightful conversations about environmental justice and activism.

In this episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, host Chris shares a personal perspective on the legacy of Cesar Chavez and discusses the impact of recent revelations on the progressive movement. Chris is a seasoned journalist and advocate for desert protection with a robust history of addressing environmental and social justice issues.

S5E8: We Don't Need Heroes. We Need Activists. 

Urgent: Find your member of Congress and tell them to vote no on the Lee-Malloy resolution

Episode Summary:

In this timely and engaging episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, we look into the ongoing legislative challenges faced by Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. In conversation with Dr. Jackie Grant, Executive Director of Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, the discussion unravels the intricacies of environmental policy, community engagement, and the unforeseen impacts of political maneuvers on public lands. This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about conservation and environmental justice.

The episode sheds light on the latest efforts by Utah politicians, including Senator Mike Lee, to overturn the monument's management plan using the Congressional Review Act. Dr. Grant elaborates on the implications of such actions, emphasizing how it could cause chaos across all public lands with management plans. The discussion also highlights the socioeconomic benefits derived from the monument's existence, opposing the idea that these lands are barren and underutilized. Through a meticulous examination of the issue, the conversation underscores the vital importance of community voices and scientific reasoning in land management decisions.

Key Takeaways:
Congressional Review Act Impact: The recent moves by Utah legislators pose a threat not only to Grand Staircase Escalante's management plan but also to the concept of public land management nationwide.
Diverse Stakeholder Engagement: The formation of the monument's current management plan involved extensive input from varied community representatives, highlighting the need for balanced perspectives in environmental policy.
Economic and Ecological Significance: The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument supports local economies through tourism and recreation while preserving diverse ecosystems and night skies.
Urgency of Advocacy: Listeners are encouraged to speak out to their elected representatives to protect public land management plans from being undermined.
Wider Conservation Context: This episode contextualizes Grand Staircase Escalante as a crucial link in the larger preservation corridor stretching from Moab to Mojave.

Notable Quotes:
"The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is almost 2 million acres in size… We don't really know how big a monument needs to be to protect 660 species of native bees." – Dr. Jackie Grant
"If we err on the side of the bigger is more protective, then we know for sure we have protected those bees." – Dr. Jackie Grant
"It seems unlikely, but in this administration, nothing's unlikely anymore." – Dr. Jackie Grant

Resources:
Grand Staircase Escalante Partners
Headwaters Economics Report on National Monuments
Grand Canyon Trust – Information on Grand Staircase Escalante
BLM Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Page
Trinational Sonoran Desert Symposium

Explore the urgent and profound issues featured in this informative episode of 90 Miles from Needles; The Desert Protection Podcast. Stay tuned for more remarkable insights and stories addressing the protection of these precious desert landscapes.

 

Urgent: <a href="https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member">Find your member of Congress and tell them to vote no on the Lee-Malloy resolution</a>
Episode Summary:
In this timely and engaging episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, we look into the ongoing legislative challenges faced by Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. In conversation with Dr. Jackie Grant, Executive Director of Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, the discussion unravels the intricacies of environmental policy, community engagement, and the unforeseen impacts of political maneuvers on public lands. This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about conservation and environmental justice.
The episode sheds light on the latest efforts by Utah politicians, including Senator Mike Lee, to overturn the monument's management plan using the Congressional Review Act. Dr. Grant elaborates on the implications of such actions, emphasizing how it could cause chaos across all public lands with management plans. The discussion also highlights the socioeconomic benefits derived from the monument's existence, opposing the idea that these lands are barren and underutilized. Through a meticulous examination of the issue, the conversation underscores the vital importance of community voices and scientific reasoning in land management decisions.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>Congressional Review Act Impact: The recent moves by Utah legislators pose a threat not only to Grand Staircase Escalante's management plan but also to the concept of public land management nationwide.</li>
<li>Diverse Stakeholder Engagement: The formation of the monument's current management plan involved extensive input from varied community representatives, highlighting the need for balanced perspectives in environmental policy.</li>
<li>Economic and Ecological Significance: The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument supports local economies through tourism and recreation while preserving diverse ecosystems and night skies.</li>
<li>Urgency of Advocacy: Listeners are encouraged to <a href="https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member">speak out to their elected representatives</a> to protect public land management plans from being undermined.</li>
<li>Wider Conservation Context: This episode contextualizes Grand Staircase Escalante as a crucial link in the larger preservation corridor stretching from Moab to Mojave.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ol>
<li>"The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is almost 2 million acres in size&hellip; We don't really know how big a monument needs to be to protect 660 species of native bees." &ndash; Dr. Jackie Grant</li>
<li>"If we err on the side of the bigger is more protective, then we know for sure we have protected those bees." &ndash; Dr. Jackie Grant</li>
<li>"It seems unlikely, but in this administration, nothing's unlikely anymore." &ndash; Dr. Jackie Grant</li>
</ol>
Resources:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://gsenm.org/">Grand Staircase Escalante Partners</a></li>
<li><a href="https://headwaterseconomics.org/">Headwaters Economics Report on National Monuments</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.grandcanyontrust.org/hikes/info-cpe-grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument/">Grand Canyon Trust &ndash; Information on Grand Staircase Escalante</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument">BLM Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Page</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.isdanet.org/symposium">Trinational Sonoran Desert Symposium</a></li>
</ul>
Explore the urgent and profound issues featured in this informative episode of 90 Miles from Needles; The Desert Protection Podcast. Stay tuned for more remarkable insights and stories addressing the protection of these precious desert landscapes.
&nbsp;

Chris Clarke hosts a timely conversation with Dr. Jackie Grant, Executive Director of Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, about the potential impacts of a new congressional effort to overturn the monument's management plan. The management plan's erosion could threaten Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument's ecological integrity and its economic implications for local communities. Clarke reflects on the local and national support for this ecological treasure amid political challenges. Additionally, Chris discusses his upcoming travel to the Trinational Sonoran Desert Symposium.

S5E7: The Battle for Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

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. 

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 <a href="https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate">support the podcast through their website.</a>
Episode image is a stock photo and does not show Chris' house, thankfully.&nbsp;

Chris discusses an unexpected brief pause in regular programming due to a recent house fire.

S3E21: The War on Facts: Environmental Protection after Chevron

In 1 playlist(s)

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips