Content note: sadness.

Due to the death of a close family member, we will return on June 5. Listen if you want a few details. 

Pet Loss Resources and Support

Hemangiosarcoma in dogs

Donate to our Fellowship for Desert Reporting

Content note: sadness.
Due to the death of a close family member, we will return on June 5. Listen if you want a few details.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/impact/community-impact/pet-loss-resources-and-support">Pet Loss Resources and Support</a>
<a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/hemangiosarcoma-dogs">Hemangiosarcoma in dogs</a>
<a href="https://90milesfromneedles.com/fellowship">Donate to our Fellowship for Desert Reporting</a>

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 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.

Due to the death of a close family member, we will return on June 5. Listen if you want a few details. 

Short Update: Explaining Our Brief Hiatus

Marker 01

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Chris Clarke highlights the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle crucial environmental laws and the effect of those rollbacks on desert landscapes. He guides listeners through the gutting of environmental and cultural protection laws, and argues for a more localized, community-centric approach to advocacy for the desert.

Key Takeaways:
The Trump administration's policies threaten the stability and effectiveness of long-standing environmental protection laws.
Grassroots advocacy plays a crucial role in protecting desert ecosystems and public lands.
Federal environmental protection laws are important, but local policies, ordinances, and community involvement provide additional, necessary layers of defense.
By fostering a deeper connection and understanding of the environment, communities can build political weight to defend against detrimental policies.
The episode calls for a united effort to develop narratives that resonate with local communities, inspiring collective action and environmental stewardship.

Notable Quotes:
"The public loses more than money. We lose wildlife habitat, we lose groundwater, we lose archaeological and cultural sites, we lose wilderness."
"Profits become concentrated by one party, and the costs are borne by the public."
"Those of us who love a place shouldn't just rely on Washington to defend it."
"The other side has built up their community since the 1970s, and while this is happening, environmental protection groups often relied more heavily on passing laws."
"A president can weaken federal laws. And if federal laws are the only layer of protection that we have for places that we love, then we find ourselves in this position that we're in right now."

Resources:
90 Miles from Needles Podcast
Chris’ Email: chris@90milesfromneedles.com (for community radio suggestions)
Mazamar Pottery (Supporting local arts and advocacy)

 

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Chris Clarke highlights the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle crucial environmental laws and the effect of those rollbacks on desert landscapes. He guides listeners through the gutting of environmental and cultural protection laws, and argues for a more localized, community-centric approach to advocacy for the desert.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>The Trump administration's policies threaten the stability and effectiveness of long-standing environmental protection laws.</li>
<li>Grassroots advocacy plays a crucial role in protecting desert ecosystems and public lands.</li>
<li>Federal environmental protection laws are important, but local policies, ordinances, and community involvement provide additional, necessary layers of defense.</li>
<li>By fostering a deeper connection and understanding of the environment, communities can build political weight to defend against detrimental policies.</li>
<li>The episode calls for a united effort to develop narratives that resonate with local communities, inspiring collective action and environmental stewardship.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>"The public loses more than money. We lose wildlife habitat, we lose groundwater, we lose archaeological and cultural sites, we lose wilderness."</li>
<li>"Profits become concentrated by one party, and the costs are borne by the public."</li>
<li>"Those of us who love a place shouldn't just rely on Washington to defend it."</li>
<li>"The other side has built up their community since the 1970s, and while this is happening, environmental protection groups often relied more heavily on passing laws."</li>
<li>"A president can weaken federal laws. And if federal laws are the only layer of protection that we have for places that we love, then we find ourselves in this position that we're in right now."</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://90milesfromneedles.com/">90 Miles from Needles Podcast</a></li>
<li>Chris&rsquo; Email: chris@90milesfromneedles.com (for community radio suggestions)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.mazamar.com/">Mazamar Pottery</a> (Supporting local arts and advocacy)</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

We highlight the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle crucial environmental laws and discuss a more community-centric approach to advocacy for the desert.  Want to help? Share this episode with your people.

S5E23: Beyond Laws: Building a Movement to Save Our Deserts

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.

Short Update: Explaining Our Brief Hiatus

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