For this episode we sit down with the President and CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, Howard Vincent. We talk pheasant and quail season outlooks and the issues the birds are facing, then we move on to several conservation topics including the upcoming Farm bill and the Conservation Reserve Program – what it does, it’s benefits and why it’s so important for conservation.  We also cover the recently formed grasslands sporting coalition and their hopes and dreams for restoring America’s grasslands. We touch on the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, climate change impacts on wildlife, and why it’s so critical average sportsmen and women engage in conservation. Links: https://www.quailforever.org/; https://www.pheasantsforever.org/ ; https://www.actfrograsslands.org   Show notes: 1:05 - Howard Vincent introduction. 3:00 - What has Howard been doing outside recently? 5:05 - General outlook on on this year. How are the pheasants and quail doing overall? 7:54 - What is the state of pheasants and quail? What is the conservation outlook? 13:14 - The Farm Bill 101 and CRP. What they do, what they are designed to do and why we need them. 15:40 - What does a typical CRP acre look like? 20:40 - Precision agriculture.  23:20 - Unpacking the new Farm Bill.  39:50 - A message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. 42:10 - The Grasslands Act. What it is and what it's designed to do. 47:34 - How an average Joe/Jane get engaged in the Grasslands Act?  70% of grasslands are gone. The time to act is NOW. 54:27 - Recovering America's Wildlife Act and its importance for the sporting community.  1:02:45 - Closing statement from Howard Vincent. Get fired up! Your voice makes a difference!

National Wildlife Federation Outdoors

Take Action with Howard Vincent, President & CEO of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever.

Aaron sits down with Bill Cooksey, of NWF’s Vanishing Paradise team, to talk waterfowl season. Bill is a dedicated conservationist, waterfowl expert, and a duck calling champion. We cover waterfowl hunting 101 – decoys, habitat, calling, conservation, the forecast for this season, and of course, conservation. Bill also treats us to some calling and advice on what calls to use along with some discussion of best waterfowl guns and ammo. Check out Bill's work with Vanishing Paradise:  http://vanishingparadise.org The World Championship Duck calling contest is coming up and Bill will be a judge!  Check out this link to learn more: https://www.stuttgartarkansas.org/duck-calling.html www.nwf.org  Show notes: 2:30 - Who is Bill Cooksey? This man has been duck hunting for 49 years! 6:15 - The when, where, how and regulations. Bill tells us about duck season! 10:10 - Bill chats about habitat changes and what this season looks like considering different variables.  13:34 - What do new duck hunters need to think about in terms of what they should be looking for and considering? 17:46 - How many different species of ducks does Bill hunt in his neck of the woods? 21:47 - How do you identify different flight patterns between waterfowl? 23:58 - Different states, the US Fish and Wildlife Services and wildlife refuges have different regulations. Learn them (especially the USFWS). 29:06 - Short cuts to learning state to state regulations for waterfowl. 31:00 - Message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! 32:21 - Duck decoys 101 37:00 - DUCK CALLING 101 (You don't want to miss this). 42:03 - Lets talk about non-toxic ammunition.  48:32 - Bill has been hunting before lead shot was illegal. He can reflect on the evolution of steel shot and how effective it is.  51:39 - Do you notice a difference in speed of shot when using steel? 54:32 - What are the differences between older guns and newer ammunition?  57:58 - What is Bill's favorite duck to eat and how does it prepare it?  1:00:00 - Duck conservation. What is the # 1 we should know about and understand regarding duck conservation? 1:05:00 - Reasons to get involved in waterfowl conservation. 1:07:00 - Bill tells us a good duck hunting story! 1:09:00 - Bill's closing statements on waterfowl hunting and conservation.     

Waterfowl Time with Bill Cooksey

After a nice summer break, we head to New Hampshire for our 7th episode of Vanishing Seasons to hear from Eric Orff, a 30 plus year resident of New Hampshire and retired New Hampshire Fish and Game biologist. Eric shares his passion for wildlife and details the unnatural occurrences he has witnessed as a biologist and sportsman, including the incoming and outgoing tide of moose in New Hampshire and the disappearing ice.

Vanishing Seasons, Episode 7 - 30 Years as a New Hampshire Field Biologist with Eric Orff.

For this episode we sit down with Todd Waldron. Todd is a forester, conservationist, podcaster, and the Northeast Forest Conservation Director for Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. He is a great guy with lots of passion for conservation. We cover some forestry, why grouse and woodcock are “species of conservation need”, overall trends in conservation, climate change impacts on grouse and beyond, and our hopes and dreams for the future. Checkout these useful links: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org www.modcarn.com www.nwf.org/leadfreelandscapes Show notes: 2:55 - What has Todd been up to outdoors recently? 6:00 - What are the big things that are standing out in the sporting conservation world right now? 8:30 - The contrast and transitions between the private forestry consultation, podcasting and the nonprofit world.  11:56 - What does Todd's role entail with the Ruffed Grouse Society? Background and context. 15:37 - Does Ruffed Grouse Society do actual forestry? What do they do on the ground?  17:47 - Species of Greatest Conservation Concern in multiple states... What's going on, how did they get to this state and what are some of the problems? 23:45 - Forest Conservation 101. Getting outdoor enthusiasts more engaged in ecology and forest conservation. 29:15 - How can a regular Joe/Jane who wants to get engaged with forest conservation across the country get the big picture with limited time? 32:45 - Message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen.  34:50 - Climate change regarding forestry mitigation, grouse and personal experience.  43:08 - What can our hunting and angling communities be doing to move the needle regarding climate change? 47:49 - What is the next step for conservation and shaping our future? 55:11 - Partnerships and collaboratives with land owners to find common values in order to move forward. 57:30 - Learn more about Todd's awesome podcast. 1:00:00 - Parting words of wisdom from Todd Waldron... checkout the cool work that is going on with habitat restoration from the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society.   

Why Grouse & Woodcock are Species of Conservation need, Forestry & Trends in Conservation with Todd Waldron.

Aaron sits down with Abby Tinsley, the Associate Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs for the National Wildlife Federation. They discuss the process of “reconciliation” how it works, what it will do, and what it means for hunting, angling, and conservation. They cover the bipartisan infrastructure package, why we need it, how it will help hunters and anglers, and how the infrastructure package relates to the reconciliation process. These are tough processes to digest but have huge implications for the lands and waters that support hunting and angling. The idea behind this podcast is to help the average person gain a basic understanding of the various developments and what will happen over the coming weeks and months.  For a quick and inciteful look at your government in action, you won’t want to miss this one! For more information on infrastructure investments and opportunities see this link: https://www.nwf.org/-/media/Documents/PDFs/Press-Releases/2021/02-24-21_Jobs-Restoration-and-Resilience-for-the-21st-Century Testimony to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources by President and CEO of NWF, Collin O’Mara: https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/9D69DE42-63C7-40CE-8E7F-722A64498265 More on the bipartisan infrastructure package: https://nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2021/7-28-21-Bipartisan-Infrastructure-Framework Nature based infrastructure and climate solutions: https://nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2021/7-29-21-Nature-Based-Solutions Infrastructure Bill aiding the Great Lakes: https://nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2021/8-2-21-Bipartisan_Infrastructure_Adds_$1_Billion_for_Great_Lakes_Restoration Show Notes: 2:25 - Background on podcast guest, Abby Tinsley. 3:10 - What have Aaron and Abby been doing outside recently? Beaches, kayaking, gearing up for hunting season, canning veggies and backpacking. 5:30 - "Reconciliation 101"  9:00 - What happened with the recent fire drill/oversight in the reconciliation bill? People wanted this bill to be 10 trillion, then 6 trillion and now 3.5 trillion dollars... People forgot that lands and water and rural areas need funding. 11:45 - What exactly was that "Pre-Money Scramble" when there wasn't any funding in there for the BLM? The sausage making! 13:47 - Congress is going to return after congressional recess & then what happens? 17:23 - How do you prepare and package the bills? What gets to be a part of the pie? 19:15 - A deeper look at the 3.5 trillion dollars. How is it paid for and when is this funding spread out?  21:00 - A message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! 23:00 - How does infrastructure and reconciliation interface and a few examples on what natural infrastructure entails. 25:35 - Wildlife crossings are an example of the types of projects that could receive funding. Why are these real life projects important? 28:13 - How does infrastructure and reconciliation have to do with one another?   31:10 - What's next on the Hill? 33:00 - When do we expect all of this to start being implemented? 34:18 - What is the procedure for the next steps in terms of the funding getting to each state and programs?  38:54 - Unpacking the use of the funding (old bridges, old schools). 42:24 - Cool infrastructure opportunities and the hunting and fishing connection. 44:10 - Closing statements on infrastructure and reconciliation from Abby Tinsley. There is still time to make it look the way you want it to look so TELL YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS how important you think it is to balance the needs across states. It's time to go to bat and communicate with your member of congress!    

What the bipartisan infrastructure package and the reconciliation process means for conservation and hunters and anglers with Abby Tinsley of the National Wildlife Federation.

Aaron heads to Georgia for a chat with Mike Worley, Executive Director of the Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF). They explore GWF’s groundbreaking work to bring the recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters into an innovative, adaptive, and effective space that better adapts to changing demographics and the needs of younger and more diverse potential hunters. Topics include GWF and partner’s “Field to Fork” program, GWF’s “Academics Afield” program and their efforts to serve historically black colleges and universities. They also provide a little background into the history of Georgia Wildlife Federation and the big conservation issues in GA. Be sure to visit Georgia Wildlife Federation's official website: https://gwf.org Show notes: 3:33 - What has Mike Worley been doing outside lately? 4:25 - When does duck season get rolling? 6:20 - 13' long alligators that weigh 900 lbs... 8:17 - The Georgia Wildlife Federation is a conservation powerhouse. 10:57 - What is Mike dealing with that has the most immediate need? 14:34 - Georgia Wildlife Federation upcoming events and opportunities to learn. 17:00 - Break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. 19:52 - Why Georgia Wildlife Federation puts outreach and advocacy first.  33:51 - How does GWF mechanically put outreach and advocacy opportunities together.  40:50 - Do the participants show up in other spaces? 50:04 - What is one of the coolest things you've seen when talking to the newer hunting community? Different reasons people choose to hunt. 54:55 - Georgia Wildlife Federation likes to try new things and succeed! You have to be willing to try things differently, especially with R3.  57:08 - Closing statement... "Takes somebody hunting and enjoy it!"  

A New Era of Innovation and R3 with Mike Worley of Georgia Wildlife Federation

Aaron sits down with Cliff Cadet of UrbanArcheryNYC. They cover getting into hunting as an adult while living in the middle of New York City. Cliff shares his personal history, the journey that brought him to hunting, and the passion he now has for archery and hunting. Cliff also shares what it’s like to use trains and busses to get to his hunting spots and how he has immersed in the hunting culture and become a sporting ambassador and communicator. 1:00 - Intro and background on Cliff Cadet. 2:00 - Getting outdoors in the New York City metropolitan area recently during the pandemic. 4:20 - Born and raised in Brooklyn. Cliff’s story behind how he got into hunting as a first generation. 11:36 - What was Cliff’s biggest epiphany and reason behind going all the way in with hunting. 18:03 - Hunting is the great equalizer. Cliff reflects on this perspective. 21:48 - How do you make it happen as an urban hunter/anger? Public transportation and Public land! 27:47 - Using public transportation and helping fellow travelers understand the difference between hunting camo and military camo. 29:05 - Message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswoman. 30:00 - Cliff’s favorite species and strategies to hunt. 33:33 - Collaboration with Outdoor Life and trajectory in media and conservation.  39:07 - Cliff’s children’s response to hunting. Getting outside is always a good idea! 42:47 - Future plans and projects in conservation.  46:00 - What Cliff would like to tell the non-hunting public. 49:37 - Cliff’s parting words. There’s no excuse get outside, even if you are in an urban environment.

From the City to the Woods: Getting it Done with Patience, Persistence and Public Transportation with Cliff Cadet.

Aaron sits down with Thor Tingey co-founder and owner of Alpacka Rafts. Thor has traveled extensively in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and in Alaska using his company’s specialized rafts that he developed to do traverses across Alaska. We cover the uniqueness of the refuge and why it should be protected, how he got into these big traverses, his experiences in Alaska including his recent trip through the refuge, and how he and his mother developed Alpacka Rafts. We also talk about camping and outdoor travel with children, a caribou hunt, and fishing for Arctic char. Show notes: 1:32 – Some background on Thor, the cofounder and owner of Alpacka Rafts in Colorado. 3:09 – What Thor has been doing outside recently, including a trip within the Arctic Refuge with his toddler. 4:25 – What trip lead to start Alpacka Rafts in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. 5:40 – Insight into having kids and taking them outside to explore at a young age. You don’t need to stop exploring, just adjust! 8:10 – Thor talks about the Arctic and why it is so special… starting with the light. 10:50 – We all use energy resources, the important distinction is that some places are too special and too wild. These places need to remain undisturbed. 11:40 – The origin story and core idea behind pack rafting and Alpacka Rafts as a company. 13:05 –The life changing trip: The Brooks Range over 39 days and 700 miles utilizing paper maps. Linking landscapes together via pack rafts. 15:12 – The anatomy of the Alpacka Raft. It’s a family affair regarding how they are designed to take on new frontiers. Where they have come to since the first design in 2001. 16:53 – The core of pack rafting is exploring and linking intact landscapes. Alaska is ground zero for intact landscapes which brings us back to the Arctic. 19:00 – Message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswoman. 19:42 - Thor takes us there and walks us through a typical day pack rafting in the Arctic. 24 hour light, toddler bedtime, weather systems, migratory animals and wide open views of jagged limestone mountains. 23:00 – What wildlife Thor saw during his last trip to Alaska including musk ox, Dall sheep and golden eagles. 24:24 – What fish Thor saw during this trip including resident grayling, arctic char and what happened when rain made the river rise seven feet. 27:00 – How do you fish for arctic char? 27:40 – Unique wildlife encounters including howling with the wolves. 29:25 – Where are the caribou migrating? 30:30 – Hunting caribou in Alaska in 2018… walking into the refuge and floating the harvest out. The caribou season aligns nicely with the arctic char season! 33:30 – Growing up in Alaska, protecting the Arctic and why Thor thinks the Arctic should not be developed. 34:30 – Understanding oil pipelines, natural resource development and what has paid for Alaska for 40 years. 36:20 – Flying over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and realizing how small it is in comparison. It is likely going to be the last place in Alaska that can be utilized for natural resources… what’s the plan moving forward? 38:34 - The idea that there are some places worth keeping wild. Can we ask ourselves, “is it worth these last few places?” 40:40 - What does Thor think permanent protection would look like? What does protection look like? Take a look at landscapes. 42:27 – Change happens and we need to think about that but we do need to keep industrialized development out. 45:00 – The reality of the wild king salmon status and runs over the past decade. The experience that Thor had as a kid does not exist anymore. 46:55 – We have a lot of oil development in the world. How can we get on the same page that there are simply some places are need to stay wild?  49:30 – Alpacka Raft’s core values and commitment to engagement in conservation as a company. Core pack rafting pursuits is enact landscapes! 52:41 - It’s exciting that places still exist where you can get away from it all. 54:23 – Closing statements… a soft approach to activism as an individual – contact your local legislator.  

"Artic Dreams" with Thor Tingey co-founder and owner of Alpacka Rafts.

After a break to refresh, Aaron sits down with Andrew McKean, one of the most respected outdoors journalists and the current hunting and conservation editor of Outdoor Life magazine. We talk the history of Outdoor Life and sporting journalism, the latest sporting issues and how they can either connect or divide our community, and the “conservation obligation”. We also discuss the public lands owner movement and how it could be more inclusive for all conservationists and overall trends in the sporting conservation arena. Check out Outdoor Life here: https://www.outdoorlife.com/ Check out Andrew’s podcast, “On Gravel”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-gravel/id1429069645 Show notes: 1:35 - Heat wave across the west. 2:36 - Meet Andrew McKean, learn about his background in hunter and angler information and education.   3:30 - What has Andrew been doing outside recently... conservation and his recent involvement with nocturnal posse of Texas hog hunters.  7:08 - How Andrew got to Montana as a journalist, the public value of conservation and growing up on a farm as a squirrel hunter with "The Missouri Promise". 10:07 - The infrastructure built around conservation is intact and thorough in Missouri but the care and maintenance required.  11:23 - The current infrastructure projects and policy that NWF Outdoors is working on. 12:43 - Message from our partner podcast, Artemis! Listen to the Artemis podcast wherever you gather podcasts. 14:07 - The history and structure of outdoor journalism with a deeper look at Outdoor Life magazine. Why Andrew thinks it is a happy time for outdoor journalism.  22:20 - Exploring multiple avenues as a journalist and covering important issues such as guns and wildlife conservation. The second amendment.  25:35 - Wildlife is a public resource. "Just like our air and our water, it requires constant attention." 28:48 - Hunting and fishing access. Working with private land owners with a closer look at what has been unfolding in Montana. "We can't be single issue voters, no matter what the issue is." 35:30 - Public land owners & public land hunters. Andrew presents a different way of looking at this broad issue. 40:08 - States that may not have public land or accessible private land or waterways but have a strong cultural connection with conservation and their public trust doctrine. The flame of the blue collar conservationist is still being carried in upper midwest - otherwise known as the "Rust Belt". 42:24 - Looking forward instead of looking back when it comes to the outcome or consequences of some of the conservation issues we are dealing with at this time. What is habitat for the hunting community and where is the funding coming from. 47:46 - Speaking in an authentic and respectful way and our obligation as hunters in general.  55:20 - Andrew encourages every listener to become a hunter education instructor.  59:48 - "The Conservation Obligation" and getting people more engaged in conservation.  1:03:00 - Going back in time to go forward in time. Looking back at the history of the National Wildlife Federation and a big shout out to Aaron Kindle for his work and engagement on this podcast. 1:04:00 - A note on the creation of the NWF in 1936.  

The History of Sporting Journalism, current issues & the "Conservation Obligation" featuring Andrew McKean of Outdoor Life magazine.

This week we are excited to feature a podcast from our partner, Artemis, and will head afield this week to talk with NWF Outdoor's newest member, storyteller and adventurer Mandela van Eeden. This episode was recorded on the edge of the forest near a meadow in Montana. Mandela's upbringing was split between South Africa, where her family harvested from the sea, and Montana - where they gratefully accepted the river's bounty. Mandela talks to us about connecting to place, pursuing your dreams, and how we can care for what sustains us. Plus, a black bear walks in on Marcia and Mandela mid-way through the episode. (No jokes, folks!) 4:00 All the 'boks' in Africa, which is Afrikaans for 'deer' (springbok, bontebok, gemsbok) 5:00 A childhood split between the African bush and Montana, leaving your heart in both 11:00 Three Gorges Dam & the Yangtze River 12:00 Storytelling with sound and music AND raft guiding both hemispheres 16:00 What's the core value that makes us do what we do? 18:00 The Oily River Rendezvous and seeing an oil spill from the river's view 19:00 "If you think you're too little to make a difference, you've obviously not spent the night with a mosquito." 22:00 "Grand Canyon pink" - a rattlesnake endemic to that space 24:00 Getting Primitive program gets kids into bushcrafting 27:00 Fish in one hand, shark in the other 30:00 Fly-fishing as a family affair 32:00 Podcast interrupted by a black bear... yep, bonafide bear strolling through! 37:00 The myriad of ways in which people gather from the sea 38:00 NWF Outdoors podcast, Vanishing Seasons 41:00 If you want to connect with a place... BE there. Fully present. Cease the wandering mind. 42:00 Yoga sutras written by Pantanjali 49:00 Connection to the outdoors through harvest + patience and mindfulness 50:00 The value of a mentor 54:00 Riverboarding the Grand Canyon for 15 days... the dream started with a flip. 56:00 Thalweg: the fastest current in the river 59:00 "Go into your dream closet and dust off some of those ones you've filed away." 1:03 Introducing family to game - antelope and bear... and recruiting a nephew into the ranks 1:06 Listen to what your body tells you to eat (plus, spearfishing)

Dust Off Your Dreams with Mandela Van Eeden

It's been a long time coming but we finally had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Mamie Parker, an avid angler and former Assistant Director of Fisheries and Habitat Conservation for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Mamie is highly regarded as a pioneer in the field for women of color and has won numerous prestigious awards for her work in conservation including the highest award given to government employees for her leadership in the creation of the National Fish Habitat Action Partnership. Mamie was inspired by her mother who was an avid angler and outdoorswoman (before that was a coined term). Mamie continues to promote diversity in fisheries education and careers. She may be retired but she continues to work hard as an inspirational speaker and conservationist on the board of directors for numerous organizations including the National Wildlife Federation.

A Conservation Life - 30 years as a biologist, conservationist & pioneering force in the outdoors, with Dr. Mamie Parker, retired Assistant Director of Fisheries & Habitat Conservation for the USFWS

In the sixth episode of Vanishing Seasons we head to Florida to visit with Travis Thompson, a fifth generation Floridian and hunting and fishing guide. Travis takes us on a multigeneration journey through a life in Florida hunting and fishing hundreds of days a year. He speaks of changes in waterfowl seasons and the difference in what ducks he hunts now compared to a decade ago. He explains how he's had to adapt to different species and different behaviors in his guiding business, and also shares anecdotes of odd things he's seeing and how he thinks hunters and anglers should engage in conservation. 

Vanishing Seasons, Episode 6 - A Florida Sporting Life with Travis Thompson

In this special episode Aaron sits down with three Westerners with extensive experience working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the nominee to lead the agency, Tracy Stone-Manning. We discuss the ins and outs of the BLM's mandates and mission, and how it affects hunters and anglers. We also cover Tracy's leadership style and some of our collective experiences working with her and witnessing her leadership capabilities.    Info about the Bureau of Land Management: https://www.blm.gov/   NWF press release on Tracy's nomination: https://www.nwf.org/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2021/04-22-21-Stone-Manning-BLM-Nomination   Press release from NWF and affiliates supporting Tracy's nomination: https://www.nwf.org/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2021/06-04-21-NWF-Affiliates-Urge-Senate-to-Confirm-Tracy-Stone-Manning   Butte, MT's MT Standard newspaper editorial board letter in support of Tracy's nomination: https://mtstandard.com/opinion/editorial/standard-view-stone-manning-merits-daines-support-to-lead-blm/article_55bd1eae-e547-51ab-a47e-548a490a223a.html     Show notes: 2:30 – intro to guests 4:50 – a good hunting story from BLM lands 10:15 – the BLM mission and multiple use mandate and what is means for hunters and anglers 14:12 – the main things sportsmen and women should be paying attention to with respect to BLM lands 17:45 - how having the right leader makes a huge difference 21:25 – what the BLM’s multiple use mandate means for a grazing permitee 23:45 – what happens when conflict arises between user groups on BLM lands 27:15 – more overlap of public lands users and the necessity of a new way of thinking 29:45 – results of not having a BLM director for the past four plus years 32:30 – the honor and pride of being a career agency person back in the 80’s 33:30 – how Resource Management Plans (RMPs) suffered without a BLM director 37:15 – how a career stop for Tracy Stone-Manning that involved superfund cleanup and dam removal points to her abilities to effectively lead the BLM 45:55 – Jess’s experience with Tracy when she was Chief of Staff for then MT Governor, Steve Bullock 48:55 – what Tracy did to win over ranchers when she was working with Jess on sage-grouse conservation 51:40 – Gaspar’s experiences working with Tracy on an energy development proposal near the Great Sand Dunes National Park 57:45 – how Tracy can act as a public servant for the land, water, wildlife, and people 59:00 – the diverse people and experiences that led us to this podcast 1:01:00 – the concept of collective ownership of public lands and how it brings us together          

The Bureau of Land Management - What it Does, Why it's Important, and Why we Need a Leader Like Tracy Stone-Manning Running the BLM with Kathy Hadley, Gaspar Perricone, and Jess Peterson

We sit down with Ted Koch, Executive Director of the North American Grouse Partnership to discuss the recent proposal on 5/26 to the list the Lesser Prairie-Chicken under the Endangered Species Act. We cover how we got here, what we can do to bring the bird back from the brink, and some of the tools that can help get the job done.   Show notes: 1:10 - Intro to Ted Koch 2:25 - Ted and Aaron’s latest outdoor adventures 3:50 – what is the Lesser Prairie-Chicken 6:25 – how did we get to the need to list as an endangered species 9:10 – why the Lesser Prairie-Chicken was proposed for listing now 11:00 – what are next steps and what should we be paying attention to 16:18 – when the Lesser Prairie-Chicken was last hunted 17:50 – the various tools we can use to help recover the Lesser Prairie-Chicken starting with the Farm Bill’s Conservation Reserve Program 22:00 – The Grasslands Act and how it can help 25:10 – a big shout out to Aviva Glaser, NWF’s Director of Agriculture Policy, and her amazing work on prairie conservation 27:23 – what are the implications of climate change on the prairies and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken 32:10 – what we know we can do right now to help 34:00 – the state of America’s prairies – how much we’ve lost 37:00 – a great story about grouse in Ted’s family 42:10 – the gift Ted gave his son later from that original hunt 43:10 – what can an average person do to help the prairies and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken 46:30 – the grasslands need our help 47:45 – Lew Carpenter’s, NWF’s Director of Conservation Partnerships for NM, AZ, CO, and NE, role at the North America Grouse Partnership   Resources: The North American Grouse Partnership: http://www.grousepartners.org/   USFWS Press release on listing proposal: https://www.fws.gov/news/ShowNews.cfm?ref=service-seeks-comment-on-proposal-to-list-the-lesser-prairie-chicken-&_ID=36914   Description of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser_Prairie-Chicken/media-browser/163988331   Recent op-ed on Grasslands from the CEOs of National Wildlife Federation, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation: https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/528890-americas-dwindling-grasslands-require-action?rl=1   Link to NWF's Farm Bill work:  https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Our-Lands/Farm-Bill

Endangered? This Week's Proposal to the List the Lesser Prairie-Chicken as Endangered and What Tools we Have to Bring it Back with Ted Koch, Executive Director of the N.A. Grouse Partnership

We sit down with Collin to talk about the recently released, "Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful" plan, formerly known as 30x30.  We cover the plan's aim, its genesis, what we hope it does, how it can benefit hunters and anglers, and how average folks can get engaged.    Find the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful Plan here: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/report-conserving-and-restoring-america-the-beautiful-2021.pdf More hunting and fishing specific info on 30x30 here: https://www.huntfish3030.com/   Show Notes: 3:45 - 30x30/Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful – what it is and why we need it 6:30 - Where did the 30x30 concept come from 9:37 - “protection” compared to “conservation” 12:30 - What the plan does for hunters and anglers 16:00 - how the plan intersects with other initiatives from the Biden administration and examples of how they benefit habitats, hunting and fishing 19:45 - Economic development and job creation restoring degraded landscapes 23:25 - A Cooper’s Hawk interrupts the show! 24:18 - The six principles of the plan 27:53 - What an average hunter/angler can do to get engaged 30:58 - Resilience – what it is and why it matters 38:08 - The non-partisan nature of conservation and restoration 39:14 – an unprecedented opportunity 42:00 - Collin out to Colorado in the near future for some hunting?  

The Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful Plan and what it means for Hunters and Anglers with Collin O’ Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation

The National Wildlife Federation Outdoors Podcast explores the biggest conservation issues and most interesting conservationists and programs throughout the country. Supported by Rep Your Water and hosted by Drew YoungeDyke.

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National Wildlife Federation Outdoors

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