Public Lands News Round Up 1/8

It's been a "monumental" week on public lands. Here's the good, the bad, and the selling off of our public landsy...

We’re in the news!

Let’s start with the self-aggrandizing part of the news - us!

• We jumped on author Jonathan Evison’s podcast to chat about our national park rankings. If you haven’t read his public lands novel here’s a nudge.

• We spoke with The Guardian about Jimmy Carter’s environmental legacy

• We chatted with NPR’s Bob Mondello about our film CARTERLAND

• We went on Fox5 Atlanta to talk Jimmy Carter

Some might say we have a thing about Jimmy Carter … they’re not wrong.

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The Week on Public Lands

1. Please forgive the all-caps excitement but I can’t help myself on this one:
   THE EXPLORE ACT PASSED. Hallelujah. This is a wonderful and much-needed piece of outdoor legislation that I almost devoted this entire newsletter to (I’ll do one soon). One of the best parts is that the act enshrines our right to take photos and videos on public lands—regardless of profit motive—for small groups with no more impact than a regular visitor.

2. We’ve Got Two New National Monuments
   President Biden has designated two new national monuments in California:

• Chuckwalla National Monument: This monument will protect over 624,000 acres in Southern California's desert, preserving critical habitats for species like the desert tortoise and bighorn sheep, as well as significant Indigenous cultural sites. Its striking landscapes include lava flows, canyons, and sand dunes.

• Sáttítla Highlands National Monument: Located in Northern California, this monument will safeguard approximately 224,000 acres of wilderness, including old-growth forests and alpine meadows. The area holds cultural significance for Indigenous tribes and is home to rare species such as the Sierra Nevada red fox.

3. BLM Sells Off Public Lands to Private Interests—What’s Next?
   In a deplorable move, the Bureau of Land Management has approved the sale of public land to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, effectively giving away parcels of our shared heritage to private interests. This decision reflects a broader erosion of public land protections, with the sale setting a dangerous precedent for further privatization under current (and incoming) policies.

4. House Republicans Push for Easier Public Lands Sales
   House Republicans are drafting legislation to streamline the sale of federal lands, effectively putting public spaces on the chopping block. These proposals would make it easier to sell lands designated for recreation, conservation, and public use.

5. Montana Eyes Yellowstone Bison Herd Reduction
   Montana’s plan to cut the Yellowstone bison herd by up to half has sparked lawsuits from conservationists, who argue it jeopardizes the park’s ecological balance and cultural heritage. The move could have far-reaching consequences for wildlife in the region.

6. Buckeye Trail May Become a National Scenic Trail
   The Buckeye Trail, a 1,400-mile route looping through Ohio, is being considered for National Scenic Trail status. If approved, it will bring national recognition and funding to enhance the trail’s accessibility and preservation. Public comments are open now.

7. Eaton Fire Turns Catastrophic
   The Eaton Fire in the Angeles National Forest has grown into a catastrophic blaze, endangering homes, wildlife, and recreation areas. Dry conditions and strong winds continue to fuel the fire, which has already consumed thousands of acres.

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Ocmulgee Update

In case you’re wondering about our promised Ocmulgee film, we haven’t forgotten. Without getting too much into the politics it was decided by our partners at Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative & Visit Macon to hold off launching until the new year. We’ll keep you posted as those plans develop. It’s done. It’s a beaut. Our paid subscribers will get the first look.

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That’s a wrap! On the home front I’m soaking in the season as best as I know how. Ranking the seasons, winter’s got the bottom spot on lock (summer, spring, fall, winter). But this year with the new bairn in tow it’s feeling cheerier than usual.

Thank you for your continued support of public lands. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below!