90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

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Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Chris Clarke speaks with Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity about a significant victory in the Nevada Supreme Court regarding water rights. They discuss the case of Coyote Springs, a proposed city in the desert that would have a detrimental effect on the Muddy River and its endangered species. The court ruling sets a precedent for managing groundwater and surface water as a single resource, potentially affecting other areas in Nevada facing similar water issues. This episode sheds light on the importance of protecting desert ecosystems and the interconnectedness of water resources.

Read the Center for Biological Diversity's press release on the Nevada Supreme Court decision.

Read and subscribe to Patrick Donnelly's email newsletter Sage and Sand.

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In this episode, host Chris Clarke discusses the successful fight against a proposed glamping project called Flamingo 640 in the California desert. Clarke is joined by community member Caroline Partamian, former president of the Homestead Valley Community Council Justin Merino, and Luke Basulto from the National Parks Conservation Association. They discuss the negative impacts the project would have had on wildlife, traffic, and the peaceful atmosphere of the area. Through community organizing and advocacy, they were able to successfully defeat the project. Tune in to learn more about their efforts to protect the desert landscape.

Save our Deserts Website is here.

Listen to Other Desert Radio here.

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The Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Utility-Scale Solar energy development is shaping the future of solar in the western United States. In this episode, host Chris Clarke explores the different alternatives proposed in the draft and their potential impact on public lands. He discusses the exclusion areas, the size of land available for solar development, and the importance of considering rooftop solar as an alternative. Listeners are encouraged to comment on the draft and make their voices heard. Tune in to learn more about the future of solar energy in the desert.

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In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke introduces four books that will challenge preconceptions about the desert. The first book, "The Arid Lands: History, Power, and Knowledge" by Diana K. Davis, challenges the notion that deserts are wastelands in need of development. The second book, "Peoples of a Sonoran Desert Oasis" by Jared Orsi, explores the history and culture of Quito Bacito and the impact of border policies on the oasis. The third book, "Dead in Their Tracks" by John Annerino, sheds light on the human cost of crossing the desert borderlands. Lastly, "Chasing Centuries" by Ron Parker uncovers ancient agave cultivars and their significance in Native American cultures. Tune in to discover a new perspective on the desert.

Buy the books: 

The Arid Lands; History, Power, Knowledge

Chasing Centuries

Peoples of a Sonoran Desert Oasis: Recovering the Lost History and Culture of Quitobaquito 

Dead in Their Tracks: Crossing America's Desert Borderlands in the New Era

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About The Guest(s):

Dr. Christina Aiello is a bighorn sheep biologist and research associate with Oregon State University. She has dedicated her career to studying and conserving desert wildlife, particularly desert tortoises and desert bighorn sheep. With a focus on the Mojave Desert region, Dr. Aiello's research examines the impacts of habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change on bighorn sheep populations.

Summary:

Dr. Christina Aiello joins host Chris Clarke to discuss the conservation of desert bighorn sheep in the Mojave Desert. They explore the threats facing these iconic animals, including habitat loss, fragmentation, and the spread of respiratory diseases. Dr. Aiello highlights the importance of maintaining genetic diversity and connectivity between bighorn populations to ensure their long-term survival. They also discuss the potential impacts of the proposed high-speed rail project on bighorn sheep movement and the need for wildlife crossings to mitigate habitat fragmentation. Despite the challenges, Dr. Aiello remains hopeful and inspired by the resilience of desert wildlife.

As a bonus, desert writer Louise Mathias offers a related commentary on the likely impact of the proposed Soda Mountain Solar Project on bighorn sheep in Mojave National Preserve.

Key Takeaways:

1. Desert bighorn sheep require rocky, high-elevation terrain with access to water and forage.
2. Habitat loss and fragmentation from urbanization and infrastructure development are major threats to bighorn sheep populations.
3. Bighorn sheep exhibit natural movements and rely on connectivity between habitats for genetic diversity and survival.
4. Wildlife crossings, such as overpasses, are crucial for facilitating bighorn sheep movement and maintaining population connectivity.
5. Bighorn sheep are susceptible to respiratory diseases, which can be introduced through contact with domestic livestock.
6. Genetic diversity plays a vital role in bighorn sheep's ability to resist and recover from diseases.
7. The proposed high-speed rail project in the Mojave Desert will further fragment bighorn sheep habitat and hinder their movements.
8. Protecting and improving degraded habitats can still benefit wildlife, as they demonstrate resilience and adaptability.

Quotes:

• "Bighorn sheep will make use of a bad situation that we hand them and get as much from that landscape as they can." - Dr. Christina Aiello
• "Wildlife crossings are a public health measure for bighorn sheep." - Dr. Christina Aiello

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

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Summary: Chris discusses the challenges that the deserts will face in 2024, including increased utility scale development of renewable energy, the threat of lithium mining, and the continuation of border policies that waive environmental laws. Chris emphasizes the need for accurate advocacy for the deserts and challenges the misconception that the desert is a defective version of other ecosystems. He introduces the Desert Advocacy Media Network and highlights the importance of support to continue their work in providing accurate information and promoting desert protection.

Key Takeaways:

• 2024 will bring challenges for the deserts, including increased utility scale development and the threat of lithium mining.
• The Desert Advocacy Media Network aims to provide accurate information and challenge misconceptions about the desert.
• Support is needed to hire sound editors, pay freelance reporters, and promote the podcast through targeted advertising.

Quotes:

• "We have no lack of work to do. We just need to be able to do that work." - Chris Clarke
• "Please consider helping us make the Desert Advocacy Media Network the place people turn to when they want to learn more about the desert and how to protect it." - Chris Clarke

How to Donate

• Use the podcast's Patreon account at 90milesfromneedles.com/patreon
• Text "NEEDLES" to 53-555
• Visit our Facebook page at https://facebook.com/ninetymilesfromneedles to donate via Network For Good

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About The Guest(s): Obi Kaufmann is an artist, author, and naturalist known for his California Field Atlas series. His latest book, "The Deserts of California," explores the biodiversity and ecological systems of California's deserts.

Summary: Obi Kaufmann joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike on the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast to discuss his latest book, "The Deserts of California." The book is part of his California Field Atlas series, which aims to explore the how of ecological systems rather than the what or where. Kaufmann shares his fascination with the complexity and diversity of California's deserts and the importance of celebrating and understanding their biodiversity. He also discusses the challenges of conservation and preservation in the face of development and exploitation. Kaufmann emphasizes the need for a democratic approach to finding solutions and the power of combining data and love in stewardship efforts. The conversation touches on the changing nature of the deserts, the importance of oral tradition and sharing knowledge, and the role of beauty and art in inspiring curiosity and hope.

Key Takeaways:

• The California Field Atlas series aims to explore the how of ecological systems rather than the what or where.
• The deserts of California are full of biodiversity and ecological complexity, challenging the perception of them as empty spaces.
• Conservation efforts require a combination of data, love, and understanding to address the challenges of development and exploitation.
• The deserts are a moving target, constantly changing and adapting to new conditions.
• The power of beauty and art lies in its ability to inspire curiosity and hope.

Obi Kaufmann's podcast with Greg Sarris, Place and Purpose, can be found here: https://www.placeandpurpose.live/

Order The Deserts of California here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-deserts-of-california-a-california-field-atlas/19407146?ean=9781597146180

Quotes:

• "The complexity is where the truth is. When things get too simple, too generalized, we miss so much." - Obi Kaufmann
• "The desert is doing so much heavy lifting for both of those goals [conservation and carbon zero]." - Obi Kaufmann
• "Democracy is having this conversation right now here." - Obi Kaufmann
• "The desert itself is an indicator landscape, if you will. It's a litmus test of our stewardship." - Obi Kaufmann
• "Acceptance of the natural cycles and patterns in nature brings peace and understanding." - Alicia Pike
• "The combination of data and love is a powerful force for conservation and preservation." - Obi Kaufmann

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We delve into the world of the saguaro cactus, exploring its cultural significance, scientific studies, and more. We talk to journalist Henry Brean of the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson storyteller Audrey Scheere about different aspects of this magnificent plant, the threats it faces,  and how people interact with it — for good or ill. Join us as we uncover the secrets of the saguaro!

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike to discuss the threat posed by a Canadian mining company's plans to conduct exploratory drilling for lithium near the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada. The drilling could potentially puncture the aquifer and cause catastrophic damage to the fragile ecosystem. The hosts highlight the conflict between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of biodiversity, and call for public support to protect Ash Meadows. They provide a petition and encourage donations to the Amargosa Conservancy to help in the fight.

Episode photo of Devils Hole pupfish by Olin Feuerbacher/US Fish and Wildlife Service

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We spend a lot of time correcting misapprehensions about the desert. But don't get the impression we think we're flawless! We've made our share of mistakes about the desert as well. In this episode, we share some of the things we once thought about the desert that are just plain wrong, on topics ranging from rainfall to rattlesnakes. And of course we do this on a hike in the Mojave Desert.

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

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There are flowers to be seen in the desert, if you know where to look. Chris and Alicia de-stress while enjoying the best of the desert, and discuss how best to celebrate such effusive blooms without destroying them.

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We here at 90 Miles from Needles are big fans of The Border Chronicle podcast and email newsletter, and in this episode, we're republishing an episode from that podcast first aired in November in which Melissa Del Bosque talks to Texas border activist Scott Nicol about how the Biden Administration is continuing to build Trump's border wall, though it's called something else. From The Border Chronicle's description:

Scott Nicol is an artist, educator and environmentalist in South Texas who has advocated against border wall construction for years and is an expert on the subject. In this Border Chronicle podcast, Nicol talks about the current construction of wall in his community, which is being labeled as “levee repairs.” And he touches on other wall construction happening in other states despite President Biden’s promise during his campaign “that not another foot of wall” would be constructed during his administration.

You can hear more of The Border Chronicle by checking out their website at TheBorderChronicle.com. Their email newsletter is extremely good.

Also! 90 Miles from Needles is going non-profit! Public support of our podcast has been extremely gratifying, and yet we're going to have to bring in more resources to fulfill our vision for this podcast, of covering the whole desert without burning ourselves out -- and adding new voices to the show. We'll be bringing you more information on this as our work progresses over the next few months, getting our paperwork in order and assembling a top-notch and diverse board of desert activists, communicators, and other like-minded heroes.

In the meantime, we could use your donations, if you've been meaning to drop us some cash!

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

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The US Interior Department is rethinking the ways it has managed big corporate solar on public lands, and we have opinions. Chris pontificates based on his many years of covering public lands renewable energy as a recovering journalist, and Alicia interrupts his solarsplaining once in a while to inject some non-jargon-ridden analysis.

We love solar! We want it in our backyards! And we want to protect desert habitat from industrial development. We can do both.

Also: we announce a new project, a special project podcast focusing on the wonderful Amargosa Basin in Nevada and California. More on that soon.

 If you'd like to hear more of Charlie King's work, check out his website at charlieking.org. 

The album Chris mentions in the closing notes can be purchased here, with all proceeds going to the artist.

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Alicia talks to a well-organized group of desert denizens who are working together to stop an inappropriate development from destroying their way of life, and the desert environment they cherish. 

For more information, or to tell California's San Bernardino County to insist on a full environmental review of the project, see stopwonderinn.org

Extra thanks to Lucas Basulto of NPCA and Saving Slowpoke, and to the wonderful Lisa M. for reading samples from the writing of Helen Bagley. Watch this site for news of Lisa's performance in March.

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.