In this episode, I interview John Leshy, an influential academic and public servant who has served in multiple presidential administrations in the realm of public lands management and its associated politics. Our discussion covers John’s interest and career progression in public lands, key legislative and administrative milestones, the evolution of public land politics, and the importance of these lands to American society. John discusses his time with the Carter, Clinton, and Obama administrations, opines on current challenges like grazing, climate change, common myths about the history of public lands. Specific case studies, such as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National and Bears Ears Monuments, grazing reform, and legal battles, the Sagebrush Rebellion and corner crossing in Wyoming, are all discussed and considered.
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300235784/our-common-ground/
https://www.uclawsf.edu/2022/08/29/professor-john-leshy-tells-history-of-u-s-public-lands-in-new-book/
00:25 Early Career and Entry into Public Lands Advocacy
03:19 Transition to Academia and Continued Advocacy
04:09 Return to Washington and the Clinton Administration
06:25 Writing and Publishing on Public Lands
08:34 Myths and Misunderstandings About Public Lands
11:25 The Role of Public Opinion and Political Influence
12:34 Challenges and Controversies in Public Lands Management
18:57 Grazing Policies and Environmental Impact
26:28 Legal Battles and Policy Reforms
31:28 Challenges of Legislative Reform
31:48 Local Solutions and Negotiations
32:43 Historical Successes and Missed Opportunities
34:59 Legacy of Bruce Babbitt
41:33 Sagebrush Rebellion and Public Lands
45:14 Modern Threats to Public Lands
01:01:00 The Importance of Public Lands
01:02:29 Conclusion and Reflections
