• S4E1: Moab to Mojave: The Largest Conservation Corridor Explained
    Jan 14 2025

    In this first episode of Season Four, we look at:

    Wildfires and Power Infrastructure: Power lines and climate change are making wildfires worse, so it's time to think about smaller, local power setups.

    Chuckwalla National Monument: Creating this monument is a big step in keeping sensitive ecosystems safe from the impacts of climate change.

    Moab to Mojave Conservation Corridor: This amazing set of protected lands showcases a joint effort to preserve the Southwest's unique landscapes.

    Links to help alleviate suffering in Los Angeles:

    Pasadena Humane Society

    California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund

    World Central Kitchen

    California Fire Foundation

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    30 mins
  • Season Four coming soon!
    Jan 6 2025
    Explore the vital efforts in desert conservation with the return of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." Season four kicks off on January 14th. We explore the profound impact the desert has on global environmental health. Join the journey to save the desert and uncover why these landscapes are essential to our world.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    2 mins
  • S3E37: BLM Cozies Up To Renewable Energy Companies
    Dec 24 2024
    Join Chris Clarke as he discusses apparent collusion between Nevada's BLM staff and energy companies with journalist Jimmy Tobias. In this enlightening episode, explore the controversy surrounding the development of Greenlink transmission lines and their potential environmental impact. Discover how renewable energy initiatives are reshaping Nevada and the tensions arising from these changes. Learn about the concerns from diverse stakeholders, including the National Park Service and local conservationists, while considering the unexpected alliances forming in response to these projects.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    37 mins
  • S3E36: Laughing Coyotes and Saguaro Dreams: An Unlikely Desert Awakening
    Dec 18 2024

    The desert is more than a landscape; it is home. Chris Clarke's personal narrative exemplifies this connection, merging personal reflection with broader ecological advocacy. For those invested in its fate, the desert isn't just a geographic location—it's an integral part of their identity, a family to defend. And as challenges of development and conservation persist, this community remains steadfast, ever-present in their resolve and bound by the timeless spirit of the desert.

    Key Takeaways:

    Desert Conservation Journeys: Chris reflects on a year dedicated to exploring and advocating for desert ecosystems, discussing topics ranging from Joshua Trees to border policy to water laws in Nevada.

    Personal Connection to the Desert: Chris shares personal stories that underline how the desert has become central to his identity and life mission, encapsulating the strong emotional and environmental connection.

    Collaborations and Interviews: The podcast featured numerous influential figures in desert advocacy in 2024, providing diverse perspectives on ecological and cultural issues affecting desert regions.

    Challenges and Triumphs: The episode touches on both the successes and setbacks in desert conservation efforts, emphasizing the persistent need for active advocacy.

    Community Engagement: Through listener stories and support, the podcast fosters a sense of community around the shared goal of protecting desert habitats for future generations.

    Notable Quotes:
    "I am the desert and the desert is me."
    "There is just something about this part of the world that speaks to me."
    "We are literally all related. How can we not defend this place?"
    "The desert needs you in 2025 more than it did in 2024."

    Resources:
    90 Miles from Needles https://90milesfromneedles.com
    Desert Advocacy Media Network https://thedamn.org
    Our Desert News Newsletter https://desertnews.substack.com

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    33 mins
  • S3E35: Reimagine, Rebuild, Resist: Creating the World We Want Together
    Nov 26 2024

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles, the Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke delivers an impassioned reflection on the results of the recent election. He traces the roots of today's situation to the Reagan administration and beyond, while discussing the challenges the progressive movement faces in countering conservative policies. Highlighting the importance of grassroots activism, Chris emphasizes the need for a unified vision and community involvement to effect meaningful change. Throughout the episode, Chris underscores the significance of a concerted effort to engage people at the local level to tackle environmental threats and social injustices head-on. As the episode unfolds, Chris challenges the environmental movement to broaden its scope, emphasizing the vital need for cooperation with local communities—a strategy successfully utilized by the environmental justice movement. Chris calls for imaginative conceptualizations of a sustainable future while recognizing the obstacles posed by the entrenched political system. He promotes active public engagement and community-based responses as essential components for achieving the envisioned societal change.

    Key Takeaways: The importance of grassroots organization and maintaining active engagement in political processes beyond merely voting. Understanding the conservative movement's sustained effort over decades to shape policy and society, contrasting with periodic liberal responses. Articulating a compelling vision for a better world that transcends mere opposition to conservative agendas. The necessity for the environmental movement to connect deeply with local communities and involve them actively in preservation efforts. The role of community in countering national challenges, advocating for local responses to systemic issues.

    Notable Quotes:

    "Given that we outnumber them, why are we in this predicament?"

    "We've been forced to use tools like the ESA and NEPA. We would have been stupid not to use them."

    "We've got to be about more than just opposing our opponents. We have to have a vision of how we want the world to be."

    "It's going to involve actually talking to your neighbors in real time, either face to face or on the phone."

    Resources:

    For further information or to support their efforts, listeners can visit https://90milesfromneedles.com/stop47 and explore the Trump Opposition Reporting Fund under the "Stop 47" initiative. Additionally, the podcast welcomes financial contributions via https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    41 mins
  • S3E34: Hope the Mexican Wolf: A Tale of Survival and Loss in Northern Arizona
    Nov 19 2024

    Join host Chris Clarke as he delves into the poignant tale of Hope, a Mexican wolf, with Greta Anderson from Western Watersheds Project. Discover the politics behind wolf recovery north of Interstate 40, and the broader implications for conservation policy. Anderson highlights the need for policy changes to support the natural dispersion of wolves. This episode underscores the vital work involved in desert protection and emphasizes community efforts in fostering ecological awareness and reform.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    35 mins
  • S3E33: Dr. Naomi Fraga on the Frontlines of Botanical Conservation
    Nov 12 2024
    Join host Chris Clarke and guest Dr. Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs at the California Botanic Garden, as they explore the challenges and successes in desert plant conservation in Nevada. Discover the plight of Tiehm's buckwheat threatened by a lithium-boron mining project and the promising steps toward protection for the Tecopa bird's beak. Navigate the complexities of environmental protection amid rapid industrialization and learn about the vibrant ecosystems that hang in the balance. Discover how these efforts intertwine with broader themes of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    45 mins
  • S3E32: Vote, Engage, and Protect Our Desert
    Nov 5 2024
    In this special Election Day 2024 episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris sheds light on the crucial role of civic engagement in the ongoing struggle to protect North America’s deserts. Released strategically on a day when decisions hold power over environmental policies, this episode emphasizes the dual efforts needed both in voting and ongoing advocacy to drive the change they wish to see in environmental and desert policies.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    24 mins