The MeatEater Podcast Episode: Ep. 666: MeatEater Radio Live! All Hands for Public Lands! Release Date: February 21, 2025

Introduction to MeatEater Radio Live

In Episode 666 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Cal Jensen, alongside co-hosts Seth Morris, Corey Calkins, and Phil, brings listeners a dynamic and insightful live discussion centered on the pressing issues surrounding public lands in the United States. The episode delves deep into the challenges faced by federal and state land management agencies, the impact of recent layoffs, and the broader implications for conservation and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Public Lands Under Pressure

Impact of Federal Layoffs

Cal Jensen sets the stage by highlighting the critical state of public lands, emphasizing how recent layoffs within agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service are jeopardizing the maintenance and stewardship of these areas.

Cal (02:08): "Public lands, access to public lands, access to public wildlife. Those are absolutely core to MeatEater to everybody who works here, and they just shouldn't be screwed with, man."

David Wilms reinforces the breadth of the issue, noting that the consequences of reduced staffing extend beyond mere maintenance woes.

David Wilms (07:49): "There's also habitat work going on, research going on. It trickles down to every facet of hunting and fishing... everything and other forms of outdoor recreation that are important too."

Interview with Ryan Schroeder: A Frontline Perspective

The episode features a heartfelt interview with Ryan Schroeder, a recently terminated rangeland management specialist from the BLM's Trace Rios Field Office in Dolores, Colorado. Ryan shares his journey from Purdue University to his role in public land management, underscoring the vital work range specialists perform in balancing agriculture, conservation, and wildlife management.

Ryan Schroeder (13:41): "We're here to help us steward our national natural heritage for current generations and for the future from this multiple use mission that the different agencies have..."

Ryan details the immediate impact of his termination, highlighting the daunting task remaining for an already strained team.

Ryan Schroeder (25:07): "There's a backlog of land health assessments and grazing permit renewals that we were getting geared up to do. This year it was going to be thirty more days or more days in the field..."

He expresses concern over the future of public land stewardship and the potential for further layoffs.

Ryan Schroeder (32:08): "This is important and this is not the end of it. And things need to happen... people need to know what is happening out on the ground."

Cal responds with empathy, encouraging Ryan and reinforcing the community's support.

Cal (34:12): "It's hard to hear, man. I think I appreciate you coming on... We'll keep sending you good thoughts and hope you do get reinstated."

Legal Insights and State-Level Land Transfers

Understanding the Utah Lawsuit with David Wilms and Bruce Kania

David Wilms provides a comprehensive legal analysis of the ongoing lawsuit in Utah aimed at transferring federal lands to state control. Joined by legal expert Bruce Kania from Floating Island International, they dissect the implications of the lawsuit's dismissal by the U.S. Supreme Court and the potential next steps in federal district courts.

Bruce Kania (37:10): "The U.S. Supreme Court in a 12-word order declined to accept jurisdiction of the case... they'll have to file it and go through the normal course of litigation."

Kania discusses the broader movement of states like Montana, Wyoming, and Arizona pursuing policies to transfer or sell federal lands, emphasizing the significant opposition from the public.

Bruce Kania (43:29): "67% of respondents opposed that across the west... The public doesn't want to see federal lands transferred."

Cal highlights the economic ramifications of such transfers, especially in small towns heavily reliant on federal employment.

Cal (55:38): "If you're a private landowner... you could not sell your private land to the federal government without the state legislature's approval."

Kania further elaborates on the environmental and economic consequences of federal land sales, drawing comparisons to state-managed lands that prioritize revenue generation over conservation.

Bruce Kania (57:52): "It's so short-sighted. The impacts on that would be pretty, pretty catastrophic."

Community Engagement and Listener Segments

Listener Trivia and Hot Tips

The live show incorporates interactive segments where listeners participate in trivia and share practical outdoor tips. Two standout submissions are highlighted:

1. Brandon Meyer (66:23): Advocates using toilet paper for blood trailing during deer hunts—a biodegradable and visible marker method.
2. Richard Tchaikowski (67:03): Recommends sprinkling cayenne pepper in socks to act as a natural vasodilator, keeping feet warm in cold conditions.

The audience votes in favor of Richard's tip, rewarding him with a Mole Tree Cell Camera for his innovative suggestion.

Seth Morris (69:09): "I'm going with Richard, because my feet freeze all the time. I struggle with it."

Special Feature: Methane and the Ice House Explosion

Interview with Bruce Kania on Floating Island International

Bruce Kania returns to discuss a recent methane-related incident—the "ice house explosion"—and its broader environmental implications. He explains how excessive organic material in eutrophic lakes can lead to methane buildup under ice, posing safety hazards.

Bruce Kania (71:21): "Organic material... becomes sludge. No oxygen in the sludge. That's where methane occurs."

Kania details Floating Island International's work in mitigating such issues through innovative environmental technologies like floating islands that trap excess nutrients and support aquatic life.

Bruce Kania (75:57): "Methane is colorless and odorless, but it's usually accompanied by hydrogen sulfide... If you smell that, be alert."

He offers practical advice for ice fishermen to detect and avoid dangerous methane concentrations, emphasizing the importance of monitoring ice conditions and utilizing sonar technology.

Bruce Kania (78:00): "Look at the ice, let it tell you what's going on. Clear ice and maybe some bubbles, but not many—you're probably in good shape."

Support and Community Initiatives

Cal Jensen highlights ongoing community support efforts, including a GoFundMe campaign for Rosalie, a recently laid-off Forest Service employee, underscoring the podcast's commitment to advocating for and supporting public land stewards.

Cal (80:43): "There's a GoFundMe to support Rosalie... If you got a couple of bucks to push their way, that'd be great."

Conclusion and Call to Action

As the episode wraps up, Cal underscores the importance of active engagement in protecting public lands. He urges listeners to contact their local and federal representatives to voice their support for conservation efforts and oppose detrimental land transfer proposals.

Cal (86:25): "It's just not okay to sit on your butt and do nothing. If this stuff matters to you... don't, don't write in anymore."

David Wilms echoes this sentiment, encouraging listeners to focus on actionable steps rather than dwelling on past electoral outcomes.

David Wilms (86:24): "Stop dwelling on the results of the election and dwell on what needs to be dealt with now."

The episode closes with a reaffirmation of the podcast's dedication to staying informed and proactive in the face of evolving public land challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Public Lands Are Under Threat: Federal and state agencies face significant challenges due to layoffs, impacting conservation and recreational access.

• Legal Battles Intensify: Ongoing lawsuits aim to transfer or sell federal lands to states, with overwhelming public opposition evident in recent polls.

• Community Matters: Active engagement and support for affected individuals and land stewards are crucial in combating detrimental policies.

• Innovative Solutions Needed: Addressing environmental issues like methane buildup requires both technological innovation and vigilant monitoring.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, participate in community initiatives, and actively advocate for the preservation and responsible management of public lands.