The MeatEater Podcast – Episode 667: The Prairie Preacher and a Rant By Steve

Release Date: February 24, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 667 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Stephen Rinella welcomes Dr. Dwayne Estes, known as the Prairie Preacher, from Tennessee. Dr. Estes serves as the Executive Director of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute and brings expertise in biology and conservation to the conversation. The episode delves into pressing conservation issues, federal budget cuts affecting land management agencies, and the vital work of restoring southeastern grasslands.

Federal Budget Cuts and Conservation Impact

Stephen Rinella initiates a critical discussion on the recent federal administration's budget cuts targeting various government agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

• Quote [04:45]: "Other agencies like USAID are being dismantled and folded into the State Department. The administration is not targeting land management agencies specifically but is engaged in a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce across the board."

Dr. Dwayne Estes emphasizes the broad scope of these cuts:

• Quote [24:24]: "These cuts are an assault on the federal workforce as a whole, not just the Forest Service or BLM. It's a ham-handed approach that disrupts critical conservation efforts."

Rinella further contextualizes the situation by comparing it to significant organizational changes elsewhere:

• Quote [26:00]: "They're using the same playbook that was used to break Twitter. I hope it goes better than that."

Conservation Strategies and Organizational Roles

The conversation shifts to effective conservation strategies and the roles of various organizations:

• Rinella discusses the importance of working within the system to effect change, highlighting the role of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP).

• Quote [30:03]: "TRCP works by engaging directly with lawmakers, maintaining relationships across the political spectrum to advocate for conservation policies effectively."

Dr. Estes underscores the necessity of strategic engagement over disruptive protests:

• Quote [32:18]: "If you're serious about making change in conservation, you have to engage intellectually and strategically in Washington D.C., rather than just protesting."

The duo debates the effectiveness of different conservation approaches, balancing grassroots activism with policy-driven strategies.

Restoration of Southeastern Grasslands

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the restoration of southeastern grasslands, a critical yet often overlooked ecosystem:

Dr. Dwayne Estes elaborates on the historical significance and current challenges of restoring grasslands:

• Quote [56:43]: "The myth that the eastern United States was entirely forested has had a detrimental effect on biodiversity and conservation. We're now investing billions into restoring ecosystems that were once diverse grasslands."

Rinella connects historical land use with present-day conservation needs, emphasizing the loss of grasslands and the necessity of active restoration.

• Quote [65:58]: "Grasslands harbor half the biodiversity of temperate eastern North America, and their biodiversity is collapsing due to neglect and mismanagement."

Dr. Estes discusses practical restoration efforts, including seed collection from remaining grassland remnants and the complexities of managing invasive species without relying heavily on herbicides.

• Quote [103:09]: "If we can't use glyphosate, our entire conservation effort for grasslands could be derailed. We need scalable solutions to manage invasives effectively."

Challenges in Grassland Restoration

The restoration process is fraught with challenges, particularly in managing invasive species and securing adequate funding:

Dr. Estes highlights the delicate balance required to restore native grasslands:

• Quote [86:04]: "Different types of grasslands require tailored restoration approaches. Coastal dune grasslands differ significantly from tallgrass prairies, necessitating specific strategies for each ecosystem."

He also addresses the issue of perpetual management:

• Quote [91:03]: "Grasslands are old-growth ecosystems requiring continuous management through fire and grazing to maintain their health and biodiversity."

Rinella and Dr. Estes discuss the importance of holistic and scalable restoration practices to ensure the sustainability of grassland ecosystems.

Personal Reflections and Organizational Insights

Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes and reflections provide depth to the discussion:

• Dr. Estes shares his journey in founding the Southeastern Grasslands Institute and the support he receives from his family and philanthropic partners.

  • Quote [136:00]: "This organization wouldn't exist without the relentless support of my wife. Building from scratch to a team of 50 requires a strong foundation at home."

• Corinne and Randall, co-hosts, interject with lighter moments and personal insights, balancing the episode's intense discussions.

Dr. Estes expresses concern over the immediate threat to his organization's capacity due to ongoing federal budget freezes:

• Quote [129:08]: "If the freeze doesn't lift in the next three to six weeks, we risk losing 90% of our team. We're facing the reality of needing to raise $30 million in six months to continue our vital work."

Call to Action and Future Initiatives

The episode concludes with a heartfelt call to action, urging listeners to support grassland restoration efforts:

• Dr. Estes invites listeners to engage with the Southeastern Grasslands Institute through their website and social media platforms to contribute to restoration projects.

  • Quote [126:34]: "Visit segrasslands.org and join us in restoring and protecting the remaining grasslands across 17 states."

Rinella reinforces the importance of awareness and involvement, encouraging the audience to take part in conservation efforts actively.

Conclusion

Episode 667 of The MeatEater Podcast offers a compelling exploration of the critical state of southeastern grasslands, the impacts of federal budget cuts on conservation, and the innovative efforts underway to restore these vital ecosystems. Through insightful dialogue and expert perspectives, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and necessities of grassland conservation.

For more information or to support the Southeastern Grasslands Institute, visit segrasslands.org and follow them on their social media platforms.