About the Guest:

Ben Goldfarb is an award-winning environmental journalist and prolific author known for his focus on the intersection of human activity and wildlife. His works, including Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, explore groundbreaking ecological concepts and have been recognized by outlets such as the New York Times. Goldfarb's influential book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter has received critical acclaim for its insightful examination of the ecological significance of beavers. He currently resides in Colorado.

Episode Summary: In this episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb. The focus is on the nuanced field of road ecology and its implications on desert ecosystems. Clarke and Goldfarb delve into the effects of roads on wildlife, touching on staggering statistics like the million animals killed by cars daily in the U.S. alone. They explore how roadkill, highways, and infrastructures challenge species such as desert tortoises and pronghorns in arid regions, combining environmental insight with ground-level observations. As the conversation unfolds, Goldfarb expands on the transformative role of road ecology—a growing scientific discipline that examines the relationship between transportation infrastructures and ecological systems. He highlights pressing issues including hydrological impacts, wildlife mobility, and innovative solutions like wildlife crossings to promote ecological connectivity. Clarke and Goldfarb also explore technologies, policies, and community efforts aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of roads on the environment, weaving in discussions on living sustainability in desert habitats.

Key Takeaways

Road Ecology Definition: Road ecology is a dynamic scientific field focusing on how transportation infrastructure affects the environment, with extended applications from mitigating roadkill to supporting wildlife crossings. Impact on Desert Ecosystems: Roads in desert landscapes alter wildlife movement and hydrology, posing severe threats to species needing extensive ranges like the desert tortoise and pronghorn.

Wildlife Crossings: Successful wildlife crossings such as the Liberty Canyon project are vital in reducing road mortality and ensuring wildlife connectivity, especially in regions with high biodiversity.

Human Infrastructure Influence: The conversation highlights how human infrastructure can drive either positive ecological developments as in beaver habitats or embody detrimental impacts like excessive road development.

Beavers in Arid Lands: Goldfarb emphasizes that beavers once played a crucial role in maintaining riparian ecosystems in deserts, underlining the potential for ecosystem restoration.

Notable Quotes

"Road ecology is this relatively small but fast-growing field of science that looks at all of the different connections between roads and nature." – Ben Goldfarb "Beavers are sort of integral to those systems… the amount of lush flourishing in desert landscapes is incredible." – Ben Goldfarb

"Every ecological impact stems from a road to some extent. Roads are the root of all evil." – Ben Goldfarb

"We happen to do it in a way that is incredibly detrimental to biodiversity." – Ben Goldfarb

"In some ways, we and beavers are these weird mirror images of each other." – Ben Goldfarb

Resources

Ben Goldfarb's Book: Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet Ben Goldfarb's Book: Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter

Don’t miss out on this enlightening episode as Ben Goldfarb shares his invaluable insights into road ecology and its profound impact on desert ecosystems. Follow 90 Miles from Needles for more episodes that delve into pressing environmental issues and explore sustainable solutions.

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About the Guest:

Kyle Roerink is the Executive Director of the Great Basin Water Network. Roerink has been a pivotal figure in advocating for sustainable water management across the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau. His organization has played a significant role in addressing critical issues related to water rights, environmental protection, and the ecological impact of industry and urban development in the arid Southwest.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris Clarke speaks with Kyle Roerink, Executive Director of the Great Basin Water Network, about the ongoing battles and emerging concerns regarding water rights and environmental conservation in the arid regions of the Great Basin and the Colorado River Basin. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about an unusual statement from the former president regarding a mythical "faucet" to solve water issues in California, setting an intriguing tone about broader misconceptions and real challenges. The episode delves deep into current projects and proposals that threaten the water security and ecological balance in the regions. Roerink highlights the pressing issues surrounding lithium mining in Green River, Utah, and its potential environmental impact. The conversation explores the novel direct lithium extraction technology and the legal precedents it may set, impacting future mining projects in the area. The discussion also touches on the alarming number of proposed new dams and diversions in the Upper Colorado River Basin and the implications for downstream water rights and ecological health.

Key Takeaways:

Direct Lithium Extraction and Environmental Concerns: The controversial lithium mining project in Green River, Utah, utilizing direct lithium extraction technology, poses several environmental risks and legal challenges, particularly concerning groundwater rights and public welfare.

Over-Allocation of Colorado River Water: The ongoing issues of water over-allocation on paper versus actual availability, exacerbated by climate change and decreasing water flows, put immense pressure on water management across the Colorado River Basin.

Ecological and Legal Implications of New Dams and Diversions: The numerous proposed dam and diversion projects in the Upper Colorado River Basin underscore the need for rigorous scrutiny and sustainable planning to prevent exacerbating water shortages and ecological damage.

Glen Canyon Dam and Long-term Water Management: Discussion on the feasibility and future of maintaining both Lake Mead and Lake Powell reservoirs, with a growing consensus favoring prioritizing Lake Mead due to infrastructural and water delivery benefits.

Community and Environmental Advocacy: Highlighting the importance of grassroots advocacy, collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and the significant role of public knowledge and engagement in addressing the complex water issues in the arid Southwest.

Notable Quotes:

Kyle Roerink: "We can only do the green energy transition once. There's no room for error, there's no margin for error."

Chris Clarke: "There's a whole lot of money that you can make in destroying the desert, but not too much in saving it."

Kyle Roerink: "Mother Nature is the best teacher."

Kyle Roerink: "I think, like post federal lands Policy and Management act, that post Flitma era and push that really bolstered the environmental movement."

Kyle Roerink: "If we're to believe the nation's best scientists, the worst is yet to come."

Resources:

Great Basin Water Network https://greatbasinwater.org/

Living Rivers http://www.livingrivers.org/

Glen Canyon Institute https://www.glencanyon.org/

UC Berkeley Climate Futures Lab https://nature.berkeley.edu/ClimateFuturesLab

For more groundbreaking discussions about desert protection and water conservation, don't forget to listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more insightful content from "90 Miles from Needles." The desert needs your support and awareness now more than ever.

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About the Guest:

Dr. Michael E. Ketterer is a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Northern Arizona University. With extensive expertise in analytical chemistry and environmental analysis of radionuclides such as uranium and plutonium, Dr. Ketterer has dedicated his recent research to studying hazardous contamination from historical nuclear activities. He collaborates with various organizations to unveil significant public health and environmental threats, focusing particularly on fallout from the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke is joined by Dr. Michael Ketterer, a seasoned expert in analytical chemistry and environmental radioactivity. Together, they explore the often-overlooked subject of plutonium contamination in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Dr. Ketterer's in-depth research reveals shocking levels of contamination left over from Manhattan Project activities in the 1940s and onward. Living in close proximity to this historic contamination presents significant health risks, which have been largely underreported until now. Dr. Ketterer details his findings, explaining how he independently verified the presence of dangerous amounts of plutonium in water and sediment samples in Acid Canyon, a site previously deemed "cleaned up" by federal authorities. He discusses the broader environmental and public health implications, emphasizing how this hidden contamination endangers not only the local communities but also areas downstream of Los Alamos.

This episode is a clarion call for greater public awareness and stricter environmental standards to protect against long-lasting radiological hazards. Key Takeaways: Undetected Contaminants: Dr. Ketterer’s research uncovers significant levels of plutonium contamination in Acid Canyon, Los Alamos, contradicting official cleanup claims. Health Risks and Oversight: Federal authorities and local scientists have underestimated or dismissed the health risks presented by the historical contamination, raising concerns about regulatory oversight. Isotopic Analysis for Identification: Using isotopic analysis, Dr. Ketterer shows that the contamination traces back to early uranium processing activities from the Manhattan Project, not just global fallout.

Environmental Justice Issues: Downstream communities, including Pueblo populations, face ongoing risks from long-standing contamination, underlining severe environmental justice issues.

Policy Implications: The discussion advocates for the expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to include New Mexicans affected by historic nuclear activities, along with stricter regulatory standards.

Notable Quotes:

1. "It's mind-blowing to find 80 picocuries per liter of plutonium in the water. That’s extremely contaminated by any standard."
2. "The land, soil, and plants downstream are contaminated forever, affecting people who had no say in these activities."
3. "The government's lack of an apology and acknowledgment of the damage done is a critical issue. As Americans, we should apologize to New Mexicans."
4. "Living near a site like this requires permanent environmental monitoring. The government won't do it for you; you have to take matters into your own hands."
5. "The goal here is awareness and public participation. People, especially younger generations, need to question the reality of their environment and demand accountability."

Resources:

Nuclear Watch New Mexico Interactive Map (https://nukewatch.org/interactive-map-plutonium-contamination-and-migration-around-lanl/)

Searchlight New Mexico (https://searchlightnm.org/) - A publication dedicated to investigative journalism, including environmental issues

Dive into this enlightening episode to understand the serious implications of long-term plutonium contamination and the urgent need for public awareness and regulatory action.

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Chris Clarke delves into the controversial final programmatic environmental impact statement for the western Solar Plan, revealing the potential ecological damage from vast solar developments across 11 states. Despite personal support and advocacy for solar power, Clarke critiques the plan's sprawling approach and highlights a more sustainable alternative that might surprise you. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for smarter solar deployment to mitigate climate change without sacrificing crucial desert ecosystems. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis and a compelling argument for better planning in renewable energy projects.

• Chris Clarke's Email Newsletter: Letters from the Desert

• USGS Land Use Data: https://www.usgs.gov/news/estimates-areal-extent-us-parking-lots-now-available

• Western Solar Plan:** (Extensive documentation on the 2024 and 2012 Western Solar Plans for context on the policy discussed.) https://blmsolar.anl.gov/solar-peis-2023/

Listeners are encouraged to tune into this informative episode to gain deeper insights into solar energy policies, their environmental impacts, and the potential for intellige

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Public lands in Utah take center stage as Governor Spencer Cox announces a lawsuit aiming to shift control of those lands from federal to state hands. Chris Clarke explores the implications with Jonathan Thompson, a long-time public lands journalist. They dissect the motivations behind the lawsuit, potential impacts on conservation and recreation, and the significance of the proposed change for implementing laws like NEPA. Is Utah's push a genuine effort for better land management, or a pretext for more development and less regulation? Dive into this detailed discussion to understand what’s at stake for Utah’s cherished landscapes.

Jonathan's newsletter The Land Desk can be read here.

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The rise of renewable energy projects, particularly solar farms, in desert regions has sparked concern regarding their impact on native wildlife, including the desert tortoises. Solar panels cover vast tracts of land to capture sunlight efficiently, which can lead to habitat loss for the tortoises. They can be displaced from their native habitats, or their genetic connectivity can be disrupted. Moreover, the construction and maintenance of these solar farms can lead to direct harm or increase the risk of predator attacks as the landscape changes.

We talk to Kevin Emmerich of Basin and Range Watch about his group's proposal to protect thousands of acres in Nevada's Pahrump Valley by establishing an Area of Critical Environmental Concern, a BLM designation that could rein in the most destructive projects.

Basin and Range Watch: https://www.basinandrangewatch2.org/

Subscribe to Basin and Range Watch's email newsletter here.

Listen to our episode Shannon Salter Fights to Save the Desert.

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In this heartfelt episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke shares an evocative reading from his book, "Walking with Zeke," reflecting on meaningful experiences with his previous dog Zeke. This story reveals the depth of his connection to his pets and nature, illustrating the profound impact these relationships have on his life and work. The touching narrative about camping under the moonlight in Red Rock Canyon offers listeners a serene and introspective break from the podcast's usual format.

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing Activism and Personal Life: The importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially for activists.

• Personal Challenges: Insights into Chris's recent struggles with extreme weather and his dog's health, fostering a connection with the audience.

• Evocative Storytelling: Chris's reading from "Walking with Zeke" demonstrates his deep bond with nature and his pets.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Taking care of the desert comes from the same root as taking care of your family, taking care of those around you, however you define family."

2. "My dog breathes soft against my ribs, and an owl takes wing from the far cliffs, and I sit here, and Zeke with me, and he leans tonight, this moment..."

3. "It is a thigmotropic partnership, this pairing of dog and human. We crave each other's touch..."

4. "We arrived too late to claim the sheltered campsites at the base of those cliffs. The wind has scoured this campsite clean of all but the Joshua trees."

5. "I will recall this moment. I will remember this moment forever, I think to myself."

Resources:

• 90 Miles from Needles - Donate

• Mazamar Art Pottery

• Walking with Zeke by Chris Clarke

Don't miss out on this moving episode of "90 Miles from Needles" to feel a deeper connection to the desert and the personal lives intertwined with its protection. Stay tuned for more insightful stories and critical discussions about environmental preservation.

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Chris chats with Lucas Basulto, president of the Desert Advocacy Media Network, from a swelteringly hot living room about snakes in the desert. They trade snake stories, discuss common misconceptions about these reptiles, and stress the ecological importance of preserving their habitats. From Lucas' childhood snake-collecting antics to how to handle snake bites and the issue of road mortality, this episode offers a deep dive into the fascinating world of desert snakes. Whether you're a herpetology enthusiast or just snake-curious, this episode offers valuable insights and engaging discussions.

The site Luke mentioned for identifying California snakes is californiaherps.com. Similar sites focusing on snakes of other states: Here are Arizona and Texas and New Mexico and Nevada.

The video of Chris' dog Heart chilling out with a cranky red racer (a.k.a. coachwhip) is here.

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