The Clear Cut Podcast By Wildlands League cover art

The Clear Cut

The Clear Cut

By: Wildlands League
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A deep dive into Canada’s approach to forest management. How does it work? What are the issues? What needs to change in order to meet our climate and biodiversity commitments? Hear from the experts in the line of fire, working to protect one of the country’s most valuable ecosystems.

Show your support with a monthly subscription: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2249817/support

Stand taller with a monthly donation or a generous one-time gift and receive a receipt for your taxes: https://donorbox.org/wlpodcast

Live outside Canada and want to support the show? Contact us: info@wildlandsleague.org.

Wildlands League is a Canadian conservation not-for-profit charity. Our registered charity number is 11878 2317 RR0001

© 2026 The Clear Cut Biological Sciences Economics Management Management & Leadership Science
Episodes
  • The Ring of Fire: What’s Really Happening in Northern Ontario?

    The Ring of Fire: What’s Really Happening in Northern Ontario?
    Apr 27 2026
    After a season break, The Clearcut is back with a new mini series: Playing with Fire. Hosted by Jan Sumner, this series takes a closer look at Ontario’s Ring of Fire and the growing questions surrounding mining, critical minerals, Indigenous rights, and environmental protection.In this episode, Jan is joined by Anna Baggio, Conservation Director at Wildlands League, to kick off the conversation. Together, they unpack what the Ring of Fire actually is, why this region matters, and what’s at stake when development is pushed forward in one of the world’s most carbon-rich peatland ecosystems. From the remoteness of the region to the political hype around critical minerals, this episode lays the foundation for the bigger questions this series will explore.__________________________________KEY TAKEAWAYSThe Ring of Fire is an extremely remote region in Northern Ontario with no road accessThe region sits within globally significant peatlands that store massive amounts of carbonThe Ontario government has heavily promoted the Ring of Fire as a major critical minerals opportunityThe area currently has exploration activity but no proven mine developmentJan and Anna explore whether Ontario could pursue critical minerals in ways that better align with climate, communities, and ecosystems__________________________________Be sure to subscribe to The Clearcut so you don’t miss the rest of the Playing with Fire mini series. If you’re watching on YouTube, like this video, leave a comment below, and share your thoughts on the future of mining, critical minerals, and environmental protection in Ontario.Help us continue sharing independent conversations about forests, wetlands, mining, and the future of Ontario’s wild spaces by supporting the show here → https://www.buzzsprout.com/2249817/support __________________________________CHAPTERS00:00 The Clearcut Returns00:30 Introducing the Series00:55 Journey to the Ring of Fire06:31 How Remote It Really Is09:19 Why This Region Matters12:22 Mining vs Climate13:35 The Government Push17:19 Big Questions About the Project19:32 Peatlands and Carbon22:29 Other Mining Options25:17 The Numbers Debate31:07 What’s Actually There32:58 Environmental Oversight35:36 Indigenous Communities38:23 A Project They Support41:29 What’s at Stake__________________________________STAY CONNECTEDFollow Jan →LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-l-sumner Follow Anna Baggio →LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-baggio Follow Wildlands League →Website | https://wildlandsleague.org/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/wildlandsleague Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WildlandsLeague X | https://x.com/wildlandsleague YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9Y4r80RLu55md3JJwYokQ __________________________________EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: The Clearcut podcast, Playing with Fire podcast, Jan Wildlands League, Anna Baggio, Wildlands League, Ring of Fire Ontario, Ontario mining, critical minerals Canada, Northern Ontario mining, peatlands Ontario, Hudson Bay Lowlands, climate change and mining, Indigenous rights mining CanaC-Suite PerspectivesElevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showhttps://wildlandsleague.org/theclearcut/
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    48 mins
  • The Clear Cut - Looking Back (& Farewell Kaya 🥹)

    The Clear Cut - Looking Back (& Farewell Kaya 🥹)
    Nov 21 2024

    Join Jan Sumner and Kaya Adleman for this special episode as they look back on all they've unpacked on the Clear Cut. It's a bittersweet one as this is Kaya's last time as co-host before the show goes on hiatus.

    Topics include: misguided industry responses to fire suppression, deceptive practices, greenwashing and pathways to a reimagined future for forestry management in Canada.

    We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kaya for taking us on an exploratory journey of Canada's forests and forestry practices.

    Thank you for listening!

    C-Suite Perspectives
    Elevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

    Support the show

    https://wildlandsleague.org/theclearcut/
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    49 mins
  • How Does Forestry Operate in Forest Dependent Communities?

    How Does Forestry Operate in Forest Dependent Communities?
    Jul 17 2024

    We return this week to our conversation with Executive Director Katie Morrison and Conservation Science & Programs Manager Josh Killeen of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s (CPAWS) Southern Alberta Chapter.
    Last week they painted the landscape of Alberta’s headwaters for us. We learned about the incredible value of this region to the wildlife, species, and many communities (across the continent!) who depend on them. This week we explore some of the challenges these lands are facing in greater depth. How does the underlying approach to forest management make it difficult for protection? What is the government’s role? And what are the opportunities, particularly unique to this landscape, that could result in better outcomes for all?

    Learn more about Josh and Katie's work on the CPAWS Southern Alberta Chapter's website and support a future for the Highwood here.

    Make sure to check out the show notes on the podcast webpage for more links and helpful resources.

    You can help this community grow by sharing the podcast with your friends.

    C-Suite Perspectives
    Elevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

    Support the show

    https://wildlandsleague.org/theclearcut/
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 7 mins
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