Defend Your Ground

Episode 37: Last Known Position Series - Interview with Casey’s Offroad Recovery

In this installment of the "Last Known Position series" we are joined by Casey Lofthouse, who has a long history as a volunteer for Search and Rescue teams across the state of Utah. With extensive experience in southwest Utah - and specifically Sand Hollow - Casey shares his stories of rescuing those in need. We also discuss safety and preparation best practices to ensure that your adventures always have happy endings.
The "Last Known Position" series is a podcast project that has been generously supported by the Utah OHV Program and the International Snowmobile Association

Episode 36: Stopping the 30x30 Agenda in Rock Springs, Wyoming

This episode was recorded at the Stop 30x30 Conference hosted by American Stewards for Liberty. BRC Board Member, Mark Maynard joins us to discuss BRC's efforts to oppose 30x30. We also discuss a new Resource Management Plan proposed by the Bureau of Land Management that will affect 3 million acres of land in Rock Springs, Wyoming.You can leave your comment on the Rock Springs plan here: https://www.sharetrails.org/southern-wyoming-under-attack-through-the-rock-springs-rmp/
Also mentioned in the show: https://www.sharetrails.org/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument-draft-management-plan-will-result-in-unacceptable-loss-of-access/
Episodes that discuss impacts to motorized snowmobile recreation are generously supported by the International Snowmobile Manufacturer's Association.

Episode 35: Manti-La Sal National Forest Needs Your Voice

The Manti-La Sal National Forest is requesting public feedback on the latest draft of their new forest plan. This will affect all forms of recreation use in over 1 million acres of central and eastern Utah. We appreciate the International Snowmobile Manufacturer's Association who has provided us with a grant to educate users about land management plans that will affect snowmobiling. This plan will affect snowmobiling, and int this episode we discuss what snowmobilers need to know.
You can share your feedback with the Forest Service here: https://www.sharetrails.org/manti-la-sal-national-forest-forest-plan/
This episode was made possible by generous support from the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.

Episode 34: Special Guest Will Harris - Leaving False Scientific Narratives in the Dust at Oceano Dunes

In the latest episode of the Defend Your Ground Podcast, Will Harris was our special guest. Will has been one of the key players in correcting the scientific record about the dust emissions - or lack thereof - at Oceano Dunes. Agencies often rely on limited scientific findings to pass sweeping policy changes, and this results in false narratives that become very difficult to uproot. We encourage everyone to listen to this episode to learn the truth about dust pollution and Oceano Dunes.
From the show: Here is the link to the SLOAPCD Board, where web-viewing of SLOAPCD Board meetings can be accessed. Their next meeting is September 27, 2023 at 9AM. The agenda for this meeting has not been posted yet, but Scripps' Dr. Lynn Russell will be making a presentation regarding her PM10 investigation at Oceano Dunes and Nipomo Mesa.
We encourage everyone to voice the concern that we need to stop using false scientific narratives to justify closing recreation access to public lands.
https://www.slocleanair.org/who/board/meeting-minutes.php
We also encourage everyone to support Friends of Oceano Dunes in their legal fight to keep Oceano Dunes open for motorized recreation:
http://OCEANODUNES.org
 

Episode 33: Defund the Monument Planners

Congress needs to defund the monument planners for Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. You can notify your member of Congress here: https://www.sharetrails.org/defund-the-bureau-of-land-management-national-monument-planners/
Everyone needs to add their voice to the Kootenai Forest snowmobile plan: https://www.sharetrails.org/action-alert-kootenai-over-snow-vehicle-plan/
 

Episode 32: President Biden Abuses Antiquities Act Authority to Create Monument in Arizona

Today President Biden is abusing his Antiquities Act authority to create 1.1 million acre national monument in Arizona called the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. This 30x30 land grab will lock the American people out from enjoying the benefits of these public lands. In this episode we discuss the problems with this monument, we discuss our legal challenge to the continued abuse of the Antiquities Act, and we share examples of how National Monuments are terrible for the lands they are allegedly created to protect.Help us oppose this national monument and abuse of the Antiquities Act: https://www.sharetrails.org/release-baaj-nwaavjo-itah-kukveni-grand-canyon-national-monument-designation-is-unlawful-land-grab/

Episode 31: Should National Parks Continue to Allow E-Bikes?

The National Park Service is re-evaluating their rule to allow e-bikes in national parks. After listening to the show, you can add your voice to the process here:
Make a Public Comment on the Plan
 

Episode 30: Ohwyee Canyons Access at Risk

Western Idaho is undergoing travel management, which designates routes in the area of Canyonlands East in Owyhee County. This is the Fossil Butte and Grandview areas. The project area is 815, 677 acres. Known for off roading, single track, camping and access to rivers and lakes, the BLM is analyzing the majority of the routes in this area.
Add your voice here: https://www.sharetrails.org/canyonlands-east-in-owyhee-idaho-travel-management/
Senator Wyden of Oregon has proposed a bill which will designate 1,134,292 acres as Wilderness completely restricted from motorized and mechanized use in the south eastern corner of Oregon and into Idaho. That is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. This area already sees large amounts of wildfires and restrictive management will only exacerbate this issue. The resources they claim to want to protect are the most threatened because of wildfires.
Known for overlanding, off-roading, single track use and many forms of recreation this bill would be catastrophic to the current and future users and communities of this area.
Add your voice here: https://www.sharetrails.org/oppose-the-owyhee-wilderness-in-eastern-oregon-and-western-idaho/