In this episode, I interview Michael Garrity, executive director of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies. Mike discusses in detail numerous legal battles led by the Alliance, aimed at protecting imperiled species such as grizzly bears, bull trout, and lynx, from destructive practices such as road building, logging, and livestock grazing. Specific examples from regions like the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the Targhee National Forest, and various projects in Montana and Idaho illustrate the wide-reaching effects of these legal actions. The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (otherwise known as NREPA) is presented as essential for preserving the northern Rockies and its world-class biodiversity by designating 23 million acres of roadless lands as wilderness and protecting 1,800 miles of wild and scenic rivers. Our conversation concludes with a call to action for public support and awareness to push for NRPEA and emphasizing that the success of NREPA and similar initiatives relies heavily on public engagement and the eventual support of major environmental organizations.

www.allianceforthewildrockies.org

https://allianceforthewildrockies.org/NREPA/

03:45 Discussion on Prescribed Fires and Their Impacts

05:56 Controversial Public Lands Provisions in Legislation

08:07 Timber Contracts and Environmental Concerns

19:29 Legal Challenges and Environmental Litigation

41:28 Impact of Logging on Bull Trout Habitats

41:40 Legal Battles and Environmental Advocacy

46:22 Citizen Enforcement and Legal Misconceptions

49:05 Working with Hunters and Anglers

52:22 Challenges with Elk and Predator Management

01:01:05 Expanding Environmental Protection Efforts

01:04:13 The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

01:15:37 Call to Action and Final Thoughts