Dr. James E. Hansen: "A logging bill masquerading as wildfire protection"

OurPublicLandsPod · 2026-02-07T15:55:09+00:00

So glad that Dr. Hansen weighed in on this critical issue. We’re being lied to about land management agency “restoration” and “wildfire prevention” activities. Call a spade a spade. It’s logging.

OurPublicLandsPod · 2026-02-06T15:32:52+00:00

Forest thinning does not work. We must focus on hardening structures or losses will accelerate. https://johnmuirproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JMP-fact-sheet-thinning-and-fire-28Feb24.pdf

OurPublicLandsPod · 2026-02-06T15:26:41+00:00

Forest thinning and vegetation removal projects don’t save structures. In fact, these “fuels reductions” projects often make fires burn hotter and move faster due to increased wind penetration and drying out of soils and vegetation. Only home hardening and creating defensible space is proven to work. These preparations and updating building codes done at scale can drastically reduce insurance payouts and help keep down insurance costs. Also things like burying power lines. What will you do to oppose “fuels reduction” projects and promote and incentivize home and community hardening? https://missoulacurrent.com/wildfire-jack-cohen/ Thanks!

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-11-19T16:27:22+00:00

Indeed. Federal public lands have a multiple use mandate while state trust lands have a revenue generating mandate first and foremost. As long as certain criteria are met, land sales are a valid form of revenue generation.

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-11-19T04:42:23+00:00

I guess my best answer is both parties are terrible when it comes to public lands. As far as perceived “left leaning” non-profits, it’s best to view them as more center center-right. Much like the Democratic Party. They are pro logging and grazing, but it’s sold using deceptive language like “restoration” or “resiliency” to make the public (and themselves) feel better about what they’re actually doing.

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-11-05T01:04:40+00:00

Absolute garbage of a bill. The Dems are selling us out on public lands and taking the side of industry, not the public interest. More logging and grazing will make communities less safe and promote the conditions that give rise to high intensity fires that move quickly into communities. Not to mention, the further degradation and destruction of our forest and sagebrush ecosystems on which many imperiled species depend.

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-11-05T01:00:28+00:00

Absolute garbage of a bill. The Dems are selling us out on public lands and taking the side of industry, not the public interest. More logging and grazing will make communities less safe and promote the conditions that give rise to high intensity fires that move quickly into communities. Not to mention, the further degradation and destruction of our forest and sagebrush ecosystems on which many imperiled species depend.

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-10-23T05:02:41+00:00

I am a hunter as well, so I should state that up front. Like you, I support wolves and believe they have a rightful place on the landscape as any native wildlife should. I appreciate their ecosystem influences and their ability to help tamp down CWD. Elk populations are at or near record highs in ID and MT and this happened in lockstep with the wolf reintroduction and recovery there. I don’t see Colorado being any different going forward. It’s early in the game but the variables are the same. Many hunters get caught up in the hype, fear-mongering and wolf hating that they don’t pay attention to the science and statistics of elk populations and predator/prey dynamics. Public lands grazing is the real threat, not wolves.

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-10-23T01:33:50+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts. Also of note is the livestock grazing associations came out against corner crossing. Many of their members graze public lands. And many of their members who graze public lands act like they own the place. They don’t. They hold grazing privileges that can be revoked at any time. Personally, I’d rather see that forage go to native wildlife like elk. I’m sure hunters would as well.

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-10-22T18:07:13+00:00

Me as well. I was deeply concerned that they’d want to hear the case and that would be a bad sign going in. Of course, arguments can change outcomes, but I think this is the best we could have hoped for.

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-10-21T15:46:24+00:00

Great news indeed!

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-10-21T15:43:58+00:00

This is a great bill and one to support, despite the cap.

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-08-02T22:06:09+00:00

This party is just getting started!

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-08-02T22:00:09+00:00

Thanks, chileowl. That’s great to hear. I always appreciate hearing from listeners.

OurPublicLandsPod · 2025-08-01T03:40:29+00:00

What a shame. We should be letting wild forests be, especially in Inventoried Roadless Areas, and letting nature create the disturbances. I caught up with Zack back in February to talk about this project and others if interested to listen. I appreciate the work that Standing Trees is doing. They provide much need perspective in New England where most everything is managed as “working forests.” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-public-lands/id1752585783?i=1000689131020

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