Our Public Lands
A podcast about our beloved and treasured public lands where I interview subject matter experts and activists from across the country who are working to protect and advocate for our public lands and their wildlife, wilderness, and cultural values.
Our Public Lands
#1 - Poisoning the Public Lands
In the inaugural episode of 'Our Public Lands,' host Adam Bronstein speaks with Sharon Selvaggio from the Xerces Society about the federal USDA APHIS grasshopper and Mormon cricket spraying program. They explore the extensive use of pesticides on public and private lands to control these native species and its widespread ecological impacts. Sharon provides insight into her background, the mission of Xerces, and the critical importance of invertebrate conservation. The discussion highlights the negative effects of these sprays on biodiversity, the need for more sustainable land management practices, and the current legislative and public engagement efforts to reform the program.
http://www.xerces.org
00:00 Introduction to Our Public Lands Podcast
00:57 Launching the New Project
03:31 Sharon's Background and Journey
05:22 Importance of Public Lands
07:11 Overview of Xerces Society
13:04 Focus on Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets
13:18 History and Impact of Grasshopper Spraying
25:53 Understanding Grasshopper Outbreaks
31:00 Monitoring and Thresholds for Spraying
32:55 Influence of Human Activities on Outbreaks
33:24 Grasshopper Development and Overgrazing
34:36 Impact of Vegetation on Grasshopper Density
35:52 Managing Public Lands for Biodiversity
38:06 Concerns Over Insecticide Spraying
39:46 Sustainable Solutions for Grasshopper Management
42:05 Case Studies of Insecticide Spraying
52:19 Call for Transparency and Reform
01:05:34 How to Get Involved and Take Action
01:07:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts