#21 - America’s Public Lands Under Attack w/ Wes Siler

In this episode, I interview Wes Siler. Wes delves into the pressing issues surrounding America's public lands, discussing how privatization efforts threaten public access and ownership. Key examples include the Yellowstone Club, the Crazy Mountains land heist, corner crossing, state efforts to wrest control over public lands, and federal public land sales under the guise of "affordable housing." Wes also addresses broader political failures and the adverse effects of defunding federal land management agencies, such as the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. We discuss the necessity of updating multiple use laws and the role of public lands in supporting a healthy democracy and sustainable ecosystems. Our conversation underscores the significance of protecting public lands from corporate and political elites to maintain their ecological and societal value.

00:35 Moving to Montana:

01:27 Comparing Europe and America: Nature and Wildlife

06:36 Public Lands and Privatization Concerns

08:02 The Yellowstone Club and Land Access Issues

10:23 Corner Crossing and Public Access

23:08 Political and Social Commentary

35:13 Public Lands and Equal Access

35:30 Balancing Interests: Profit and Preservation

37:35 Challenges with Current Laws and Corporate Influence

40:59 The Misconception of Affordable Housing on Public Lands

48:27 State vs. Federal Management of Public Lands

53:43 Economic Benefits of Federal Land Management

56:29 Impact of Defunding Federal Land Agencies

01:05:58 Personal Reflections and Concerns

https://wessiler.substack.com/

https://www.outsideonline.com/byline/wes-siler/

https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/04/some-usda-rif-plans-take-shape-department-warns-employees-major-cuts/404247/

https://www.truthdig.com/articles/america-the-failed-state/

https://substack.com/home/post/p-160580019