In this episode, we discuss George’s background, the greatest current threats to wilderness, practicing restraint as humans, impacts of recreation on wildlife, the value of wilderness beyond human use and enjoyment, sacrificing our enjoyment as recreationalists for the benefit of wilderness, the lesson(s) of wilderness, changing our relationship to the planet, the similarities in the message of the Wilderness Act and climate activists today, recreational demand in the Gallatin Range, the GYE as a special place where we can still protect wilderness on a grand scale, all about the work of Wilderness Watch, the Three Sisters permit system in Central Oregon, noise pollution and its health consequences, noise issues in wilderness, the impacts of livestock grazing in wilderness, retiring grazing permits and climate change and its impacts on wilderness areas.
"Founded in 1989, Wilderness Watch is the leading national organization whose sole focus is the preservation and proper stewardship of lands and rivers included in the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS). The organization grew out of the concern that while much emphasis is being placed on adding new areas to these systems, the conditions of existing Wilderness and rivers are largely being ignored. We believe that the stewardship of these remarkable wild places must be assured through independent citizen oversight, education, and the continual monitoring of federal management activities."