Backcountry Report - Ep. 2: CWD Research, Roan Plateau Threats, and Policy Roundup

Backcountry Report - Ep. 2: CWD Research, Roan Plateau Threats, and Policy Roundup

A major CWD study reveals new transmission risks. The Forest Service proposes a rule that weakens public input. We track urgent conservation funding in Congress, new grazing directives, and state-level fights in PA, OR, and CO—where the Roan Plateau is under threat. Plus, boots-on-the-ground updates from Idaho and New Mexico. Show Notes: Forest Service Directive Overhaul: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/01/2026-13281/organization-functions-and-procedures-public-notice-and-comment-for-standards-criteria-and-guidance [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/01/2026-13281/organization-functions-and-procedures-public-notice-and-comment-for-standards-criteria-and-guidance] CWD Study: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aeb7613 [https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aeb7613] Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the voice for your wild public lands, waters, and wildlife to be part of a passionate community of hunter-angler-conservationists. BHA. THE VOICE FOR OUR WILD PUBLIC LANDS, WATERS AND WILDLIFE. Follow us: Web: www.backcountryhunters.org [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/] Instagram: @backcountryhunters Facebook: @backcountryhunters

Backcountry Report - Ep. 1: Kicking it Off

In this launch episode of the Backcountry Report, BHA introduces its new Podcasts & Blasts feed, covers major conservation headlines — from a federal order loosening motorized access and attacks on the Roadless Rule to wetlands funding, the America the Beautiful/Legacy Restoration Fund, Potential for Sunday hunting in Massachusetts, California MPA petitions, and a Montana corner‑crossing lawsuit — highlights grassroots stewardship wins and upcoming BHA events, and more. Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the voice for your wild public lands, waters, and wildlife to be part of a passionate community of hunter-angler-conservationists. BHA. THE VOICE FOR OUR WILD PUBLIC LANDS, WATERS AND WILDLIFE. Follow us: Web: www.backcountryhunters.org [https://www.backcountryhunters.org] Instagram: @backcountryhunters Facebook: @backcountryhunters

Conservation Cooperative, Ep. 4, Part I: Brook Trout & Climate Change

Today, we're diving into the world of brook trout -- how they're being affected by our changing climate, and what that means for the future. We are also going to take some time to appreciate this incredible species. Ongoing research here in the Northeast is revealing some amazing insights into the resilience and adaptability of these beloved fish. Guests Include: Adam Kautza. Coldwater Fishery Resource Project Leader. MassWildlife. Stephen Jane, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Fellow. University of Notre Dame Benjamin Letcher, Ph.D. Ecologist. USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center. Show Related Links Journal Article: Concurrent warming and browning eliminate cold-water fish habitat in many temperate lakes. Stephen F. Jane, Thomas M. Detmer, Siena Lr. Larrick, and Siena L. Larrick. 2024. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38165940/] Benjamin H. Letcher USGS Profile [https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/benjamin-h-letcher]

Conservation Cooperative, Ep. 3: Wildlife Crossings

It's MEMBER APPRECIATION WEEK at Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. And for our podcast listeners who aren't already members, we're giving you a special chance to become one. For the month of June, use discount code BLAST10 at checkout for 10% off all Individual & Family Memberships*. Join today, [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/join-bha] fuel BHA's conservation work and enjoy the many other perks of being part of our community. Thanks for being a BHA member! *does not apply to Gift Memberships Today's episode: In this episode of the Conservation Cooperative, we're looking at how roads impact wildlife and the role that wildlife crossings can play on the landscape. Guests Include: Ben Goldfarb. Award Winning Journalist and Author of Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet Kate Cleary, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies. SUNY Potsdam. Acting President of Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative. Erin Sito. U.S. Public Policy Director. Wildlands Network. Brian Bird, Ph.D. New England, New York, New Jersey Chapter Coordinator. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

The Real Cost of Public Land Transfer

Inside a new economic assessment of federal public lands For a lot of us, public lands are deeply personal. They're where we learned to hunt, where we camp with our families, where we go to breathe a little easier and remember what matters. But increasingly, the future of those lands is being debated in terms of economics, efficiency and ownership — and those conversations are getting louder across the West. On this episode of the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers podcast, we sit down with BHA's Regional Stewardship and Habitat Connectivity Manager, Dre Arman, to unpack a new economic assessment put out by BHA's Idaho chapter and partners examining what a large-scale transfer of federal public lands to the state could actually cost. We break down the numbers behind land transfer proposals, the jobs and communities tied to public lands, and why these conversations matter not just for Idaho, but for every public land owner in America. It's a thoughtful discussion about stewardship, economics and the long-term future of the places we all care about. READ the 2026 Economic Assessment on Proposals to Transfer Ownership of Federal Lands to the State of Idaho [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/news/details/2026-economic-assessment-on-proposals-to-transfer-ownership-of-federal-lands-to-the-state-of-idaho] Podcast reminder: BHA is still planning next steps for our podcast. Thanks for listening to this new and important conversation, and we'll be sure to update everyone as soon more information is available on what's to come. Thanks for bearing with us.