Desert Ecology, Fish, and Restoring Species with Nick Buckmaster

Desert Ecology, Fish, and Restoring Species with Nick Buckmaster

In this conversation, I interview Nick Buckmaster, a senior environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. We discuss the ecological significance of desert pupfish and Lahontan cutthroat trout, the challenges of invasive species, and the importance of conservation efforts in the Eastern Sierra. Nick shares insights into his work, the Heritage Trout Program, and the role of fishing in fostering a connection to nature. Our conversation highlights the need for community involvement in conservation and the impact of fishing licenses on funding these efforts. Get into the wild with Ned: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/ [https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/]    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nick Buckmaster and His Role 02:44 Understanding Desert Pupfish: Ecology and Importance 06:51 Exploring the Eastern Sierra: Geography and Biodiversity 09:03 Conservation Efforts for Pupfish Recovery 12:05 Challenges in Managing Invasive Species 13:35 Ecological Role of Pupfish in Their Habitat 15:53 Personal Connection to Fishing and Conservation 21:03 Favorite Fishing Spots and Experiences 24:01 Lahontan Cutthroat Trout: History and Characteristics 27:04 The Evolution of Cutthroat Trout 29:12 Life History and Morphology of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 32:36 Restoration Projects for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 36:27 Challenges in Fish Restoration and Management 40:40 The Role of Recreation in Conservation 47:35 Heritage Trout Program and Its Importance 54:21 Community Involvement in Conservation Efforts

From Childhood Curiosity to Ecological Stewardship w/ Linzi Seivwright

In this episode, Scottish ecologist Linzi Seivwright shares her journey from childhood fascination with deer to her current work managing deer populations and habitats in Scotland. She discusses land ownership, deer management strategies, balancing ecological health with cultural values, and engaging communities in conservation efforts. This conversation explores the cultural significance of deer in Scotland, deer management practices, the role of hunting as a responsibility versus a right, and innovative approaches to sustainable land stewardship and community engagement. It highlights the importance of hope, collaboration, and connecting people with nature through responsible deer management and venison production. Connect with Linzi: https://caorann.com/about-2 [https://caorann.com/about-2]  Findhorn Venison: https://findhornvenison.co.uk/ [https://findhornvenison.co.uk/]    Learn to Hunt and fish with Ned: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/ [https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/]    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lindsay Seivwright and Scottish Conservation 02:54 The Landscape of Murrayshire and Deer Management 05:59 Childhood Influences and Early Passion for Ecology 08:54 Connecting Young People with Nature and Careers 11:41 Cultural Significance of Deer in Scotland 15:08 Challenges in Deer Management and Conservation 17:56 Balancing Ecosystem Health and Deer Populations 21:02 Diverse Landowner Groups and Management Plans 22:10 Creating Deer Management Plans 25:24 Hunting as Responsibility vs. Right 27:10 Cultural Significance of Deer in Scotland 28:38 Balancing Tradition and Technology in Deer Management 29:46 Challenges of Hunting Rights and Responsibilities 32:12 Connecting Communities with Hunting 40:02 The Venison Story and Local Food Security 51:46 Future of Deer Management and Conservation Collaboration

Veganism is Not Harmless with Tovar Cerulli

In this episode, Tovar Cerulli and I engage in a profound conversation about hunting, its cultural roots, ethical considerations, and its role in shaping our relationship with death. We explore how hunting is more than a way to procure food — it's a practice deeply intertwined with identity, spirituality, and ecological awareness. To connect with Tovar: https://tovarcerulli.com/ [https://tovarcerulli.com/]   If you want to hunt, fish, or learn wilderness skills from Ned: @stepintoyourwild [https://www.instagram.com/stepintoyourwild/]   Key Topics: * Tovar Cerulli’s personal journey from veganism to hunting as a means of reconnecting with nature * Cultural history of hunting in North America, including its associations with nobility, class, and identity * The ecological concept of coexistence, and how it involves accepting death as part of life * The psychological and spiritual significance of hunting moments of connection and sacredness * The critique of hunter education and the importance of social, emotional, and ritual infrastructure to initiate new hunters * Evolving notions of coexistence, shifting from no harm to accepting death as a natural process * The role of hunting as a pathway to accepting mortality and enhancing compassion and understanding in society * The importance of making outdoor and hunting spaces more inclusive and accessible Timestamps: * (00:00) - Introduction: The cultural complexity of hunting and its significance * (03:16) - The history and archetypes of the hunter: nobility, rednecks, and societal perceptions * (08:52) - Ethical ambiguity and perceptions of hunters in American culture * (13:00) - Moments of sacredness and connection during hunting experiences * (16:10) - The meaning of coexistence: from no harm to accepting mortality * (21:11) - How hunting shapes the relationship with death and mortality * (27:25) - Integrating death into the psyche: emotional and spiritual impacts * (34:30) - Initiation into hunting: education, ceremony, and cultural infrastructure * (40:18) - Modern efforts to provide social and emotional support for new hunters * (45:00) - Closing thoughts: inclusion, access, and the future of hunting culture

What People Are Missing about Conservation and Sharing the Land w/ Doug Duren

In this episode, Doug Duren discusses the evolution of land ownership, conservation, and community-driven management. He explores how sharing land can enhance wildlife habitats, foster relationships, and support sustainable land use practices rooted in Leopoldian principles. Connect with Doug:  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dougduren/] * Sharing the Land [https://sharingtheland.com/] Want to Reconnect to a wilder way of living? Step Into Your Wild [https://www.instagram.com/stepintoyourwild/]   Timestamp: 00:00 - Introduction to the concept of the opposed rally game cooperative 00:16 - Doug’s day and commitments amid land conservation discussions 00:30 - Origins of sharing the land and its connection to Leopold’s ideas 01:02 - The history of the Leopold cooperative and habitat improvements in Wisconsin 01:57 - Land access and community engagement in conservation 03:19 - Challenges of recruiting hunters and land accessibility today 04:01 - The significance of hunting as a conservation tool 05:00 - Matching landowners with access seekers via software platforms 06:28 - Practical advice for starting small and building trust with landowners 07:57 - Examples of land use and the importance of voluntary cooperation 08:18 - The contribution of hunters to conservation through deer management 09:21 - Perspectives on the negative impacts of overpopulation and habitat loss 10:54 - Habitat challenges across the Midwest and historical land use changes 11:21 - The importance of understanding land history and the evolution of ecosystems 12:40 - Flaws in the North American conservation model and habitat-focused management 14:42 - Broader conservation funding sources beyond hunting and license fees 16:05 - The need for science-based management addressing habitat and species diversity 17:34 - Innovative approaches like eco-hunting and the need for habitat-centric policies 18:51 - The importance of young hunters and fostering a conservation ethic 19:50 - The potential for selling venison as a sustainable management tool 22:55 - How science and habitat management can address the overabundance of white-tailed deer 25:43 - The role of programs like CRP, EQIP, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service in habitat restoration 27:20 - Land management practices from past to present and their ecological impacts 29:02 - The significance of land history, storytelling, and long-term stewardship 32:46 - The origins and purpose of sharing the land as a community effort 34:56 - The story of Hans Moritz Bach and land conservation through ownership and stewardship 37:47 - Building a network of willing landowners and access seekers for mutual benefit 40:38 - The future of land sharing and conservation through community engagement 44:32 - Teaching and learning through direct experience and the importance of place-based knowledge 47:33 - The joy of observing land’s natural progression and personal connection 49:02 - Practical advice for landowners interested in conservation and community sharing 50:41 - Final thoughts on maintaining land health and fostering reciprocal relationships

Apathy is Killing Our Rivers: A Conversation w/ Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited

In this conversation, Chris Wood discusses his journey from a passion for fishing to a career in conservation, emphasizing the importance of protecting cold water fisheries and public lands. He highlights the significance of the Roadless Rule, the role of sportsmen in conservation efforts, and the ongoing challenges faced in the field. The conversation also touches on the Klamath River restoration project and the need for community engagement to combat apathy towards conservation. Chris shares insights on the healing power of nature and the optimism that drives conservationists to continue their work despite the challenges.   To connect with Trout Unlimited: @troutunlimited [https://www.instagram.com/troutunlimited/]   Want to learn to hunt or fish? https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/ [https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/]   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chris Wood and His Work 02:58 Early Fishing Memories and Connection to Nature 05:54 The Transition from Fishing to Conservation 08:54 The Roadless Rule and Its Importance 11:50 Current Challenges Facing the Roadless Rule 19:35 Rallying Voices for Conservation 22:03 The Importance of Roadless Areas 23:07 Connecting with Decision Makers 27:20 Organizing for Conservation 30:33 Restoring River Ecosystems 34:49 The Resilience of Native Fish 48:55 Optimism in Conservation 58:30 The Call to Action