In this episode, I interview Terri Martin with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA). The podcast highlights the reintroduction of the America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act, which seeks to protect over 8 million acres of public lands in Southern Utah from exploitation. The discussion includes the significance of the act within the broader '30 by 30' initiative aimed at conserving 30% of land and ocean areas by 2030. Topics covered include the role of local control versus federal oversight, the involvement and support of Native American tribes in wilderness designations, the concept of landscape connectivity for wildlife movement, and the climate benefits of protecting these lands. Terri emphasizes the critical role of citizen activism in driving conservation efforts. The episode reiterates the importance of these lands for future generations and the need for ongoing advocacy and legislative support.

https://suwa.org/ask-your-members-of-congress-to-cosponsor-americas-red-rock-wilderness-act-2/

https://suwa.org/

00:56 Breaking News: America's Red Rock Wilderness Act

03:43 The History and Success of SUWA

05:35 Challenges and Strategies in Wilderness Advocacy

08:14 Local Control vs. National Interest

11:45 30 by 30 Campaign and Wilderness

17:43 Native American Tribes and Wilderness Designation

24:07 America's Red Rock Wilderness Act

31:42 Climate Change and Wilderness Protection

40:14 Conclusion and Call to Action