In this episode, I speak with Kyle Lavin, a conservationist and wilderness and wildlife advocate from Bozeman, Montana. We talk about Kyle’s experiences growing up in Pinedale Wyoming and his strong ties to the wilderness areas of Montana and Wyoming. We discuss the significant changes in Pinedale and Jackson Hole, Wyoming over the years, from childhood memories to the impacts of natural gas production. Kyle and I discuss personal wildlife encounters, including rare sightings of wolverines in the Wind River Range, and the lasting impact of these experiences. We move on to discuss the challenges faced in conserving Montana’s Gallatin Range amidst increasing recreational use and the pressures of population growth.

00:57 Interview with Kyle Lavin: Conservation and Wilderness

01:36 The Gallatin Range: Conservation Challenges

04:08 Montana’s Changing Landscape and Celebrity Residents

14:00 Growing Up in Pinedale, Wyoming

22:49 Impact of Natural Gas Production in Wyoming

31:32 The Influence of Social Media on Wilderness Areas

35:01 The Impact of Social Media on Nature

35:34 Wolverine Encounters in the Wilderness

40:29 Moving to Bozeman for Love and Nature

45:28 Exploring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

50:25 Conservation Concerns in the Gallatin Range

01:03:59 The Importance of Protecting Wilderness Areas

01:06:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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