90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

Journalist Joe Dana of 12 News in Phoenix joins Chris Clarke to discuss questions raised by the August 29 flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park—and what happened inside the National Park Service before the disaster. After the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, Grand Canyon Trails Supervisor Adam Gibson warned publicly that the upper North Kaibab Trail had become a substantially more hazardous environment. In a March appearance on The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show , Gibson described debris flows, hydrophobic soils and risks likely to persist for years. Dana's reporting goes further. Sources told him that Gibson had recommended keeping the North Kaibab Trail closed for the 2026 season, and that park leadership initially appeared receptive to that recommendation before the entire trail reopened May 15. NPS had previously described its reopening strategy as adaptive, promising to “open what we can, where we can, when we can,” while balancing visitor safety, resource protection and operational readiness. Chris and Joe talk about the pressures on park managers to restore public access, the risks faced by trail crews and visitors in a recently burned landscape, and the larger question built into National Park Service management: how do you provide public enjoyment of extraordinary places while ensuring that those places remain unimpaired for future generations? NPS policy says conservation ultimately takes precedence when those purposes genuinely conflict. The August 29 flood killed two hikers, left a third missing, prompted roughly 80 rescues, and devastated infrastructure along Bright Angel Creek. As of September 8, the North Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and several other inner-canyon areas remain closed, with no estimated reopening date. Links and background Joe Dana and 12 News Grand Canyon Hiker Dude: Adam Gibson's March 4 interview NPS: North Rim reopening announcement, March 25 NPS: Current North Rim and North Kaibab Trail status National Park Service Management Policies: conservation and public enjoyment Chris will also be taking 90 Miles from Needles to El Paso for the Fourth Chihuahuan Desert Conference, November 4–6, 2026, at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Chihuahuan Desert Conference information Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode thumbnail photo by Bo Insogna. The deadly August 29 flood in Grand Canyon National Park received national attention, but it was not an isolated event. Flooding struck communities, parks and backcountry destinations across Utah, Arizona and New Mexico throughout the summer. Chris Clarke presents four things we should understand about desert flash floods: they are regional rather than isolated disasters; they are fundamental forces that build desert landscapes; blaming victims can undermine safety; and better preparation, warnings, closures and land-use decisions can reduce the danger. The episode also explains why violent monsoon floods do little to relieve the Colorado River drought. Key takeaways The Grand Canyon flood was part of a much wider period of destructive Southwest monsoon flooding. Flash floods are not aberrations in deserts. They carve canyons, move boulders, reroute washes and build alluvial fans. Experience and preparation reduce risk, but they cannot eliminate it. Blaming victims encourages people to treat safety warnings as advice intended for someone less competent. Closures, permits, upstream monitoring, better flood maps and responsible land-use decisions can save lives. Intense local flooding does not necessarily produce enough water to replenish major reservoirs or end a regional drought. Notable quote “The sustained river incision and the geological uplift are the canvas. The flash floods are the brushstrokes.” Griffiths, Peter G., Robert H. Webb, and Theodore S. Melis. 2004. “Frequency and Initiation of Debris Flows in Grand Canyon, Arizona.” Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface 109(F4). DOI: 10.1029/2003JF000077 Melis, Theodore S., Robert H. Webb, Peter G. Griffiths, and T.J. Wise. 1994. Magnitude and Frequency Data for Historic Debris Flows in Grand Canyon National Park and Vicinity, Arizona . USGS Water-Resources Investigations Report 94-4214. DOI: 10.3133/wri944214 Cannon, Susan H., et al. 2008. “Storm Rainfall Conditions for Floods and Debris Flows from Recently Burned Areas in Southwestern Colorado and Southern California.” Geomorphology 96(3–4): 250–269. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2007.03.019 Goodrich, David C., et al. 2018. “Southwestern Intermittent and Ephemeral Stream Connectivity.” Journal of the American Water Resources Association 54(2): 400–422. DOI: 10.1111/1752-1688.12636 Swain, Daniel L., et al. 2020. “Increased Flood Exposure Due to Climate Change and Population Growth in the United States.” Earth’s Future 8. DOI: 10.1029/2020EF001778 Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist Kimon de Greef joins Chris Clarke to discuss his new book, The Ego Trip: Psychedelic Toads, a Trail of Deaths, and the Guru Who Peddled Transcendence . The Sonoran Desert toad ( Incilius alvarius ) spends most of the year underground, emerging to breed during summer rainstorms. It is also the only animal known to produce 5-MeO-DMT, an extraordinarily powerful psychedelic compound, in its defensive secretions. That biological curiosity has made the toad the center of a global psychedelic industry. Chris and Kimon discuss how Sonoran toad secretions changed from a little-known psychedelic tool into an international spiritual commodity; how outsiders profit from romanticized ideas about Indigenous tradition; and what the resulting trade means for the toads, the people hired to collect them, and communities living amid poverty and cartel violence. They also examine parallels with the commercial appropriation and poaching of white sage, and consider an uncomfortable contradiction: people seeking healing, transcendence and communion with nature may be supporting a supply chain built on wildlife exploitation, misinformation and harm. Content Note This episode contains discussion of drug use, addiction, death, animal mistreatment and abusive psychedelic practices. It is not intended as medical advice or encouragement to use 5-MeO-DMT or any other controlled substance. About Kimon de Greef Kimon de Greef is a South African journalist whose work has appeared in The New Yorker , The New York Times , The Guardian , National Geographic , Guernica and other publications. He has a master’s degree in conservation biology from the University of Cape Town and a master’s degree in journalism from New York University. Much of his reporting concerns wildlife trafficking, illicit economies and the complicated relationships between human desire and the natural world. Kimon de Greef’s website Kimon on Instagram Buy The Ego Trip through Bookshop.org Publisher’s page for The Ego Trip In this episode The remarkable monsoon-dependent life of the Sonoran Desert toad What 5-MeO-DMT is, and why “toad licking” is both inaccurate and dangerous How Octavio Rettig helped popularize toad-derived 5-MeO-DMT Claims that toad smoking is an ancient Comcáac/Seri tradition Psychedelic tourism, cultural appropriation and spiritual marketing The economic realities behind supposedly “responsibly sourced” toad secretions Toad collection, repeated “milking,” displacement and disease transmission Why synthetic 5-MeO-DMT removes the need to exploit wild toads Parallels between the toad trade and the international market for poached white sage What scientists know and don't know about the toad’s population status The difficulty of conducting conservation research in cartel-controlled areas Why a potentially profound experience can still leave a trail of real-world harm Selected timestamps 00:02:07 — How Kimon found the story 00:03:52 — Sonoran Desert toad natural history 00:06:20 — 5-MeO-DMT and the toad’s defensive secretions 00:08:47 — Octavio Rettig and the rise of “toad medicine” 00:11:34 — The Comcáac community and claims of recovered tradition 00:14:50 — Is there evidence of ancestral toad use? 00:20:15 — Psychedelic tourism and its consequences 00:22:30 — Seri ironwood carving and the creation of “tradition” 00:30:10 — The parallel with white sage 00:34:59 — Toad-derived versus synthetic 5-MeO-DMT 00:38:44 — Inside the toad-secretion supply chain 00:44:35 — What is happening to wild toad populations? 00:50:27 — Psychedelic experience, reporting and ethical distance Further reading and resources Kimon de Greef’s original New Yorker investigation, “The Pied Piper of Psychedelic Toads” De Greef on the collection trade, “The Psychedelic Toad Milkers” High Country News, “A Hallucinogenic Toad in Peril” Sonoran Desert Toad Fund , supporting research and conservation throughout the species’ range Tucson Herpetological Society , whose president Robert Villa has worked extensively on the toad’s conservation Sonoran Desert toad species account from AmphibiaWeb U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sonoran Desert toad species profile PLOS One, “Diet and Chemical Defenses of the Sonoran Desert Toad” California Native Plant Society, White Sage Protection Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We think of range maps as static representations of where plants and animals belong. It doesn't often occur to us that maps are just snapshots of a constantly changing world. In the Mojave Desert, two sister species of desert ground squirrel coexist nearly side by side. A field guide's range maps will tell you where those species live right now. But those maps also convey hints out of Deep Time, and those hints can explain not only why the squirrels live where they do, but also how the two species evolved in their own directions. Host Chris Clarke shares the story of those sister species: the Mohave and Round-tailed ground squirrels. One is doing well and is abundant. The other has been designated as a threatened species. Each of them is a library of history... if we know how to read them. Chris also announces the launch of our Fellowship for Desert Reporting: prospective Fellows can start by filling out the application form at https://thedamn.org/fellowship-application . Resources Mohave ground squirrels California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Mohave Ground Squirrel Species overview, conservation status, recordings and access to the state conservation strategy. CDFW Mohave Ground Squirrel Philip Leitner, “Current Status of the Mohave Ground Squirrel: An Update Covering the Period 2013–2020” Reviews the animal’s current distribution, apparent losses from portions of its historical range and continuing conservation concerns. Status update PDF Mohave Ground Squirrel Technical Advisory Group CDFW’s archive of technical documents and meeting materials from researchers, agencies and other specialists. Technical Advisory Group Mohave Ground Squirrel Conservation Council: Publications A bibliography covering the species’ taxonomy, ecology, genetics, distribution and conservation. Publications list Separation, contact and hybridization Kayce C. Bell and Marjorie D. Matocq, “Regional Genetic Subdivision in the Mohave Ground Squirrel: Evidence of Historic Isolation and Ongoing Connectivity in a Mojave Desert Endemic” Animal Conservation 14 (2011): 371–381. Examines genetic structure and historical isolation within Mohave ground squirrel populations. Article and abstract Philip Leitner, Jennifer S. Rippert and Marjorie D. Matocq, “Genetic Structure Across a Contact Zone Between Xerospermophilus Ground Squirrels in Southern California” Western North American Naturalist 77 (2017): 152–161. Documents both species and genetically admixed animals near Hinkley. It also reports expansion across the former barrier of no more than approximately 30 kilometers—an average of no more than five meters per year. Full article “Distribution and Genetic Status of Xerospermophilus Ground Squirrels in the Barstow Region” Includes useful maps of trapping records and genetically identified Mohave, round-tailed and hybrid or backcrossed animals around Barstow and Hinkley. CDFW-hosted report Mojave River and vanished lakes Marith C. Reheis et al., “Geomorphic History of Lake Manix, Mojave Desert, California: Evolution of a Complex Terminal Lake Basin” Geomorphology 392 (2021). A detailed modern synthesis of the lake basin’s development, changing river routes, tectonics and climate history. USGS publication page USGS: Surficial Geology and Stratigraphy of Pleistocene Lake Manix Detailed geologic mapping of Lake Manix, its component basins and the deposits exposed by the Mojave River and Afton Canyon. USGS Lake Manix map and report Marith Reheis and Joanna Redwine, “Lake Manix Shorelines and Afton Canyon Terraces: Implications for Incision of Afton Canyon” Discusses the overflow of Lake Manix and relatively rapid initial incision of Afton Canyon at approximately 25,000 calibrated years ago. USGS publication record USGS: Mojave River and Associated Lakes An accessible introduction to the Mojave River, Lake Manix, Lake Mojave and the modern Soda and Silver Lake playas. Mojave River and Associated Lakes Range maps and Joshua trees USGS: High-resolution distribution maps for western and eastern Joshua trees Describes empirical and modeled range maps for Yucca brevifolia and Yucca jaegeriana across four states. USGS Joshua tree distribution study Smith et al., “Genome-Scale Data Resolves the Timing of Divergence in Joshua Trees” American Journal of Botany 108 (2021). Estimates that the two Joshua tree species diverged approximately 100,000–200,000 years ago. Journal article Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The vaquita is the world’s smallest and most endangered cetacean, but the handful still living in Mexico’s Upper Gulf of California may be more resilient than recent headlines suggest. In 2025, researchers concluded that there was a 67 percent probability that seven to ten distinct vaquitas had been observed in the study area. That was a count of animals seen, not an estimate of the species’ total remaining population. Researchers also found evidence that vaquitas are continuing to reproduce. Dr. Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho, one of the world’s leading vaquita experts and chair of the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita, joins Chris Clarke to explain why the species is not necessarily doomed by its small population. Surviving vaquitas appear healthy, continue to produce calves, and retain the genetic capacity to recover—if people stop killing them in gillnets. The vaquita is also a desert porpoise. Its only habitat lies in a marine ecosystem made exceptionally productive by its desert setting. Evaporation, concentrated saltwater, tides, wind, and upwelling continually move nutrients through the Upper Gulf. Although the loss of Colorado River flow has profoundly changed the delta and harmed some species, Rojas-Bracho says there is no evidence that food scarcity or habitat degradation is driving the vaquita’s decline. The principal threat is bycatch in gillnets used for shrimp, fish, sharks, and especially totoaba. Totoaba swim bladders command extraordinary prices in an illegal international market, bringing organized crime into a conservation problem already complicated by government resistance and the legitimate needs of fishing communities. Saving the vaquita requires eliminating gillnet deaths while developing fishing gear and markets that allow Upper Gulf communities to make a living without driving another species to extinction. About the Guest Dr. Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho has studied the vaquita for decades and helped establish the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita, known as CIRVA, which he has chaired since its creation. His research has addressed vaquita abundance, bycatch, genetics, habitat, fisheries policy, and the species’ prospects for recovery. He is affiliated with the National Marine Mammal Foundation and has worked extensively with Mexican and international scientists, conservation organizations, fishing communities, and government agencies. Quotable Moments “Vaquitas are strong animals. If you stop killing them, they will recover. It’s amazing how resilient they are.” “I would be satisfied if I see the population trend being positive, or at least not declining. I can die peacefully if I see that.” “We cannot be stupidly optimistic, but we are optimistic because the data shows that we can be optimistic.” “I don’t want Mexico to be the country that loses the vaquita.” “Don’t give up. That’s the worst thing.” In This Episode Why seven to ten vaquitas observed does not mean only seven to ten exist How the vaquita became adapted to natural rarity Why genetic evidence shows that inbreeding does not necessarily doom the species How a desert evaporation basin creates an exceptionally productive marine ecosystem What ending Colorado River flow has—and has not—done to vaquita habitat How fisheries authorities used habitat degradation to deflect attention from bycatch Why totoaba gillnets are particularly deadly How the illegal swim-bladder trade brought organized crime into the Upper Gulf Why protecting vaquitas cannot mean abandoning fishing communities The need for effective vaquita-safe fishing gear and better markets for safely caught seafood What listeners can do to help Resources Viva Vaquita — Background on the species, its habitat, the totoaba trade, conservation work, and current developments. Act Now for the Vaquita — Suggested actions include writing Mexican officials, supporting conservation work, making sustainable seafood choices, and avoiding shrimp and fish caught with gillnets. 2025 Vaquita Research Campaign report — The complete acoustic and visual survey report, including the seven-to-ten observation range, its statistical limitations, and evidence of continued reproduction. IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group: Vaquita — Scientific background, distribution, conservation status, and updates from cetacean specialists. CIRVA reports and archive — Reports from the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita, including recommendations on eliminating gillnet mortality and developing viable fishing alternatives. The critically endangered vaquita is not doomed to extinction by inbreeding depression — The 2022 genomic study discussed in the episode. Researchers concluded that the vaquita’s longstanding natural rarity has reduced its burden of damaging genetic variation and that recovery remains possible if bycatch stops. Mexico must save the vaquita from gill nets — A 2024 Science commentary coauthored by Rojas-Bracho and other vaquita researchers. Bycatch in gillnet fisheries threatens Critically Endangered small cetaceans and other aquatic megafauna — A study coauthored by Rojas-Bracho placing the vaquita crisis within the worldwide threat that gillnets pose to small cetaceans and other marine animals. Take Action Visit Viva Vaquita’s action page for sample letters to Mexican officials and other ways to help. Seafood buyers can also ask where shrimp and fish were caught and whether gillnets were used. Public attention matters: it gives officials who want to protect the vaquita political support to act and makes continued inaction harder to ignore. The vaquita’s situation is desperate, but extinction is not yet inevitable. The animals are still feeding, reproducing, and surviving. The remaining question is whether people will give them the opportunity to recover. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Border-wall contractors have destroyed three ancient Fremont cottonwoods in Lochiel, Arizona. Estimated to have been 200 to 250 years old, the trees stood in the path of two proposed 30-foot walls through the San Rafael Valley. One landmark cottonwood remains. Activists have occupied it in what may be the first tree sit organized against border-wall construction. Kate Scott joins Chris Clarke from the Casita de la Esperanza, the activists’ base at the former Lochiel port of entry. She describes the loss of the cottonwoods, the wildlife that depended upon them, and the apparent absence of meaningful environmental monitoring as the trees came down. She also explains why organizers are demanding protection for the surviving tree and an end to plans for a secondary wall through the community. The fight is about more than one cottonwood. The tree represents the ecological richness, cultural history and cross-border relationships threatened by wall construction throughout the Arizona–Sonora borderlands. Key Takeaways Contractors destroyed three of Lochiel’s four landmark cottonwoods to make way for border-wall construction. Activists are maintaining a tree sit in the remaining cottonwood and demanding that it be spared. Organizers also want the proposed secondary wall through Lochiel abandoned. The cottonwoods provided habitat for barn owls, flickers, kingbirds, insects and other wildlife. Scott also reports hearing a threatened yellow-billed cuckoo. Scott says Customs and Border Protection had promised protections for active bird nests, but activists saw no meaningful environmental monitoring during the tree removal. Organizers are combining direct action with art, music, ceremony and public gatherings. Wall construction threatens wildlife movement, a historic border community, neighboring ranchland in Sonora and potentially significant archaeological resources. Notable Quotes “We do not want a double wall through this historic community.” “Each one is unique—a universe in and of itself.” “This is not a crossing point. This is a wildlife migratory corridor.” “We’re not taking this anymore. We’re making our stand here.” “Don’t obey in advance.” About Kate Scott Kate Scott is a southern Arizona organizer and a co-founder of the Madrean Archipelago Wildlife Center. Her work includes community organizing and direct action to protect the San Rafael Valley and the wildlife, cultural resources and cross-border relationships threatened by border-wall construction. Resources Rally for the Valley on Instagram Support the Lochiel tree sit and campaign The Guardian: Protesters occupy a 200-year-old border cottonwood Episode image modified from a photograph by the Center for Biological Diversity. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal environmental laws matter. They have prevented destructive projects, protected wildlife and cultural sites, and given communities a way to challenge powerful interests. But laws are only as durable as the political support behind them. As the Trump administration weakens environmental and cultural protections, Chris Clarke asks what happens when desert advocates rely too heavily on Washington. If federal law is the only defense a landscape has, one election or court decision can leave that landscape exposed. The alternative is not abandoning federal protection. It is building additional layers beneath it: local ordinances, community relationships, persuasive stories, political constituencies and a shared understanding of what people stand to lose. Protecting the desert requires more than winning a legal argument. It requires enough organized public support to make destruction politically difficult. Key Takeaways Federal environmental laws remain essential, but laws alone cannot provide permanent protection. Political administrations can weaken regulations, reduce enforcement and reinterpret longstanding statutes. Environmental harm commonly produces concentrated private profits while distributing costs across the public. Local ordinances and policies can add protection when federal safeguards fail. Desert advocates need durable relationships with residents, workers, businesses, Tribal communities and local institutions. Successful movements give people reasons to defend a place before a destructive proposal appears. Building political power requires narratives rooted in community needs as well as ecological facts. Notable Quotes “The public loses more than money. We lose wildlife habitat, we lose groundwater, we lose archaeological and cultural sites, we lose wilderness.” “Profits become concentrated by one party, and the costs are borne by the public.” “Those of us who love a place shouldn’t just rely on Washington to defend it.” “A president can weaken federal laws. And if federal laws are the only layer of protection that we have for places that we love, then we find ourselves in the position that we’re in right now.” Join the Conversation What has helped people protect a place in your community? Which local campaigns have built lasting support across political or cultural lines? Chris would especially like to hear about community and independent radio programs covering desert issues. Email: chris@90milesfromneedles.com 90 Miles from Needles Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 13, 2026, President Trump announced new reductions of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, removing protections from nearly three million acres. The action again places Tribal cultural landscapes, wildlife habitat, watersheds and public lands at risk from mining, drilling and other development. Writer Morgan Sjogren joins Chris Clarke from southern Utah. Sjogren has traveled these landscapes extensively and written about Glen Canyon, uranium mining and the conflicting legacies carried by public lands. She describes the disorienting contrast between an enormous political assault and the apparent quiet of the country itself. The conversation also considers what landscape-scale knowledge provides: an understanding that rivers, mesas, wildlife, plant communities, rural towns and Indigenous homelands cannot be separated by conveniently redrawn lines on a government map. Key Takeaways The July 2026 actions removed national-monument protections from most of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. Bears Ears is an Indigenous cultural landscape whose protection was developed through years of Tribal leadership and advocacy. Reduced protections could expose lands to uranium and coal mining, drilling and other extractive uses. National-monument protection also safeguards rivers, watersheds, wildlife habitat, archaeological sites and public access. Sjogren argues that traveling through these places at landscape scale reveals connections that political boundaries conceal. Supporting organizations based in and near the monuments remains an important way to respond. Notable Quotes “The air is filled with tension, and the noise is mostly online, but outside it’s eerily quiet.” “Monuments are one of the most robust protections we have for rivers in this country.” “I’ve been getting to know my riverside neighbors: both the human and more-than-human, plant communities, wildlife, Tribes, rural Americans, urbanites, farmers.” “Vote like this landscape and our lives depend upon it.” About Morgan Sjogren Morgan Sjogren is a writer, adventurer and longtime traveler through the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. Her books include Path of Light: A Walk Through Colliding Legacies of Glen Canyon , Outlandish: Fuel Your Epic , and The Best Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Hikes . Resources Morgan Sjogren’s Glen Canyon Backcountry Club Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Bears Ears Partnership Conservation Lands Foundation: Defend Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Australian company has amassed mining claims across roughly 20,000 acres near Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree National Park. Dateline Resources says its Music Valley project could produce heavy rare-earth elements. Residents and conservationists see the possibility of an enormous industrial operation beside homes, wilderness, desert tortoise habitat, and one of the country’s best-known national parks. Chance Wilcox of the National Parks Conservation Association joins Chris Clarke to explain what has been proposed, how the Mining Law of 1872 gives mining interests unusual power over public land, and why Music Valley threatens more than scenery. Dust, noise, water use, traffic, habitat loss and diminished views could affect the landscape as well as the tourism economy supporting Twentynine Palms and the surrounding Morongo Basin. The project has also prompted a growing local response. Residents, small-business owners and conservation groups are finding common ground in a simple message: Twentynine Palms is a national-park gateway community, not a mining district. Key Takeaways Dateline Resources has acquired or staked claims across approximately 20,000 acres near Joshua Tree National Park and Twentynine Palms. Mining claims are not the same as an approved mine, but they establish the company’s interest in developing the area. Potential effects include habitat destruction, dust, noise, water demand, industrial traffic and damage to views from Joshua Tree National Park. Threatened Mojave desert tortoises and other desert wildlife occur within the affected landscape. The community’s tourism economy and residents’ quality of life are inseparable from the surrounding desert. The Mining Law of 1872 continues to give mining companies extraordinary access to minerals beneath public land. Notable Quotes “This is going to be about 20,000 acres of strip mine next to residential neighborhoods and Twentynine Palms.” “People live here to really be part of this landscape. And people live here for a reason.” “Twentynine Palms is not a mining town. It’s a gateway community to Joshua Tree.” “There’s so much more at stake. It’s about the interconnection of all of that to every small business in Twentynine Palms.” Resources National Parks Conservation Association: Five national parks threatened by mining exploration Los Angeles Times: Mining claims next to Joshua Tree National Park Recap of the Stop Music Valley Mine community meeting NPCA campaign concerning Dateline Resources’ activity at the Colosseum Mine Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fireworks are an American tradition—and a predictable source of wildland fires. Every year, July Fourth produces a sharp national increase in firework-related ignitions, with many occurring in the western United States. In desert landscapes, the danger is growing. Invasive annual grasses now carry flames through habitats where large, frequent fires were once uncommon. A single ignition can kill slow-growing native plants, destroy wildlife habitat, and begin a cycle in which fire encourages still more invasive grass. Chris Clarke examines the research on holiday fire ignitions, the fires that never become famous, and the growing strain on federal firefighting capacity. He also considers an obvious question: can we celebrate without setting the landscape on fire? Key Takeaways Fireworks cause a predictable surge in wildland-fire ignitions around July Fourth. A 2023 study found that firework-related ignitions are concentrated in the West and north-central United States, with a particularly large share recorded on Tribal lands. Invasive grasses have made many desert landscapes more vulnerable to fast-moving and repeated fires. Small ignitions matter even when they do not become spectacular disasters. Drone shows and other alternatives can provide communal celebration without the same fire risk. Notable Quotes “We remember the spectacular fires. We forget the thousands of ignitions that didn’t become disasters.” “The desert has already given us an incredible fireworks show: thunderstorms over distant mountains, meteor showers, the Milky Way visible in the background of silhouetted Joshua trees.” Resources The timing of fireworks-caused wildfire ignitions during the Fourth of July holiday season — Richard S. Vachula, Jake R. Nelson and Anthony G. Hall, PLOS ONE , 2023 Watch Duty wildfire map and alerts 90 Miles from Needles Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We visit the Amargosa watershed to discuss Greenlink West, a transmission project now under construction that will ship energy from Vegas-area solar facilities to data centers near Reno. This project not only threatens to enable an explosion of data centers in Northern Nevada, but also incentivizes solar developers to concentrate development in largely untouched desert in the Mojave and Great Basin. Key Takeaways: The Greenlink West transmission line is purportedly for energy distribution but appears to primarily serve data centers. NV Energy's developments misalign with publicized renewable energy goals, potentially increasing the burden on natural gas resources. The substation built in the Amargosa Valley indicates the impending rise of massive solar projects, with minimal benefits to local communities. Sallying efforts such as the strengthening of water rights control and military navigation illustrate the complex web of interests surrounding the project. The discourse reflects on broader energy infrastructure expansions, potentially at the expense of Nevada's untouched desert landscape. Notable Quotes: "It used to be the Greenlink was to fight carbon emissions and climate change. But the goal has been becoming more obvious over the years that no, it's just for hyperscale data centers that are going to suck up all of our energy and water." - Laura Cunningham "What if I told you, though, that there was a pretty good chance that data centers are going to seriously damage hundreds of square miles of the wild Mojave and Great Basin deserts in the state of Nevada?" - Chris Clarke "This public land needs to be put to use and it's not for people." - Laura Cunningham "The primary reason that so much solar was associated with Greenlink is because it was supposed to replace fossil fuel plants... they're gonna just go with the flow with whatever market is available." - Kevin Emmerich "To me, this is such an interesting area because 30 air miles that way is Area 51." - Laura Cunningham Resources: Basin and Range Watch Western Watersheds Project Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma within the United States Google Maps: Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, NV Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this timely episode, Chris discusses the best ways to avoid becoming a statistic while hiking during desert heat waves. He also points out that the vast majority of people suffering injury and death from extreme heat have little other choice. Migrants, the incarcerated, and outdoor labor all face serious threats from hot weather, with little recourse to protect themselves. That's why state and federal protections for workers and the incarcerated are so crucial. Notable Quotes: "Heat turns minor mistakes into fatal mistakes." "Testosterone is not an electrolyte replacement." Incarcerated people dying from heat injury is a frequent and growing problem that is not tracked in any methodical way." "Hug your dogs." Resources : Podcast Website: 90 Miles from Needles PO Box for Donations and Support: P.O. Box 127, 29 Palms, CA 92277 New analysis provides more evidence that heat standards save lives Leading Healthcare and Public Health Organizations Call for Federal Government to Fast-Track Rules to Protect Workers from Worsening Extreme Heat American Hiking Society's Hot Weather Hiking Guide Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of a personal loss and a several-week hiatus, our host Chris wonders about the future of the podcast and whether it's doing what we need it to do to get to the people who need to hear it. Listeners are encouraged to take a few easy and free (or cheap) steps to help spread the word of 90 Miles from Needles, including posting reviews on Apple, Spotify, or our website; boosting us on social media, and so many other possible ways to help. A full episode will come your way on 6/19! Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content note: sadness. Due to the death of a close family member, we will return on June 5. Listen if you want a few details. Pet Loss Resources and Support Hemangiosarcoma in dogs Donate to our Fellowship for Desert Reporting Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Chris talks with longtime border environmental activist Russ McSpadden about the controversial plans to erect a second border wall on the U.S.-Mexico borde. From the devastating effects on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to the desecration of a sacred geoglyph, Russ details the harm this unnecessary project would cause. The discussion emphasizes the challenges posed by waived environmental and cultural protection laws. Russ also speaks about new hope—the sighting of a jaguar in the Arizona skies offering a glimmer of resilience in the face of destruction. The episode also highlights his new poetry book "Borderlings," depicting life and conservation struggles along the border. Dive into this compelling dialogue for an in-depth understanding of desert conservation challenges and the ongoing fight to protect these precious landscapes from further harm. Key Takeaways: Ecological Impact of Border Wall: The construction of a second border wall poses critical challenges to biodiversity and destroys valuable habitats for numerous species, including the danger of groundwater depletion affecting Quitobaquito Springs. Cultural Destruction Alert: The episode highlights the significant damage done to ancient geoglyphs and indigenous cultural sites, emphasizing the negligence in preserving sacred sites. Legal Loopholes: The Real ID Act allows the waiver of significant environmental laws, facilitating unchecked progression of border wall construction, underscoring a critical need for legislative review. Spotting Conservation Hope: The recent sighting of a new jaguar in Arizona demonstrates the continued, albeit precarious, presence of these majestic creatures in their historical habitats. Personal Reflections in Poetry: Russ McSpadden's book "Borderlings" offers personal insight and reflections on the emotional and environmental turmoil of border regions, combining advocacy with creative expression. Notable Quotes: "These contractors who can't be even trusted to protect cultural sites sitting on the surface can really not be trusted to protect our groundwater sources as well." "We can't sue under the Endangered Species act because the Endangered Species act has been waived." "This area represents this whole circuit of trade networks amongst various peoples... it was a place of exchange and movement and trade." "These are jaguars that are rewilding themselves across the southern border into incredible habitat in their traditional mountain ranges." "The federal government has declared it [the border] an invasion and a sort of a war." Resources: Center for Biological Diversity Russ McSpadden’s Book: " Borderlings " See the Jaguar camera trap video "90 Miles From Needles" Podcast on Facebook , Instagram , Bluesky , and Threads . Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Summary: In this episode, host Chris Clarke revisits the spirited discussion surrounding the High Desert Art Fair and its portrayal in media. Cindy Bernard and Bernard Leibov engage in a dialogue to address critiques and misconceptions, particularly related to an LA Times article that stirred emotions within the Morongo Basin. Their conversation navigates the crucial roles of artists in economic and cultural spheres while emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding among residents and media alike. As the episode unfolds, Cindy and Bernard elaborate on key differences between various art events like the High Desert Art Fair and Desert X, underscoring their distinct roles in cultural development. They explore the often-contentious relationship between commerce and creativity. Their exchanges offer critical insight into the dynamics of art, community, and conservation in the desert landscapes. Key Takeaways: The High Desert Art Fair has been a growing initiative offering free and subsidized opportunities for local artists, contributing significantly to the community's cultural economy. There is a clear distinction between art fairs, like the High Desert Art Fair, and international biennials, such as Desert X, each serving different purposes and audiences. Addressing public misconceptions, the guests stress the importance of education and nuanced dialogue between new artistic movements and long-standing community members. The podcast underscores the value of local movements toward smart cultural and economic integration, contributing to more balanced community development in desert regions. Cindy Bernard and Bernard Leibov highlight the necessity for creative expression and economic sustainability to coexist in an evolving rural landscape. Notable Quotes: "The desert needs all sorts of people in order to be the economic place that it is. It's an environmental place, but it's also an economic place." — Cindy Bernard "Let's allow people some grace… We're all trespassing in a sense." — Bernard Leibov "Art and culture's existence in desert regions is crucial not only to expression but also to fostering economic opportunities." — Cindy Bernard "We are all adapting and learning, and education about the land and community is crucial for any new player in the desert landscape." — Bernard Leibov Resources: Visit Desert Trumpet for local news coverage in the Morongo Basin. Explore Boxo Projects to learn more about artists' residencies and programs in Joshua Tree. Reference the guidelines for artists on land use developed by key organizations, including the Mojave Desert Land Trust. This engaging dialogue brings to light the complex dynamics of the desert art scene and community interface, packed with insights on fostering sustainable cultural economics. Tune in to the full episode and continue joining us for more explorative discussions on art, culture, and conservation in "90 Miles from Needles." Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," Chris dives deep into the pressing issue of the Colorado River water crisis. As the lifeblood of many thriving cities and fertile fields in the southwestern United States, the Colorado River is now at the heart of a controversial and complex debate over water rights and sustainability in the face of an ongoing drought. But many participants in the debate overlook a surprising product created with the majority of the Colorado River's water. Key Takeaways: The Colorado River is a critical water source facing significant stress due to prolonged drought and historical policy misestimations. Alfalfa and other cattle feed crops consume over 50% of the Colorado River’s water, with substantial portions exported overseas. The 1922 Colorado River Compact's archaic provisions challenge present water rights negotiations, significantly impacting Indigenous and Mexican stakeholders. Environmental change can be driven by altering consumer habits, reducing the demand for water-intensive agricultural products like beef. Efforts are underway to conserve water within the river’s biggest irrigation districts, though solutions require collective policy and personal lifestyle adjustments. Notable Quotes: "The Compact of 1922 vastly overestimated the amount of water that would be in the Colorado River in an average year." "55% of all the water used in the Colorado River Basin is used to irrigate cattle feed crops." "An acre foot of water makes 650 cheeseburgers." Resources: Lake Powell water level crisis sparks emergency response - Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/lake-powell-water-level-crisis-sparks-emergency-response-11849167 Water and Tribes https://www.waterandtribes.org/projects#dataltem-1111lvui The 20 Farming Families Who Use More Water From the Colorado River Than Some Western States - ProPublica https://projects.propublica.org/california-farmers-colorado-river/ How a California Clean Energy Program Became a Boon for Big Dairies https://sentientmedia.org/california-clean-energy-program-boon-for-big-dairies/ California farms face pressure to boost efficiency as water supply declines | PBS News https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/california-farms-face-pressure-to-boost-efficiency-as-water-supply-declines Eliminate the Imperial Irrigation District? - Legal Planet https://legal-planet.org/2025/12/19/eliminate-the-imperial-irrigation-district/ Provisional Upper Colorado River Basin Consumptive Uses and Losses Report: 2016-2020 https://www.usbr.gov/uc/DocLibrary/Reports/ConsumptiveUsesLosses/uc-ucrb-provisionalconsumptiveusesandlosses-2021-2025-508-20251200.pdf Dairy's Large Water Footprint - FoodPrint https://foodprint.org/blog/dairy-water-footprint/ Water scarcity and fish imperilment driven by beef production https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1064&context=wffdocs The Colorado River's alfalfa problem - High Country News https://www.hcn.org/articles/landline-the-colorado-rivers-alfalfa-problem/ Western US states fail to agree on plan to manage Colorado River before federal deadline | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/12/colorado-river-agreement-state-negotiators California, the biggest water user in the basin, pitches Colorado River framework • Nevada Current https://nevadacurrent.com/2025/12/17/california-the-biggest-water-user-in-the-basin-pitches-colorado-river-framework/ The Colorado River | Briefing | EESI https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/021925rivers The Colorado River - Public Policy Institute of California https://www.ppic.org/publication/the-colorado-river/ 90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast website Follow the podcast on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads by searching "90 Miles from Needles". Donate to support the podcast: Text NEEDLES to 53555 or visit 90milesfromneedles.com/donate . Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Artwork by Carl Dennis Buell. In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke shares a poignant and introspective narrative about his early years in the Mojave Desert, weaving together personal reflections and environmental insights. Chris takes listeners on a journey back to 2008, reflecting on his time in the small town of Cima, California, and the unique experiences that have shaped his understanding of desert ecosystems and the vital partnerships within them. Chris explores the intriguing history of the Joshua tree, its interaction with the extinct Shasta ground sloth, and the fascinating complexities of ecological relationships over time. With vivid storytelling, he describes the challenges faced by these iconic desert plants in the face of climate change, highlighting the interconnectedness of species and the profound impact of historical events on modern-day ecology. Key Takeaways: Chris Clarke draws a compelling parallel between his personal journey and the ecological history of the Mojave Desert, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in understanding environmental issues. The episode highlights the critical role that extinct species, like the Shasta ground sloth, played in the dispersal of Joshua tree seeds, illustrating the interconnectedness of past and present ecosystems. Through reflections on climate change, Chris underscores the urgent need for proactive conservation measures to safeguard desert landscapes and their unique biodiversity. The story of Cima, California, serves as a microcosm of broader desert challenges, including invasive species and human impacts on fragile environments. Personal anecdotes and historical insights combine to create an engaging and thought-provoking narrative, reinforcing the value of desert ecosystems and the need for their protection. Notable Quotes: "You know you're in a small town when your post office box number is lower than your age." "Joshua trees are once again likely to die out in at least the southern parts of their range. But this time around, they have no sloths to carry their descendants northward." "Live with someone long enough, and invariably, even after the relationship ends, an image of the other remains behind." "The desert tree must now somehow manage on its own." "This gentleman holds two mutually contradictory beliefs in his head, without noticing the incongruity." Resources: More information on the Shasta ground sloth and its kin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothrotheriops Rodent Mediated Seed Dispersal of Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) For those who cherish the intricate narratives of the desert and its enduring mysteries, this episode of "90 Miles from Needles" is a must-listen. Join Chris Clarke as he unravels the threads of time and ecology, offering insights that resonate with both the heart and mind. Stay tuned for more captivating stories and essential discussions on desert conservation in upcoming episodes. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest(s): Ruth Nolan: Ruth Nolan is a distinguished poet, educator, and an ardent desert advocate residing in the Joshua Tree area. With extensive experience living in Coachella Valley and the Mojave Desert, she has become a central figure in desert literature and education. Ruth serves as a Professor of English and Creative Writing at College of the Desert and was honored as the first Mojave Desert Literary Laureate in 2021. She is the editor of "No Place for a Puritan: The Literature of California's Deserts" and the author of "After the Dome Fire". Her work emphasizes the cultural and environmental significance of the desert. Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Ruth Nolan, examining the impacts of art festivals on the desert community, specifically focusing on the High Desert Art Fair near Joshua Tree. Clarke and Nolan critically analyze the language and intentions behind a recent LA Times article that portrayed Pioneertown's art fair as a cultural mecca, akin to the Hamptons or Marfa. This raised significant concerns among locals about the gentrification and ecological footprint on their cherished desert. Through an insightful conversation, Nolan shares her discontent with the article's portrayal of the desert as an exploitable blank slate, intended as a playground for affluent city-dwellers. Nolan, rooted in a deep appreciation for the desert's unique charm, critiques the growing trend of large-scale cultural incursions that disregard the needs and voices of local residents. The episode further explores the concept of desert protection by urging new inhabitants and visitors to approach the desert with respect and stewardship rather than seeking to transform it into an urban extension. Key Takeaways: Gentrification Concerns: Ruth Nolan expresses concern over the influx of affluent outsiders transforming the Joshua Tree area, highlighting community displacement and environmental implications. Media Influence: The interview critiques media portrayals which often serve as promotional content rather than objective journalism, significantly impacting local perceptions and realities. Local Voices Matter: The need for community involvement and acknowledgment of local voices in discussions about development and conservation is emphasized. Desert's Unique Identity: Nolan advocates for the protection and appreciation of the desert's intrinsic beauty and fragility, pushing back against external visions imposing changes. Environmental and Social Stewardship: Encouraging newcomers to embrace sustainable practices and support local conservation efforts is vital for the desert's future. Notable Quotes: "Ask what you can do for the desert, not what the desert can do for you." – Ruth Nolan "Are we not learning that there's nowhere else to go after this?" – Ruth Nolan "The magic's already here. Just get out of your own head and go listen." – Ruth Nolan "There's a difference between moving here and connecting and respecting, and importing yourself because you have a vision." – Ruth Nolan "Eventually, what had looked like a monotonous expanse of boring, scraggly shrubs reveals itself as a magnificent expanse of boring, scraggly shrubs." — Chris Clarke Resources: The Border Chronicle: What Do Argentina's Disappeared Have to Do With Unidentified Migrants on the U.S.-Mexico Border? "Just outside Joshua Tree, this art fair set in a desert motel is building something you can’t get in L.A . ": Los Angeles Times Ruth Nolan's Latest Work: "After the Dome Fire" Mojave Desert Land Trust: Mojave Desert Land Trust Morongo Basin Conservation Association: Morongo Basin Conservation Association Native American Land Conservancy : NALC This episode of "90 Miles from Needles" invites listeners to reconsider how art, development, and culture intersect with conservation in sensitive desert ecosystems. Tune in to the full episode for a deeper exploration into these pressing topics and subscribe for more insights on desert protection and community advocacy. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris describes how the rise of the internet and profit-driven media ownership have decimated local news outlets and journalists' jobs. Within this context, Chris introduces a new Fellowship for Desert Reporting, aiming to foster in-depth, contextual journalism that connects desert communities to important environmental narratives. Chris Clarke recounts his experience in journalism, emphasizing the need for deep reporting that goes beyond superficial coverage of isolated events. He explains the fellowship's goals of nurturing new voices, providing aspiring journalists with the support and resources to develop expertise, and encouraging more comprehensive reporting on environmental and social issues affecting desert regions. The episode also touches on the dwindling support for local journalism and the potential transformative impact of community-driven media initiatives. As Chris notes, "You can't understand one project or one event without understanding the system it exists within," highlighting the necessity of systemic approaches to reporting on the desert's complex challenges. Key Takeaways: The substantial decline in traditional journalism has left many communities without comprehensive, contextual reporting. The Fellowship for Desert Reporting aims to transform how desert stories are told, emphasizing long-term perspectives and deep, systemic analysis. Chris Clarke explains that understanding environmental events requires a grasp of the systems and structures that underpin them. The podcast seeks to diversify its reporting by bringing in new voices with local expertise in desert communities through the fellowship. Listeners are encouraged to support this initiative, helping maintain diverse and impactful journalism in underrepresented areas. Notable Quotes: "The desert isn't a collection of isolated events. It's a system." - Chris Clarke "Give journalists the time and space to develop expertise, to build institutional memory, to internalize context." - Chris Clarke Resources: 90 Miles from Needles Website Fellowship for Desert Reporting Information Contact Chris Clarke: chris@90milesfromneedles.com Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.