In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben Burr and Simone Griffin discuss the proposed Dolores National Monument in Western Colorado with local advocates Sean and Danielle Pond. The conversation delves into the implications of the monument on public land use, local economies, and community involvement. The Ponds share their journey into advocacy, the misconceptions surrounding the monument, and the potential economic impacts on their community. They emphasize the importance of local voices in the debate over land management and the need for public engagement to oppose the monument's designation.

Halt the Dolores National Monument Petition: https://www.change.org/p/halt-the-designation-of-the-dolores-river-national-monument

https://blueribboncoalition.org/help-us-oppose-the-dolores-river-canyon-national-monument/

In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben Burr and Simone Griffin interview Tate Morgan from Sons of Smokey and the Gambler 500. They discuss the origins of the Gambler 500, a race that evolved into the largest trash cleanup event in the world. Tate explains how the Sons of Smokey organization was created to fund the trash cleanup efforts and develop an app for reporting and mapping trash sites on public lands. The conversation also touches on the perception of the Blue Ribbon Coalition and their role in advocating for off-road enthusiasts and protecting access to public lands. In this part of the conversation, Ben and Tate discuss various topics related to public land usage and management. They touch on the impact of national monuments on access and activity, the misconception that motorized users cause more damage than non-motorized users, the importance of getting people out on public lands to foster stewardship, the balance between concentration and dispersion of recreational activities, the role of technology in accessing new areas, the need for responsible use and stewardship among side-by-side users, and the impact of closures and restrictions on public land. They also address the perception that the motorized community is to blame for closures and emphasize the importance of unity and collaboration among different user groups. Ben highlights the need for fair and evidence-based decision-making and challenges the narratives that often dominate public land discussions. In this final part of the conversation, Ben and Simone discuss the importance of education and advocacy in public land management. They address the need for organizations like Tread Lightly and Sons of Smokey to educate users about responsible recreation. They also emphasize the role of administrative advocacy and litigation in influencing land management decisions. The conversation then shifts to the Lakeview Resource Management Plan in southern Oregon, specifically the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes. They discuss the different alternatives proposed in the plan and the potential impact on access and recreation. They encourage listeners to submit comments and get involved in the public comment process.

Mentioned in the show:

Download Sons of Smokey App: SonsOfSmokey on the App StoreApplehttps://apps.apple.com › app › sonsofsmokey

Comment on Christmas Valley plan: https://blueribboncoalition.org/lakeview-oregon-rmp-christmas-valley-dunes-are-at-risk/

Send feedback on Owyhee wilderness proposals: https://blueribboncoalition.org/oppose-the-owyhee-wilderness-in-eastern-oregon-and-western-idaho/

Representative Ken Ivory joins the podcast to discuss Utah's historic lawsuit challenging federal ownership of public land. The lawsuit, if successful, could impact how public land is managed not only in Utah but across the country. Ivory explains the background of the lawsuit and the promises made by the federal government that haven't been fulfilled. He emphasizes the importance of multiple use and sustained yield of public lands and criticizes the federal government's management practices. Ivory also addresses concerns about the potential consequences of Utah winning the lawsuit and highlights the need for constitutional questions to be addressed. >>>> Read the Complaint Here <<<<