Our Public Lands

#1 - Poisoning the Public Lands

June 17, 2024 Our Public Lands Episode 1
#1 - Poisoning the Public Lands
Our Public Lands
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Our Public Lands
#1 - Poisoning the Public Lands
Jun 17, 2024 Episode 1
Our Public Lands

In the inaugural episode of 'Our Public Lands,' host Adam Bronstein speaks with Sharon Selvaggio from the Xerces Society about the federal USDA APHIS grasshopper and Mormon cricket spraying program. They explore the extensive use of pesticides on public and private lands to control these native species and its widespread ecological impacts. Sharon provides insight into her background, the mission of Xerces, and the critical importance of invertebrate conservation. The discussion highlights the negative effects of these sprays on biodiversity, the need for more sustainable land management practices, and the current legislative and public engagement efforts to reform the program. 

http://www.xerces.org

00:00 Introduction to Our Public Lands Podcast

00:57 Launching the New Project

03:31 Sharon's Background and Journey

05:22 Importance of Public Lands

07:11 Overview of Xerces Society

13:04 Focus on Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets

13:18 History and Impact of Grasshopper Spraying

25:53 Understanding Grasshopper Outbreaks

31:00 Monitoring and Thresholds for Spraying

32:55 Influence of Human Activities on Outbreaks

33:24 Grasshopper Development and Overgrazing

34:36 Impact of Vegetation on Grasshopper Density

35:52 Managing Public Lands for Biodiversity

38:06 Concerns Over Insecticide Spraying

39:46 Sustainable Solutions for Grasshopper Management

42:05 Case Studies of Insecticide Spraying

52:19 Call for Transparency and Reform

01:05:34 How to Get Involved and Take Action

01:07:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show Notes Chapter Markers

In the inaugural episode of 'Our Public Lands,' host Adam Bronstein speaks with Sharon Selvaggio from the Xerces Society about the federal USDA APHIS grasshopper and Mormon cricket spraying program. They explore the extensive use of pesticides on public and private lands to control these native species and its widespread ecological impacts. Sharon provides insight into her background, the mission of Xerces, and the critical importance of invertebrate conservation. The discussion highlights the negative effects of these sprays on biodiversity, the need for more sustainable land management practices, and the current legislative and public engagement efforts to reform the program. 

http://www.xerces.org

00:00 Introduction to Our Public Lands Podcast

00:57 Launching the New Project

03:31 Sharon's Background and Journey

05:22 Importance of Public Lands

07:11 Overview of Xerces Society

13:04 Focus on Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets

13:18 History and Impact of Grasshopper Spraying

25:53 Understanding Grasshopper Outbreaks

31:00 Monitoring and Thresholds for Spraying

32:55 Influence of Human Activities on Outbreaks

33:24 Grasshopper Development and Overgrazing

34:36 Impact of Vegetation on Grasshopper Density

35:52 Managing Public Lands for Biodiversity

38:06 Concerns Over Insecticide Spraying

39:46 Sustainable Solutions for Grasshopper Management

42:05 Case Studies of Insecticide Spraying

52:19 Call for Transparency and Reform

01:05:34 How to Get Involved and Take Action

01:07:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Introduction to Our Public Lands Podcast
Launching the New Project
Interview with Sharon Selvaggio
Sharon's Background and Journey
Importance of Public Lands
Overview of Xerces Society
Focus on Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets
History and Impact of Grasshopper Spraying
Understanding Grasshopper Outbreaks
Monitoring and Thresholds for Spraying
Influence of Human Activities on Outbreaks
Grasshopper Development and Overgrazing
Impact of Vegetation on Grasshopper Density
Managing Public Lands for Biodiversity
Concerns Over Insecticide Spraying
Sustainable Solutions for Grasshopper Management
Case Studies of Insecticide Spraying
Call for Transparency and Reform
How to Get Involved and Take Action
Conclusion and Final Thoughts