The Politics of Public Lands

“A win in conservation is temporary. You’ll fight for it again. A loss is permanent.”

Notable Moments

[00:01:03] – Why politics and public land are inseparable

[00:04:37] – The impact of the Antiquities Act on land policy

[00:06:57] – South Carolina’s bipartisan approach to land conservation

[00:10:31] – Western vs. Eastern perceptions of public land ownership

[00:15:11] – Economic and social value of protected lands

[00:21:13] – The difference between temporary wins and permanent losses

[00:26:40] – Why every acre counts, from Yellowstone to your local county park

Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines explore the often-overlooked political realities of public land management. They examine how geography, history, and growth shape public land debates differently across regions, especially in the East vs. the West. From the Antiquities Act to state and federal tensions, they reflect on why effective leadership requires understanding policy and public sentiment. Phil shares South Carolina’s strategic approach, and both emphasize that conservation is about legacy—not just land. This episode encourages park leaders to engage in meaningful conversations, beyond politics, to protect the places that define our country.

Read my blog for more about the politics of public lands.

Resources

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