For many of us, the story of the American wilderness begins when Europeans arrived on these shores and began conquering it. The wide open spaces of the American West loom large in our country’s mythology.

But what often gets written out is the history and culture of those native societies who were here to begin with — and whose relationship to this land is very different. And while one-percenters have contributed generously to preserve and protect the pristine wilderness they love, the people who work for them are often struggling, working two or three jobs.

How are public and private land interests competing in the American West? Can conservation and recreation coalesce in a way that is inclusive of all communities?

Guests:

Dina Gilio-Whitaker, American Indian Studies Lecturer, California State University San Marcos

Justin Farrell, Author, Billionaire Wilderness: The Ultra-Wealthy and the Remaking of the American West (Princeton University Press, 2020)

Diane Regas, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Trust for Public Land

Jessica Newton, Founder, Vibe Tribe Adventures 

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