#193 | Restoring the American West: Wild Horses, Public Lands, and Rewilding with Manda Kalimian and Ross MacPhee, PhD

In this Thanksgiving Special, Brooke sits down with Manda Kalimian and Dr. Ross McPhee from Rewilding America Now to explore their bold mission of restoring the American West by reintroducing wild horses to public lands. Together, they discuss the evolutionary history of horses, their role as keystone species in grassland ecosystems, and the systemic challenges facing conservation on public lands. The conversation also delves into the controversial topics of lithium mining, electric cars, and the broader implications of balancing green initiatives with land restoration. Packed with hope, science, and groundbreaking ideas, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rewilding and reimagining the future of our landscapes.

00:00 Introduction to the American West 02:15 Conversation with Manda and Ross 02:48 Manda's Journey to Rewilding 05:41 Ross's Academic Perspective 10:14 The Ecological Role of Horses 10:53 Historical Context of Wild Horses 15:10 Rewilding America Now: Vision and Challenges 26:28 The Importance of Grasslands 32:39 Cows vs. Horses: Ecological Impact 39:15 Public Rangelands and Management 40:35 Public Land Management and the Bureau of Land Management 41:28 The American Wild Horse and Burro Act 42:24 Multi-Use of Public Lands 43:57 The Impact of Industrial Lobbying 45:36 Changes in Cattle and Land Use 47:12 Challenges Faced by Small Ranchers 51:09 The Process of Acquiring Grazing Permits 01:00:09 Environmental Impact of Mining 01:10:41 Rewilding America's Rangelands 01:18:31 Future Goals and Community Involvement

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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