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