In this episode, I interview Andy Kerr, a main stay of conservation politics and public lands advocacy. Andy discusses his journey into forest conservation, reflecting on key moments in his career, such as the Save French Pete demonstration in 1970, and significant legislative milestones like the Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978. Andy also highlights the impactful yet controversial Northwest Forest Plan, the role of the Forest Service, and the evolving nature of conservation efforts. He delves into the importance of wilderness, legislative advocacy, and the pressing need for a shift in how conservation movements must engage politically. Our conversation touches on various challenges, including the bureaucratic inertia of the Forest Service, the influence of the timber industry, and the ongoing fight for ecological integrity and public land conservation in the face of climate change and habitat destruction.

www.andykerr.net

00:00 Introduction

01:04 The Fight for French Pete

02:32 Wilderness Legislation and Political Battles

04:27 Challenges in Wilderness Designation

06:02 Evolution of Conservation Efforts

07:26 The Impact of the Timber Wars

10:09 Current Conservation Landscape

12:52 The Role of Wilderness Study Areas

29:26 The Northwest Forest Plan

33:40 The Benefits of Forest Conservation

33:45 Congressional Responsibility and Forest Service Actions

34:27 Forest Service's Logging Justifications

35:01 National Old Growth Amendment

36:07 Forest Service's Logging Practices and Incentives

37:37 Misrepresentation and Deception in Forest Management

40:34 Political Realities vs. Ecological Realities

41:06 Challenges in Forest Conservation

45:14 Congressional Influence and Rural Representation

49:22 Conservation Movement and Political Engagement

58:04 Advisory Committees and Forest Plan Amendments

01:02:01 Conclusion