dedication point - season 5, episode 3: James Skillen - How BLM's History Informs the Agency's Current Crisis

what can the history of land management agencies in the us teach us about our chaotic present day approach towards managing public land?

episode summary:

James R. (Jamie) Skillen is Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. He teaches and writes about federal lands in the American West. In addition to his research expertise, Skillen has diverse experience with federal lands. He worked seasonally for the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado, worked as a back country guide in California, hiked the Colorado Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, and teaches annual field courses in California, Nevada, and Oregon.

Jamie is the author of several books about the history of land management and land management policy here in the US. His first book, “The Nation’s Largest Landlord”, chronicles the history of the BLM, while his most recent book, “This Land is Our Land”, explores conservative rebellion against federal land management agencies.

relevant links:

Learn more about Jamie’s work as an author and professor here.