S4E2: Good News at Ash Meadows

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

About the Guest:

Mason Voehl is the Executive Director of the Amargosa Conservancy, which works to protect and celebrate the valuable ecosystems within the Amargosa Basin. Voehl's work includes a special focus on groundwater management near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke discusses the recent conservation victory concerning lithium drilling near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge with Mason Voehl, Executive Director of the Amargosa Conservancy. As the episode unfolds, listeners are taken through the journey that led to a significant win for preserving this crucial desert oasis. The discussion focuses on how public support and science-based advocacy led to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's recent decision to temporarily halt mining exploration that potentially threatens the sensitive groundwater systems crucial for the area's biodiversity. The conversation covers the unique ecological importance of Ash Meadows, home to numerous endemic species, and the continuous threats posed by Rover Critical Minerals' lithium exploration plans. Mason Voehl explains the strategic use of an administrative mineral withdrawal process to secure a 20-year pause on new claims that could disrupt the ecosystem. Furthermore, the dialogue explores the broader implications of mining, water conservation, and policy engagement, presenting a case study of community resilience and collaborative conservation efforts. This episode serves as a testament to achieving impactful environmental protection through grassroots activism, scientific grounding, and governmental engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a crucial biodiversity hotspot with rare and unique desert water sources.
• Public and community-driven advocacy is vital in attaining conservation victories against large-scale industrial developments.
• Temporary segregation of affected lands by the BLM can pave the way for potential long-term environmental protections.
• The Devil's Hole pupfish, an endangered species, plays a significant role in shaping water management strategies.
• Active community involvement and strategic litigation can leverage bureaucratic processes to secure ecological safeguards.

Notable Quotes:

• "Ash Meadows is the largest remaining oasis in the Mojave Desert and it is a biodiversity hotspot of international importance." – Mason Voehl
• "For a long time we have hated and resented the Devil's Hole pupfish. And now it's the pupfish's turn to save us." – Mason Voehl
• "We only got to this point because the local communities really believed in what we were doing." – Mason Voehl

Resources:

Amargosa Conservancy: amargosaconservancy.org

Sign up for the AC's newsletter: amargosaconservancy.org/newsletters/

90 Miles from Needles Patreon (sign up for free to join our new community of desert defenders): 90milesfromneedles.com/patreon

Follow Amargosa Conservancy on social media for updates:

• Facebook: Facebook.com/AmargosaConserv
• Instagram: Instagram.com/amargosaconserv/

Listen to this episode to gain deeper insights into desert conservation strategies and the power of community-driven environmental action. Stay tuned for more episodes of "90 Miles from Needles" as we continue to explore and protect the incredible landscapes of the desert southwest.

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