Episode 130: Conservation Challenges and Successes Amidst Increased Border Militarization In The Sky Islands

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Emily Burns, Program Director, Sky Island Alliance

About Emily Burns

Emily joined the Sky Island Alliance in 2019 after practicing conservation science and restoration for nearly a decade in the redwood forests of California at Save the Redwoods League.

She leads the team running all programs, including the Border Wildlife Study, the Trinational Internship Program, Sky Island FotoFauna, Spring Seeker, their stewardship projects, and communications.

Her hope for the Sky Islands in the next 30 years is that communities make choices that keep water flowing, native plants thriving, and wildlife safely on the move between the U.S. and Mexico.

Show Notes

Exploring the Sky Islands: Conservation Challenges and Successes Amidst Increased Border Militarization

On this episode of Rewilding Earth, Emily delves into the conservation efforts and challenges facing the Sky Islands, a unique region spanning northern Sonora, southeastern Arizona, and parts of New Mexico. Discussing the impact of increased border militarization and infrastructure on local wildlife, Emily highlights the critical work being done with trail cameras to monitor diverse species like jaguars and porcupines.

The conversation covers the historical and current political decisions affecting environmental policies, the importance of volunteer involvement in conservation activities, and the innovative approaches to ensure connectivity and preservation of local habitats. Emily also emphasizes the need for a diverse and bilingual conservation workforce, stressing the international significance of the Sky Islands and encouraging listeners to engage in local and regional conservation efforts.

Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:22 The Sky Islands Region

01:36 Impact of Border Policies

03:33 Trail Cameras and Wildlife Monitoring

10:39 Jaguar and Other Wildlife Discoveries

13:11 Conservation Efforts and Volunteer Opportunities

19:48 Data Management and Collaboration

25:16 Future Goals and Reflections

28:32 Conclusion

Extra Credit

Volunteer! For an experience like no other, check out volunteer opportunities in one of the most beautiful and biologically diverse regions in the world.
Learn more about Sky Island Alliance work here.

Download transcript (PDF)

Jack Humphrey

Director of Digital Outreach (D.O.D.O.) for The Rewilding Institute

Host and Producer of the Rewilding Earth Podcast

Jack started Rewilding work as Executive Director of Sky Island Alliance in the mid-1990’s, organizing the Sky Island Wildlands Network design, ripping up illegal roads on forest service lands, installing wolf acclimatization pens on Ted Turner’s Ladder Ranch & conducting howling surveys to help make way for the final stage of the Lobo reintroduction program in the Southwest.

Through the years, Jack has worked with Dave Foreman and the Rewilding Gang to further Rewilding initiatives and education.

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